Saudi Arabia Unveils 1st Floating Storage Unit for Marine Fuel at Jeddah Islamic Port

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The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), in partnership with Minerva Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated the Kingdom’s first floating storage unit (FSU) for marine fuel at Jeddah Islamic Port. With a capacity of 113,000 cubic meters, this milestone marks a major step forward in advancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector and boosting its operational and logistical capabilities.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and the Transport General Authority (TGA), the project supports the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.

Floating Storage Unit

Positioned on the Red Sea, the FSU will significantly enhance the marine fuel supply chain. It is designed to increase bulk fuel delivery efficiency, optimize blending operations, and expedite bunker barge loading for vessels in transit. The unit also strengthens the bonded customs zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, enabling quicker clearance processes and providing more flexibility for importers, exporters, and service providers.

Moreover, the facility can store three key types of marine fuel—very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO), and marine gas oil (MGO)—and will directly support Minerva’s fleet of bunker tankers, ensuring efficient fuel supply to vessels and other licensed providers.

As a bonded customs zone, the FSU introduces an innovative model that maintains full customs oversight while streamlining operations. Additionally, Minerva Saudi Arabia offers a cutting-edge digital platform powered by ADP technology (@adpclear.io), delivering world-class operational efficiency, guaranteed fuel quantities, and full transparency on fuel quality.