King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu represents Saudi Arabia’s largest crude oil and petrochemical export facility on the Red Sea coast, providing comprehensive bunkering service solutions to commercial vessels, tankers, and offshore support units operating in the region’s strategic shipping lanes. Located approximately 12 nautical miles southeast of Yanbu city in Al-Madinah Province, King Fahd Industrial Port offers bunker fuel delivery through established regional supply networks that connect to Saudi Arabia’s extensive refining and storage infrastructure. As a critical bunker supplier hub in the Red Sea region, King Fahd Industrial Port facilitates marine fuel procurement for vessels navigating between the Far East, Europe, and North America while serving the operational needs of Saudi Arabia’s expanding industrial sector.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at King Fahd Industrial Port, connecting vessel operators with compliant fuel products through our knowledge of Saudi Arabian supply networks, regional logistics, and port coordination. Whether you’re managing tanker operations, commercial cargo vessels, or offshore support services, our team coordinates fuel procurement that aligns with your operational schedule and maintains quality standards across your Red Sea operations.
Port Overview and Bunkering Capabilities
King Fahd Industrial Port operates as Saudi Arabia’s premier industrial maritime facility, combining massive crude oil export capacity with specialized petrochemical handling and general cargo services. Established in 1980, the port spans 6.8 square kilometers with 34 berths across 10 specialized terminals, delivering an annual handling capacity of 210 million tons.
Bunkering operations at King Fahd Industrial Port leverage Saudi Arabia’s position as a global energy leader, with delivery methods supported by extensive shore-based storage infrastructure and established marine fuel supply networks. The port’s existing fuel station operates with eight tanks and 114,000 cubic meters of storage capacity, while a new integrated marine bunkering hub is under development with a total investment of SAR 500 million.
Primary Bunkering Methods
- Barge-to-ship delivery: Coordinated through regional bunkering operators serving Yanbu waters
- Shore-based fuel supply: Connected to extensive storage and blending facilities
- Pre-arranged fuel supply: Scheduled deliveries aligned with vessel arrival and operational requirements
- High-volume capability: Infrastructure designed to support up to 150,000 metric tons monthly supply capacity
The port’s natural harbor, protected by coral reefs, provides sheltered waters year-round, minimizing weather-related operational disruptions and enabling consistent fuel delivery schedules. Modern infrastructure supports efficient vessel turnaround, allowing bunkering concurrent with cargo operations, crew changes, and maintenance activities.
Vessel Types and Technical Specifications
King Fahd Industrial Port serves the full spectrum of commercial maritime traffic, from the world’s largest crude oil tankers to specialized chemical carriers and general cargo vessels:
Accommodated Vessel Categories
- Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs): Up to 500,000 DWT at dedicated crude oil terminal
- Product tankers: Chemical carriers and refined petroleum product vessels
- Bulk carriers: Up to 60,000 DWT at bulk cargo terminal
- Container vessels: General cargo and containerized freight operations
- Offshore support vessels: Platform supply and crew transfer boats
- Government vessels: Naval and coast guard craft
- General cargo vessels: Multi-purpose and project cargo carriers
Technical Port Specifications
- Maximum draft (crude terminal): Accommodates vessels up to 500,000 DWT
- Maximum draft (bulk terminal): 60,000 DWT vessel capacity
- Total berth capacity: 34 berths across specialized terminals
- Annual handling capacity: 210 million tons
- Total port length: 25 kilometers
- Container storage: 168,000 square meters
- Anchorage capacity: 27 vessels simultaneously
- Port control: Centralized marine services coordination center
Bunkering Logistics Framework
- Minimum fuel delivery: Varies by supplier and vessel requirements, scalable for large tanker operations
- Delivery capacity: Up to 150,000 metric tons monthly through established facilities
- Advance scheduling: 24-48 hours notice recommended for optimal coordination
- Concurrent operations: Fuel delivery coordinated with cargo operations and other vessel services
- Storage infrastructure: 114,000 cubic meters current capacity with expansion underway
The port’s specialized infrastructure enables efficient logistics coordination for vessels requiring high-volume fuel supply integrated with crude oil loading, petrochemical cargo operations, or general cargo handling. The facility’s design accommodates both scheduled fuel deliveries and expedited arrangements for vessels with tight operational windows.
Marine Fuel Grades and Supply Infrastructure
King Fahd Industrial Port’s fuel supply leverages Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s leading crude oil exporter and major refining center, providing access to compliant marine fuel products across all common specifications:
Available Marine Fuel Products
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO): ISO 8217 DMA/DMB grades for main engines and auxiliaries
- Marine Diesel Oil (MDO): ISO 8217 DMZ/DMX grades for medium-speed applications
- Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO): 0.50% sulphur maximum, globally compliant
- High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO): Available for vessels operating outside ECA zones
- Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO): 0.10% sulphur maximum for ECA preparation
- Marine lubricating oils: Cylinder oils and system lubricants across major brands
- Marine greases: Specialized lubricants for deck machinery and equipment
Supply Network Characteristics
- Regional connectivity: Direct access to Saudi Arabia’s extensive refining infrastructure
- Shore tank facilities: 114,000 cubic meters current storage with major expansion planned
- Blending capabilities: Advanced storage and blending facilities for fuel specification management
- New bunkering hub: 110,700 square meter integrated facility under development
- Delivery coordination: Established through licensed bunkering operators serving Yanbu
- High-volume capability: Infrastructure designed for large-scale tanker and commercial vessel operations
Quality and Measurement Standards
All marine fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified sulphur content, density, viscosity, and flash point parameters. The port’s established fuel supply infrastructure maintains quality assurance protocols aligned with international maritime fuel standards.
Fuel procurement at King Fahd Industrial Port benefits from Saudi Arabia’s competitive supply environment and direct connection to major refining facilities. Vessels can coordinate fuel delivery that balances operational requirements with cost efficiency, leveraging the kingdom’s strategic position in global energy markets.
Regional Maritime Context and Connectivity
King Fahd Industrial Port’s position on the Red Sea coast provides strategic connectivity to key regional and international shipping routes:
Regional Trade Routes
- Red Sea corridors: Primary north-south shipping lane connecting Suez Canal to Bab el-Mandeb strait
- Arabian Gulf networks: Connections to major Gulf ports including Jeddah, Dammam, and regional terminals
- East-West trade routes: Gateway between Far East, Europe, and North America
- African connections: Access routes to East African ports and regional destinations
- Indian Ocean routes: Long-haul connections to Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asian ports
Strategic Geographic Position
- Approximately 12 nautical miles southeast of Yanbu city
- Direct access to Red Sea shipping lanes serving global trade
- Proximity to Yanbu Industrial City manufacturing complexes
- Connected to Saudi Arabia’s expanding maritime infrastructure network
- Gateway position on major shipping routes between three continents
- Yanbu International Airport located 28 kilometers from port
Emission Control Area Considerations
King Fahd Industrial Port operates outside designated Emission Control Areas, allowing vessels to use 0.50% sulphur fuel oil in compliance with global MARPOL Annex VI requirements. However, the facility serves as a strategic refueling point for vessels preparing for voyages to ECA-regulated waters.
Vessels can optimize fuel procurement by taking on ECA-compliant low-sulphur grades (0.10%) at King Fahd Industrial Port before continuing to European, North American, or other regulated zones. This strategic positioning supports efficient fuel planning across different regulatory jurisdictions while leveraging Saudi Arabia’s competitive fuel pricing and high-volume supply capability.
The port’s role as Saudi Arabia’s largest Red Sea export facility makes it particularly valuable for tankers and commercial vessels requiring high-volume fuel supply outside congested commercial port environments while maintaining access to reliable fuel quality and delivery infrastructure.
Operational Considerations
King Fahd Industrial Port benefits from the Red Sea’s generally favorable maritime conditions, with the facility’s natural harbor protected by coral reefs providing additional shelter from offshore weather patterns. The location experiences minimal swell impact throughout most of the year, enabling consistent operational capability.
Year-Round Operational Capability
King Fahd Industrial Port maintains continuous operations throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The facility’s protected natural harbor and modern infrastructure support reliable bunkering services across all seasons.
Recent port authority upgrades have increased anchorage capacity from five to 27 vessels simultaneously, dramatically improving logistical efficiency and reducing waiting times for fuel delivery coordination.
Visibility Considerations
The Red Sea coastal location occasionally experiences reduced visibility during:
- Morning haze: Most common during transitional seasons, typically clearing by mid-morning
- Dust events: Associated with strong winds or regional weather systems
- Operational systems: Modern navigation aids and port control center maintain safe operations
Heat Management Considerations
Summer operations require attention to:
- Fuel viscosity management: Elevated ambient temperatures affecting fuel handling
- Deck safety: Heat precautions for crew during bunkering operations
- Equipment cooling: Adequate ventilation and cooling for bunkering equipment
- Timing optimization: Early morning or evening operations may offer improved conditions
The port’s established infrastructure and experienced operational teams help mitigate heat impact during peak summer months, supporting safe and efficient operations year-round.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at King Fahd Industrial Port through established Saudi Arabian supplier networks, ensuring vessels receive compliant marine fuels with competitive pricing and delivery coordination that supports your operational requirements. Our trading expertise helps optimize fuel procurement across the Red Sea region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at King Fahd Industrial Port, contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at King Fahd Industrial Port
What types of marine fuel are available at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port provides access to all major marine fuel grades including Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at 0.50% sulphur, High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) at 0.10% sulphur for vessels preparing for ECA-regulated waters. All fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified quality parameters. Marine lubricating oils and specialized greases are also available through regional suppliers.
How much advance notice is required for fuel delivery at King Fahd Industrial Port?
It’s recommended to provide 24-48 hours advance notice for optimal coordination of bunker deliveries at King Fahd Industrial Port. This scheduling window allows suppliers to arrange barge-to-ship delivery methods and coordinate with your vessel’s arrival time and other port services. The port’s high-volume infrastructure can accommodate expedited arrangements for vessels with urgent requirements or tight operational windows.
What is the fuel supply capacity at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port maintains established fuel supply infrastructure with current storage capacity of 114,000 cubic meters and operational capability to supply up to 150,000 metric tons monthly. A new integrated marine bunkering hub covering 110,700 square meters is under development, which will significantly expand the port’s fuel supply capacity and attract additional vessels to the facility.
Is King Fahd Industrial Port located within an Emission Control Area?
No, King Fahd Industrial Port operates outside designated Emission Control Areas, allowing vessels to use 0.50% sulphur fuel oil in compliance with global MARPOL Annex VI requirements. However, the facility serves as an excellent refueling point for vessels preparing for voyages to ECA-regulated waters in Europe, North America, or other regulated zones, where they can take on compliant 0.10% sulphur grades before departure.
What vessel types can be accommodated at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port accommodates the full range of commercial maritime traffic including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) up to 500,000 DWT at the crude oil terminal, product tankers, chemical carriers, bulk carriers up to 60,000 DWT, container vessels, offshore support vessels, government patrol craft, and general cargo vessels. The facility features 34 berths across 10 specialized terminals with an annual handling capacity of 210 million tons.
Can bunkering operations be conducted year-round at King Fahd Industrial Port?
Yes, King Fahd Industrial Port maintains consistent operational capability throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The facility’s natural harbor protected by coral reefs provides sheltered waters that minimize weather-related disruptions. While summer months bring elevated temperatures requiring heat management considerations, the port’s established infrastructure and experienced operational teams support safe year-round bunkering operations.
What makes King Fahd Industrial Port strategically important for bunkering?
King Fahd Industrial Port’s strategic position on the Red Sea coast places it on major shipping routes connecting the Far East, Europe, and North America. As Saudi Arabia’s largest crude oil and petrochemical export facility on the Red Sea, the port offers direct access to the kingdom’s extensive refining infrastructure, competitive fuel pricing, and high-volume supply capability. Recent infrastructure upgrades have increased anchorage capacity to 27 vessels simultaneously, dramatically improving logistical efficiency for fuel delivery coordination.