The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed an agreement with the National Petroleum & Petrochemical Tank & Pipelines Company (Petrotank) to establish an integrated bunkering hub at King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu.

The advanced ship refuelling centre at the port, a growing cruise destination home to historic and cultural landmarks, will support the development of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and cruise infrastructure.

The $133 million facility will be developed over a 110,700sqm site under a 20-year investment plan. It will provide fuel storage and bunkering services to accommodate increased ship traffic, aligning with the Kingdom’s wider strategy to enhance port competitiveness and attract more vessels, including cruise ships, to its Red Sea coastline.

The initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to invest more than US$266.7 billion by 2030 to position Saudi Arabia as a major global logistics hub. 

Expanding marine fuel and oil infrastructure is considered vital to delivering reliable logistical services and enabling the country to handle growing regional and international maritime flows.

Petrotank already operates a fuel station at the port and plays a key role in supporting ship operations at Yanbu, which is a major industrial hub on the Red Sea coast. 

The port spans 6.8sqkm, with 34 berths and 10 terminals capable of handling up to 210 million tonnes of cargo annually, including petroleum and refined products.

Yanbu offers a variety of sites and experiences for cruise passengers, including Yanbu Al-Bahr, a centuries-old port and pilgrimage site, Yanbu Al-Nakhl with its 2,000-year-old archaeological remains, the Old Town’s traditional architecture and souks, and the former residence of T.E. Lawrence, making it a distinctive stop for visitors seeking heritage experiences.

Saudi Arabia is pursuing broad reforms to its logistics sector, offering incentive schemes and regulatory changes under Vision 2030 to drive economic diversification. This includes the introduction of 15 new incentives under the Authorised Economic Operator programme to boost the competitiveness of its exports.

By bolstering maritime infrastructure at key Red Sea ports, the Kingdom is positioning itself to capture a larger share of international shipping and cruise traffic, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa.