Aljabal Exports 10 Containers of Bitumen 60/70 to Haiphong, Vietnam in January 2025 – Full Shipment Report

1. Introduction

Bitumen might seem like just another construction material, but when you’re trying to build the backbone of a developing nation’s infrastructure, it becomes a critical asset. In January 2025, Aljabal Holding took a significant step forward in strengthening international trade ties by exporting 10 containers (20 ft each) of Bitumen 60/70 to Haiphong, Vietnam.

Vietnam has been on a fast track to urbanization, and quality road construction materials are vital for meeting infrastructure deadlines. The bitumen shipped by Aljabal Holding is a part of that puzzle, providing durability, flexibility, and performance for everything from highways to industrial access roads.

This article unpacks the story behind the shipment—what it is, why it matters, and how it contributes to Vietnam’s development goals. We’re not just talking about numbers here—we’re diving into the business, logistics, and impact of an international export that helps keep cities connected and economies thriving.


2. Aljabal Holding: A Leader in Bitumen Exports

If you’ve been in the bitumen industry long enough, you’ve probably heard of Aljabal Holding. Based in the Middle East, this company has made a name for itself in the export of petroleum-based construction materials, especially Bitumen 60/70. Their reputation is built on years of delivering high-quality materials to over 20 countries, including fast-growing markets like Vietnam.

Aljabal’s expertise isn’t just about moving products—it’s about building long-term relationships with buyers, maintaining tight quality control, and offering seamless logistics. In 2024, they expanded aggressively into Southeast Asia, seeing the immense potential in countries undergoing infrastructure booms.

The January 2025 export is part of a larger strategy. Aljabal Holding is focused on scaling its operations, and with each successful shipment, their credibility as a trusted supplier in Vietnam strengthens. From their skilled logistics team to world-class customer support, the company ensures that every drum of bitumen meets international standards.

Their mission is clear: to be the preferred supplier for bitumen in Asia. And this latest shipment proves they’re well on their way.


3. What is Bitumen 60/70?

Let’s break it down for those not deeply familiar with construction materials. Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade bitumen known for its medium hardness, making it ideal for countries with warm climates like Vietnam. The numbers refer to the bitumen’s penetration value, tested in tenths of a millimeter. A 60/70 rating means it has just the right balance between hardness and flexibility.

This grade is extensively used in:

  • Road paving and asphalt concrete
  • Runways at airports
  • Bridges and overpasses
  • Damp-proofing and roofing applications

The January 2025 shipment involved high-quality, refinery-produced Bitumen 60/70 packed in steel drums for safe transport. It complies with international standards such as ASTM D946 and has undergone rigorous lab testing before shipment.

Why does this matter for Vietnam? Because the nation’s hot and humid climate demands a bitumen that won’t melt in the heat or crack under stress. Bitumen 60/70 fits that requirement perfectly, offering long-lasting performance for both urban and rural infrastructure projects.


4. Vietnam’s Growing Demand for Bitumen

If there’s one thing clear about Vietnam’s growth trajectory, it’s that the country is laying down roads—literally and figuratively. As Vietnam continues its economic rise, driven by industrial expansion and urban development, the demand for bitumen has surged.

Here’s why:

  • Massive infrastructure investments: Vietnam’s government has rolled out major road and expressway construction projects.
  • Urban expansion: Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are expanding rapidly, needing modern roads and drainage systems.
  • Foreign investments: FDI into industrial parks and real estate is driving private construction.
  • Port and logistics hubs: Improved transportation infrastructure is key to boosting exports.

For all of these developments, Bitumen 60/70 is the preferred choice due to its performance in tropical conditions. With over 2,000 km of roads scheduled for construction in 2025, Vietnam is turning into one of Asia’s top bitumen importers.

Aljabal Holding’s January shipment of 10 containers is just a small slice of this larger story—a story where Vietnam is building its future, one kilometer at a time.


5. January 2025 Shipment Breakdown

Let’s get into the specifics of what this shipment actually looked like. In January 2025, Aljabal Holding dispatched 10 containers (20 ft each) filled with Bitumen 60/70 from its terminal in the UAE to Haiphong Port in northern Vietnam.

10×20 ft – Bitumen 60/70 – hai phong Vietnam – Aljabal Dubai
10×20 ft – Bitumen 60/70 – hai phong Vietnam – Aljabal Dubai

Here’s a breakdown of the shipment:

  • Quantity: Approximately 200 metric tons of Bitumen 60/70
  • Packaging: Packed in new 200-liter steel drums, each container holding about 80–85 drums
  • Loading method: Palletized, shrink-wrapped for extra stability, and loaded using forklift-guided systems
  • Labeling: Each drum clearly labeled with product grade, weight, batch number, and safety information
  • Temperature control: Drums kept under temperature-monitored storage before dispatch to preserve quality

Each drum was filled using a closed-system filling mechanism to ensure no spillage and reduced fumes during handling. After packing, a final quality inspection was conducted to check for leaks, seal integrity, and labeling accuracy.

From start to finish, the shipment was tracked via real-time GPS systems, providing transparency and peace of mind to the Vietnamese buyer. Every step of the way, from loading to customs clearance, was optimized for efficiency, safety, and quality assurance.


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6. Shipping Route and Transportation Details

When you’re shipping something as heavy, sensitive, and valuable as bitumen, the route and transport logistics need to be flawless. For the January 2025 shipment, Aljabal Holding opted for a direct sea route from the Port of Jebel Ali in the UAE to the Port of Haiphong in Vietnam, one of the most critical gateways for Northern Vietnam’s industrial activity.

Shipping Route Overview

  • Departure Port: Jebel Ali Port, UAE
  • Destination Port: Haiphong Port, Vietnam
  • Transit Time: Approximately 16–20 days
  • Shipping Method: Ocean freight via container vessel
  • Vessel Type: Bulk container ship with temperature-controlled cargo hold capabilities

The decision to use this specific route was based on both efficiency and safety. January, typically a calm month in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, allowed for smooth sailing conditions. The containers were placed mid-ship to maintain stability and were monitored using RFID and GPS to track their exact position throughout the journey.

Logistics Partners

  • Freight Forwarder: Specialized in chemical and petroleum logistics
  • Port Agents: Coordinated both departure and unloading schedules
  • Customs Handlers: Ensured that all documentation was pre-verified to avoid delays
  • Last-Mile Logistics Team: Arranged inland delivery from Haiphong Port to the final destination

Every detail of the logistics was tailored for petroleum-grade bitumen handling, ensuring a safe, timely, and seamless delivery process. This wasn’t just about moving goods—it was a coordinated dance between international teams that ensured every container reached its destination in perfect condition.


7. Packaging, Quality Control & Safety Measures

Bitumen is no ordinary cargo—it’s a hazardous, temperature-sensitive material. So, how do you ship it safely across oceans without compromising its quality or posing environmental risks? With tight quality control and meticulous packaging, of course.

Packaging Process

Each of the 200-liter drums used in this shipment was:

  • New and sealed, made from industrial-grade steel
  • Equipped with anti-rust coating on the inside
  • Palletized and secured with thermal shrink-wrap
  • Fitted with spill-proof lids and industrial-grade closures

Quality Control Measures

Before shipping, Aljabal Holding ran a thorough quality check which included:

  • Penetration and softening point tests to confirm compliance with ASTM D946
  • Leak-proof testing for all drums
  • Weight consistency checks to ensure uniform distribution
  • Final batch inspection by a third-party auditor

Safety Protocols

  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shared with all logistics partners
  • Fire retardant labeling and clear hazard signs on each drum
  • Use of ventilated containers to manage any potential fumes
  • Staff trained in emergency response protocols in case of accidental spillage

Aljabal doesn’t just ship bitumen—they ship peace of mind. By taking no shortcuts in packaging and safety, they ensure that both the product and the people handling it remain safe throughout the journey.


8. Customs and Import Clearance in Vietnam

One of the most critical steps in international trade—especially when dealing with petroleum products—is customs clearance. In this shipment, Aljabal Holding collaborated closely with Vietnamese customs officials to ensure a smooth and swift clearance process upon arrival at Haiphong Port.

Required Documents for Clearance

  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Packing List
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Quality Certification & Test Reports
  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
  • Import License (for petroleum derivatives)

Pre-Clearance Strategy

To save time, Aljabal used a pre-clearance system in coordination with local customs brokers. Documents were submitted electronically before the ship’s arrival, allowing customs officials to pre-verify the paperwork.

Inspection Process

  • Quick visual inspection of drum labels and container seals
  • No need for physical testing due to third-party lab certifications
  • Fast-track green lane clearance for compliant shipments

Thanks to these efforts, the entire customs process was completed within 48 hours, a remarkable turnaround for such a sensitive cargo. This kind of efficiency only comes when a company understands the regulatory landscape—and respects it.


9. Challenges and How They Were Handled

No matter how well you plan, the world of international logistics always throws a few curveballs. The January 2025 bitumen shipment wasn’t exempt from this reality. However, Aljabal Holding handled every hiccup with professionalism and speed.

1. Minor Port Congestion in Jebel Ali

  • Issue: Vessel delay due to port traffic congestion
  • Solution: Rerouted the container loading to a less congested terminal within Jebel Ali, avoiding delays beyond 12 hours

2. Fluctuating Freight Rates

  • Issue: A surge in early-year container rates impacted overall costs
  • Solution: Aljabal used pre-negotiated contracts with shipping lines, locking in favorable rates weeks in advance

3. Weather Uncertainty Over South China Sea

  • Issue: Light storms predicted during voyage
  • Solution: Vessel route slightly adjusted to avoid storm belts, with real-time updates sent to logistics teams

4. Documentation Delays from Third-Party Lab

  • Issue: Slight delay in receiving the Quality Assurance Certificate
  • Solution: Aljabal issued a provisional test report while awaiting the official one, which was accepted by Vietnamese customs

By anticipating potential risks and maintaining real-time communication across teams, Aljabal turned challenges into case studies in crisis management and logistics excellence.


10. Economic and Industrial Significance

This wasn’t just a 10-container shipment—it was a key part of Vietnam’s broader economic strategy. Every drum of bitumen supports road expansion, industrial zone development, and infrastructure that facilitates domestic and international trade.

Economic Impact of the Shipment

  • Value of shipment: Estimated at USD 200,000–250,000
  • Employment opportunities created: From port handling to construction labor
  • Contribution to infrastructure: Enough to pave approximately 10 km of road

The import also contributes to price stability in Vietnam’s domestic market, helping construction firms source material more predictably. It also helps in reducing import dependency on less reliable sources, ensuring quality control across the board.

In the long run, such shipments play a pivotal role in boosting Vietnam’s trade ecosystem, improving road connectivity, and attracting even more foreign investments into logistics and real estate sectors.

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