The company is expanding Saudi manufacturing with loading arm facility, hydrogen tech and local talent development, aligning with Vision 2030 through sustainable energy solutions and knowledge transfer, Alexander de Jonge and Jacko de Vries tell OGN

J de Jonge, a 70-year-old family-owned multifaceted company, is always investing for the long-term; and nowhere is that commitment more evident than in Saudi Arabia.

The company first started providing services to the Kingdom about 30 years ago, when it began servicing and supplying equipment for loading and unloading activities.

It specialises in mechanical and piping systems, loading technologies, storage tank services and specialised industrial equipment.

In an exclusive interview, OGN energy magazine spoke to Alexander de Jonge, CEO, J de Jonge Group, and Jacko de Vries, Division Director, J de Jonge Group to discuss the company’s current developments and future growth plans.

Below are excerpts from the interview.

What is J de Jonge’s scope of operations?

Alexander de Jonge

de Jonge: The group consists of EPC contracting, manufacturing and service companies, and it is divided into four divisions:

• Storage tanks and foundation: This division specialises in above-ground storage tank engineering, construction and maintenance services.

• Mechanical and Piping Division: This division handles everything from offshore and construction to maintenance and turnarounds.

• Loading Technology and Jetties: The scope of this division includes enhancing loading arm operations and boosting continuity through comprehensive maintenance, overhaul and revision solutions.

• Specialties: This division provides services for all types of industrial equipment, from rotating equipment to pump systems and heat exchangers.

Please tell us about your game-changing Jubal facility?

de Jonge: For decades, we have been a trusted service provider for critical operations involving loading arms and related equipment. However, seven years ago, we identified a crucial gap in the regional market: The absence of local manufacturers capable of producing high-quality loading systems.

Recognising this unmet demand, we made a strategic decision to establish our manufacturing footprint in the Kingdom.

The journey began with the construction of our state-of-the-art facility four years ago, culminating in its successful launch last year.

Since commencing operations, the facility has driven substantial business growth, reinforcing our commitment to delivering locally made, world-class loading solutions.

How does this facility fit into the company's growth strategy in the region?

Jacko de Vries

de Vries: Our journey began seven decades ago in the Netherlands, where we first established ourselves as a trusted industry leader. Initially growing within the Dutch market, we steadily expanded across Europe before bringing our expertise to the Middle East and beyond, solidifying our presence as a global player with deep regional roots.

Today, we recognise the tremendous strategic importance of the Middle East market in our future growth.

Staying true to our family business values, we prioritise long-term partnerships and sustainable development. By investing in in-country production, we aim to foster industrial self-reliance while delivering world-class solutions tailored to regional needs.

What differentiates J de Jonge from its competitors?

de Jonge: As the first and only manufacturer of loading arms in the region, we have set a new standard for local industrial capability.

With no other facilities currently operating in this specialised field, our groundbreaking production site not only fills a critical market gap but also ensures full alignment with Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) programme.

Our status as an approved Aramco vendor further validates our commitment to quality, compliance, short delivery time and the Kingdom’s long-term economic goals.

What opportunities and challenges do you see for your company in the Saudi market and wider region?

de Vries: One of the most significant opportunities in the Saudi market lies in its vast installed base of equipment, much of which has been in operation for over 40 years. This aging technology is now obsolete and will require large-scale replacement in the near future.

Marine loading arm assembly

As a trusted partner, we are positioned to support the Kingdom’s industrial evolution by supplying cutting-edge, locally-manufactured alternatives, while ensuring reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Our strategic focus is on developing advanced local loading technology to phase out outdated systems. This initiative not only drives industrial modernisation but also fuels job creation, as we actively expand our workforce with skilled Saudi talent, including welders, fitters, and mechanics.

Beyond meeting domestic demand, we aim to leverage our Saudi-made equipment to serve the broader Middle East market, solidifying the Kingdom’s role as a regional manufacturing and export hub.

Yet, the critical challenge remains securing the right local expertise to fill these specialised roles.

How does J de Jonge’s products and services further Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals?

de Vries: In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sustainability vision, we are pioneering hydrogen loading facilities, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of clean energy infrastructure. Simultaneously, we’ve revolutionised our marine loading systems through complete electrification, eliminating the need for hydraulic oil in operations. This eliminates the risk of oil contamination from jetties.

What are some of the major orders your company has received in the region?

de Vries: We have received an order for hydrogen loading arms to be installed in NEOM, which are scheduled to be installed this year. This fits within our vision for sustainable energy in the long-term, supporting both the country and the region.

Additionally, we will be retrofitting some reloading arms at Aramco. This too is a significant order as we will be supplying spare parts for other brands.

What are your long-term plans for expanding your business in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region?

de Jonge: Our core mission remains to be the premier supplier of loading arm solutions for both offshore and onshore applications across the region. Building on this foundation, we are strategically relocating key European operations and expertise to establish this region as our new hub of excellence. Some key growth initiatives include becoming experts in heat exchangers for maintenance, whether retubing or building new units.

Additionally, we plan to supply locally manufactured positive displacement pumps. We also want to support tank maintenance contractors by offering our services to inspect tanks and improve overall efficiency.

In Europe, we have learned to operate efficiently due to high costs, and we want to bring that knowledge to this region.

Finally, we are expanding our team by hiring more local engineers.

How has business been for your company over the past year?

de Jonge: Our biggest achievement has been setting up our manufacturing facility in the Kingdom. We have already produced three large-sized loading arms at this plant, which is a huge accomplishment in just one year.

We also plan to expand into the UAE to support that country and the neighbouring countries.

Additionally, we are increasing our service team here due to the growing demand for servicing existing equipment and other brands of loading arms. This reflects the growth we are experiencing.

How do you see the Saudi energy market evolving in the coming years?

de Vries: When looking at global developments in the energy sector, especially the transformation from fossil fuel to renewable energy, we see many opportunities in the Saudi market.

Of course, oil and gas will continue to be important for both Saudi Arabia and the world for the coming decades. However, we see that Saudi Arabia is also investing in renewable energy through projects like Neom and its investment in hydrogen.

As a company, we are also investing in renewable energy, particularly in facilitating new loading technologies for hydrogen. From this standpoint, we align well with the country's efforts.

We are investing in R&D to meet Saudi Arabia’s commitment to foster new technology for creating a sustainable energy future.

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