Saudi Arabia launches first floating storage unit for marine fuel

11/09/2025 04:20 AST

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Minerva Saudi Arabia have launched the first floating storage unit (FSU) for marine fuel at Jeddah Islamic Port, with a capacity of 113,000 cubic metres, a significant step toward developing the Saudi maritime sector and enhancing its operational and logistical capabilities.

The project, a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Energy, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and the Transport General Authority (TGA), aims to strengthen the Kingdom's maritime economy, aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

This new FSU is a major advancement for the marine fuel supply chain in the Red Sea. It will improve the efficiency of bulk fuel deliveries, streamline blending operations, and speed up the loading of bunker barges that supply vessels in transit. The unit will also support the new bonded customs zone, enabling faster and smoother clearance procedures for imports and exports while providing greater flexibility for stakeholders.

The FSU is equipped to store three main types of marine fuel: very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO), and marine gas oil (MGO). It will also support Minerva's fleet of bunker tankers, allowing them to provide efficient services and supply fuel to other licensed providers.

The unit's designation as a bonded customs zone is an innovative approach that ensures efficient operations while maintaining full customs oversight of all cargo movements.

Minerva Saudi Arabia offers a state-of-the-art digital platform powered by ADP technology for bunker fuel supply. This platform provides world-class operational efficiency, precise guarantees on fuel quantities, and complete transparency on quality.

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