Yanbu Commercial Port represents a strategic maritime gateway on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, providing comprehensive bunkering service solutions to commercial vessels, tankers, and offshore support units navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Located approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Jeddah, Yanbu Commercial Port offers bunker fuel delivery through an expanding network of bunker supplier infrastructure that connects to Saudi Arabia’s advanced refining and storage capabilities. As a critical bunkering service point along the Red Sea route, Yanbu Commercial Port facilitates fuel procurement for vessels traveling between the Suez Canal, Arabian Gulf, and Indian Ocean maritime networks.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at Yanbu Commercial 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 container operations, bulk carrier schedules, or tanker voyages, our team coordinates fuel procurement that aligns with your operational requirements and maintains quality standards across your Red Sea operations.
Port Overview and Bunkering Capabilities
Yanbu Commercial Port operates as a major multi-purpose facility serving Saudi Arabia’s western maritime corridor, combining commercial cargo operations, industrial port services, and expanding bunkering infrastructure. The port complex includes King Fahad Industrial Port, which serves as the primary hub for marine fuel operations in the Yanbu region.
Bunkering operations at Yanbu Commercial Port leverage Saudi Arabia’s position as a global refining leader, with delivery methods designed to accommodate diverse vessel sizes and operational requirements. The port’s proximity to major storage and blending facilities enables efficient coordination of bunker deliveries through barge-to-ship and shore-to-ship methods.
Primary Bunkering Methods
- Barge-to-ship transfer: Coordinated through regional bunkering operators serving Yanbu waters
- Shore-to-ship delivery: Available at designated berths with pipeline connections
- Pre-arranged fuel supply: Scheduled deliveries aligned with vessel arrival and departure times
- Floating storage access: Regional floating storage units supporting Red Sea supply network
The port’s sheltered location within the Red Sea provides protected 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
Yanbu Commercial Port serves a diverse range of vessels reflecting the facility’s strategic position within global shipping networks:
Accommodated Vessel Categories
- Container vessels: Feeder ships and regional container carriers
- Bulk carriers: Dry bulk vessels transporting commodities and raw materials
- Tankers: Product tankers, chemical tankers, and crude oil carriers
- General cargo vessels: Multi-purpose ships and project cargo carriers
- Offshore support vessels: Platform supply and crew transfer boats
- Cruise ships: Regional cruise vessels and expedition ships
- Government vessels: Naval ships and patrol craft
- Roll-on/roll-off vessels: Vehicle carriers and ferry services
Technical Port Specifications
- Maximum draft: Up to 16 meters at industrial berths
- Maximum vessel length: Up to 300 meters length overall
- Total berth capacity: Multiple berths across commercial and industrial quays
- Storage infrastructure: Advanced blending and heating facilities
- Vessel handling: Modern mooring infrastructure and cargo handling equipment
Bunkering Logistics Framework
- Minimum fuel delivery: Typically 50-500 metric tons depending on vessel requirements
- Delivery rate: 100-300 metric tons per hour via barge, higher rates via shore connection
- Advance scheduling: 48-72 hours notice recommended for optimal coordination
- Concurrent operations: Fuel delivery coordinated with cargo operations and other vessel services
- Monthly capacity: Scalable infrastructure supporting up to 150,000 metric tons monthly demand
The port’s expanding infrastructure enables efficient logistics coordination, supporting vessel operators who require streamlined bunkering integrated with broader port services. The facility’s capabilities accommodate both scheduled fuel deliveries and expedited arrangements for vessels with tight operational windows.
Marine Fuel Grades and Supply Infrastructure
Yanbu Commercial Port’s fuel supply leverages Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s largest refining centers, providing access to compliant marine fuel products across all major specifications:
Available Marine Fuel Products
- Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) – 0.50% sulphur maximum, globally compliant
- High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) – For vessels equipped with scrubber technology
- 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
- Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) – 0.10% sulphur maximum for specialized requirements
- 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 advanced refining infrastructure
- Shore storage facilities: Large-scale storage terminals with blending capabilities
- Quality verification: Advanced testing and quality assurance protocols
- Delivery coordination: Scheduled through established bunkering operators serving Yanbu
- Scalable capacity: Infrastructure designed to meet growing regional demand
Quality and Measurement Standards
All marine fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified sulphur content, density, viscosity, and flash point parameters. The port’s supply network maintains quality assurance protocols aligned with international maritime fuel standards and Saudi Arabian regulatory requirements.
Fuel procurement at Yanbu Commercial Port benefits from Saudi Arabia’s competitive supply environment and direct access to major refining facilities. Vessels can coordinate fuel delivery that balances operational requirements with cost efficiency, leveraging regional market dynamics and expanding infrastructure investments.
Regional Maritime Context and Connectivity
Yanbu Commercial Port’s position within the Red Sea shipping corridor provides connectivity to key regional and international maritime routes:
Regional Trade Routes
- Red Sea networks: Connections to Jeddah, Port Sudan, and regional Red Sea terminals
- Suez Canal corridor: Gateway access to Mediterranean and European destinations
- Arabian Gulf routes: Connections through Bab el-Mandeb strait to Gulf ports
- East African connections: Trade routes to Djibouti, Eritrea, and East African ports
- Indian Ocean routes: Long-haul connections to Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia
- European trade lanes: Direct routing through Suez Canal to European markets
Strategic Geographic Position
- Approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Jeddah
- Direct access to Red Sea shipping lanes serving Suez Canal traffic
- Proximity to Saudi Arabia’s western industrial corridor
- Gateway position between Red Sea and Arabian Gulf maritime networks
- Strategic location on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes
Emission Control Area Considerations
Yanbu Commercial 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 at Yanbu Commercial 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 expanding bunkering infrastructure.
The port’s role within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 maritime expansion makes it particularly valuable for commercial vessels requiring reliable fuel supply along the Red Sea corridor while maintaining access to quality fuel products and modern delivery infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development and Expansion
Yanbu Commercial Port is experiencing significant infrastructure development as part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiative to establish the region as a major global marine fuel hub:
Current Infrastructure
- Advanced storage terminals with blending capabilities
- Multiple tank facilities supporting diverse fuel grades
- Modern heating and circulation systems for fuel quality management
- Dedicated bunkering berths with pipeline connections
- Floating storage access through regional network
Planned Expansion Projects
- Integrated bunkering center development with multi-million metric ton capacity
- Expanded storage infrastructure to support growing regional demand
- Enhanced blending facilities for specialized fuel products
- Additional berth capacity for increased vessel traffic
- Advanced quality control and testing laboratories
Strategic Development Goals
- Position Yanbu as a primary Red Sea bunkering hub
- Support Saudi Arabia’s target of 10 million tons annual ship fuel supply
- Enhance regional maritime logistics capabilities
- Attract international shipping lines and vessel operators
- Integrate with broader Saudi Arabian maritime sector expansion
The ongoing infrastructure investments reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to establishing Yanbu Commercial Port as a world-class bunkering destination, providing vessel operators with reliable, high-capacity fuel supply solutions along critical Red Sea shipping routes.
Operational Considerations
Yanbu Commercial Port benefits from the Red Sea’s generally favorable maritime conditions, with the facility’s protected harbor location providing shelter from offshore weather patterns. The port experiences minimal swell impact throughout most of the year, enabling consistent operational capability.
Year-Round Operational Capability
Yanbu Commercial Port maintains consistent bunkering operations throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The Red Sea’s stable weather patterns support reliable fuel delivery schedules across all seasons.
Weather and Visibility Considerations
The port’s location experiences:
- Stable weather patterns: Minimal seasonal variation affecting operations
- Clear visibility: Generally excellent conditions for safe vessel maneuvering
- Occasional wind events: Associated with regional weather systems, typically manageable
- Modern navigation aids: Advanced harbor management systems supporting 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 for bunkering equipment
- Timing optimization: Coordination with port services for efficient operations
The port’s modern infrastructure includes climate-controlled facilities and advanced fuel handling systems that help maintain optimal fuel quality during peak summer months, supporting safe and efficient operations year-round.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at Yanbu Commercial Port through established regional 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 Saudi Arabian region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at Yanbu Commercial Port, contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at Yanbu Commercial Port
What types of marine fuel are available at Yanbu Commercial Port?
Yanbu Commercial Port provides access to all major marine fuel grades including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at 0.50% sulphur, High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) for scrubber-equipped vessels, Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO). 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 Yanbu Commercial Port?
It’s recommended to provide 48-72 hours advance notice for optimal coordination of bunker deliveries at Yanbu Commercial Port. This scheduling window allows suppliers to arrange barge-to-ship or shore-to-ship delivery methods and coordinate with your vessel’s arrival time and other port services. The port’s expanding infrastructure supports both scheduled deliveries and expedited arrangements for vessels with urgent requirements.
What is the minimum fuel delivery quantity at Yanbu Commercial Port?
Minimum fuel delivery typically ranges from 50-500 metric tons depending on vessel requirements and delivery method. Delivery rates vary by method, with barge-to-ship transfers averaging 100-300 metric tons per hour and shore-to-ship operations offering higher rates for larger fuel quantities. The port’s infrastructure can support monthly bunkering demand of up to 150,000 metric tons, scalable based on regional requirements.
Is Yanbu Commercial Port located within an Emission Control Area?
No, Yanbu Commercial 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 strategic 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 Yanbu Commercial Port?
Yanbu Commercial Port accommodates a diverse range of vessels including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers (product, chemical, and crude oil), general cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, cruise ships, government naval vessels, and roll-on/roll-off carriers. The facility offers maximum drafts of up to 16 meters at industrial berths and can handle vessels up to 300 meters length overall.
Can bunkering operations be conducted year-round at Yanbu Commercial Port?
Yes, Yanbu Commercial Port maintains consistent operational capability throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The Red Sea’s stable weather patterns and the port’s sheltered location provide protected waters that minimize weather-related disruptions. Modern infrastructure and advanced fuel handling systems support safe and efficient year-round operations.
What bunkering delivery methods are available at Yanbu Commercial Port?
Yanbu Commercial Port offers both barge-to-ship delivery coordinated through regional bunkering operators and shore-to-ship delivery at designated berths with pipeline connections. The port also provides access to floating storage units supporting the Red Sea supply network. Fuel deliveries can be scheduled to align with vessel arrival and departure times, and bunkering operations can be conducted concurrently with cargo operations and other vessel services for efficient turnaround.
What infrastructure developments are planned for Yanbu Commercial Port?
Yanbu Commercial Port is undergoing significant expansion as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 maritime development strategy. Planned developments include an integrated bunkering center with multi-million metric ton storage capacity, enhanced blending facilities, additional berth capacity, and advanced quality control systems. These investments aim to establish Yanbu as a major global marine fuel hub supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of supplying 10 million tons of ship fuel annually.