Vessel & Yacht Agency Services in Saudi Arabia Guide
Streamlining and understanding the processes is essential for shipping agencies handling vessels and yachts. This requires meticulous adherence to maritime regulations across services like husbandry, bunker delivery, hub agency, and ship chandelling. An efficient workflow leverages appropriate tools and pathways to transform cumbersome documentation tasks into seamless operations, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where specific marine regulations must be followed to ensure safe, legal and efficient vessel handling while enhancing productivity and reducing errors.
Essential Services in Vessel and Yacht Agency Handling
Husbandry Services
Crew management (sign on – sign off) including visa arrangements.
Medical assistance, provisioning, and waste disposal.
Associations with port authorities for berthing and clearance.
Fresh water delivery.
Garbage collection.
Bunker Delivery
Fuel supply as per vessel specification.
Compliance with regional fuel regulations and environmental policies.
Quality assurance and fuel testing to prevent contamination.
Hub Agency Services
Centralized coordination for vessels across ports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Streamlined documentation and communication with the port authorities.
Cost optimization via consolidated services.
Ship Chandelling
Supplying essential ship provisions spare parts and safety equipment.
Ensuring quality and timely delivery to minimize downtime.
Customized procurement solutions based on the needs of the vessel.
Saudi Arabia’s Marine Regulations for Yacht and Vessel Agencies
Saudi Arabia has stringent regulations governing vessel and yacht handling to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection. Key regulatory bodies include:
Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established the General Ports Authority (Mawani) in 1976. This is an independent organization that oversees port development according to international standards facilitating maritime trade and passenger transport occupying a strategic position connecting Asia, Africa and Europe, making them vital for global trade. In 1997, a royal decree privatized the sector. This was one of the first privatization initiatives; transferring operations, maintenance and management to private entities. This strategic decision catapulted significant modernization and development investments, with major international companies now handling port operations as per global standards, substantially strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economic and logistical capabilities.
Mawani has implemented several regulations to enhance the efficiency and safety of commercial cargo operations in Saudi ports. Key updates are:
Regulations for Shipping Agents: Announced on 5th August 2022, these regulations set KPIs for shipping agents and outline general rules for obtaining licenses and permits from Mawani. Mawani also regulates contractual relationships between shipping agents and other concerned parties, directing to improve service quality and supporting the national economy. (1)
Health Regulations for Vessels: Mawani partnered with the Saudi Ministry of Health have implemented health regulations at ports. This partnership focuses on preventing health risks associated with vessels, conducting health inspections, issuing health certificates and ensuring preparedness for public health emergencies. (2)
Extended Storage Fee Exemption: Since 9th January 2020, the storage fees on imported and exported general cargo have been increased to 21 days. This initiative aims at strengthening relationships with the private sector and attracting transit ships, thus boosting the national economy. (3)
Prohibition of Open-Loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) Discharges: Mawani prohibits the discharge of wash water from open-loop EGCS (scrubbers) into Saudi ports to protect the marine environment. The vessels must use closed-loop systems. (4)
Mandatory Palletization of Container Goods: Operational from 1st March 2022, the cargo owners are required to use pallets for storing goods imported in containers. This measure enhances port operation productivity, facilitates easier handling with specialized equipment, speeds up customs clearance, and reduces the risk of damaged goods. The exemptions apply to certain bulk materials, heavy machinery, and items that are difficult to palletize. (5)
Standardization of Operational Procedures: In partnership with Lloyd’s Register, Mawani is working to unify operational and maritime procedures at Saudi ports, including developing quality and environmental procedure manuals aligned with international standards (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015), aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability and global competitiveness. (6)
New Shipping Service: In April 2025, Mawani introduced the new IMB1 shipping service, operated by CSTAR LINE, to Jeddah Islamic Port. This service will connect Jeddah with Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, Evyap in Türkiye, Novorossiysk in Russia, and Jebel Ali in the UAE, with a total capacity of 2,100 TEUs. The launch is a part of Mawani’s efforts to launch global maritime connectivity, supporting national trade and aligning with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. By expanding its maritime network, Mawani strengthens Jeddah Islamic Port’s role as a strategic logistics centre on the Red Sea coast. (7)
Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA)
TGA serves as Saudi Arabia’s central regulatory body overseeing land, sea and rail transport operations in the Kingdom. TGA maintains comprehensive oversight through licensing and permitting transport activities, enforcing quality and safety standards across these essential sectors. The following guidelines outline the regulations set by TGA concerning the handling of vessels and yachts:
Vessels have to adhere to strict local environmental and safety standards including compliance with Saudi Arabian maritime pollution control measures and vessel inspection protocols.
Port clearance is granted only upon fulfilling all customs, immigration, and health regulations including crew health checks and cargo inspections.
Vessels must comply with ballast water management regulations to prevent invasive marine species from disrupting the regional ecosystem.
Restrictions on bunker fuel usage, vessels are mandated to use low-sulphur fuels to align with the Saudi environmental policies and international emissions control standards.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
IMO is a United Nations specialized agency establishing global standards for shipping safety, security and environmental protection. The IMO creates, promotes, and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure effective, fair and universal compliance throughout the maritime industry directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The following guidelines outline the regulations set by IMO concerning the handling of vessels and yachts.
Vessel operations must adhere to IMO-mandated Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols for maritime safety.
Full compliance with International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) regulations is mandatory for marine pollution prevention.
All maritime security measures must conform to International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code standards.
Comprehensive security protocols must be maintained.
Managing vessel and yacht operations requires expertise in shipping agency services and adherence to marine regulations. Saudi Arabia, with its dynamic maritime industry, mandates compliance with international and regional laws to ensure smooth sailing. A proficient vessel and yacht agency facilitates efficient handling while guaranteeing legal and environmental compliance, making maritime operations seamless and successful. For further information please contact mustufa@bassamshippingsa.com
