HAMBURG  - Saudi Arabia’s main state wheat buying agency, the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said on Thursday it has issued an international tender to purchase about 540,000 tonnes of animal feed barley.

The tender deadline is Sept. 18, SAGO said, confirming reports from traders.

SAGO Governor Ahmed Al Fares said in a statement the barley is sought in nine individual consignments for arrival in Saudi Arabia in November and December.

Some 420,000 tonnes is for shipment to Red Sea ports and 120,000 tonnes for Gulf ports, he said.

Traders said the consignments were sought for these arrival dates: Any Red Sea port Nov. 15 to Nov. 30: 120,000 tonnes in two vessels Dec. 1 to Dec. 15: 120,000 tonnes in two vessels Dec. 15 to Dec. 31: 180,000 tonnes in three vessels

Any Gulf port Dec. 1 to Dec. 15: 60,000 tonnes in one vessel Dec. 15 to Dec. 31: 60,000 tonnes in one vessel Shipments can be 10% larger or smaller than the volume given. Traders expect the tender results on Monday. The barley can be sourced from optional origins.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan and Maha El Dahan, editing by Jason Neely) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))