Aqualia, a Spanish water management company, has secured a contract with The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) to oversee the operation and maintenance (O&M) of three floating desalination plants located in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
This three-year agreement, which began on September 15, 2025, and extends until September 14, 2028, includes an option for a two-year extension. The financial details of the contract have not been revealed.
The floating desalination plants consist of three reverse osmosis (RO) units mounted on barges, collectively capable of producing around 150,000 cubic meters of potable water per day (m³/day). Each unit has a production capacity of 50,000 m³/day.
As part of this contract, Aqualia will manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three floating units, delivering the necessary technical and operational services to ensure consistent, efficient, and high-quality potable water production.
These facilities serve as a vital water infrastructure asset for Yanbu, enhancing water security and supply resilience in Saudi Arabia. The project also aids the Kingdom in its pursuit of sustainable and dependable water resources amid significant water scarcity challenges.
This contract further consolidates Aqualia’s footprint in the Saudi Arabian water sector, leveraging its expertise in managing complex desalination and water treatment systems within the Kingdom.
Aqualia’s operations in Saudi Arabia include its partnership with Haji Abdullah Alireza Integrated Services Company (HAAISCO), a joint venture that provides comprehensive services in the water sector. Through HAAISCO, Aqualia has gained operational proficiency in various key desalination and water treatment facilities across Saudi Arabia, including those serving King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), KAUST, Rabigh, and Jizan.
The Yanbu contract reinforces Aqualia’s contribution to essential water infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to providing efficient and reliable desalination solutions that align with the Kingdom’s water security and sustainability goals.
Source: Saudi Gulf Projects
