Omani ports record rise in vessel and cargo traffic
Oman's ports sector delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2025, driven by higher ship arrivals, container throughput, and cargo volumes, alongside vital development projects led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) as part of efforts to upgrade port infrastructure in line with Oman Vision 2040.
According to Muhanna bin Musa al Baqer, Director-General of Ports at the ministry, container handling across Salalah, Suhar and Duqm ports rose sharply, reaching 2,427,195 TEUs in the first half of 2025, compared with 2,173,508 TEUs in the same period of 2024—an increase of 11.7 per cent. He said the growth reflects the efficiency of logistics operations and the ports' ability to meet rising demand.
The number of vessels calling at Omani ports and offshore terminals also climbed, totalling 6,586 ships in the first half of 2025, compared with 5,930 a year earlier, up 11.1 per cent. Key contributors to this growth included Sultan Qaboos Port, Shinas and Salalah.
Cargo volumes handled across the ports reached 70.1 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 5.2 per cent from 66.6 million tonnes in the same period last year. The ports also received 50,248 vehicles and imported 2,694,293 head of livestock, underscoring the wide range of economic activities they support.
On the development front, Al Baqer noted that the ministry has awarded a consultancy contract for the design and supervision of the Khour Grama development project, aimed at boosting the site's readiness and optimising its maritime use. Similarly, consultancy services have been commissioned for the rehabilitation of Shannah and Masirah ports, an eight-month study covering marine infrastructure such as quays, breakwaters and access bridges, along with a master plan for port organisation and development.
In parallel, Shinas Port — operated by Quadrant Marine Solutions — has signed a usufruct agreement to establish a fuel storage and processing centre, with the support of MoTCIT, as part of wider efforts to diversify logistics services.
'These achievements highlight Oman's growing competitiveness in the logistics sector and reinforce its strategic ambition to become a leading regional hub for maritime transport,' Al Baqer stressed. — ONA
Muhanna bin Musa al Baqer, Director-General of Ports
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Razat Farm launches first dedicated agri-tourism project
SALALAH: Razat Farm in Salalah, one of the largest and most established farms in the Sultanate of Oman, has launched a pioneering educational tour programme that opens its gates to visitors to explore its crop and livestock operations and modern production techniques. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and aims to broaden the country's tourism offering while promoting hands-on learning. The two-hour programme includes a 30-minute bus segment accompanied by specialist guides who explain each stop along the route and answer questions as well. The experience begins at a dedicated reception area, where visitors complete entry procedures, receive safety guidance and a route map, before moving through stations covering modern farming, greenhouses, live-stock and research and innovation labs. Along the route, visitors are introduced to organic agriculture and its value chains, with highlights such as organic turmeric, alongside outlets selling fresh farm produce. The programme offers practical activities suitable for families and children, combining enjoyment with learning and positioning the farm as a platform for awareness and knowledge transfer. Bookings are available through a user-friendly website, with prices being affordable and accessible, ensuring a flexible experience for visitors during the tourism season. The site also serves as a key destination for students, researchers and agriculture enthusiasts, particularly those interested in organic farming and its applications. In a televised statement to the Al Nas wal Khareef programme on Oman TV, Mohammad bin Alawi Ibrahim, Director of Razat Farm, said: 'We are pleased to launch an educational tour that showcases our agricultural and livestock systems and modern techniques. The tour lasts two hours and includes a 30-minute bus segment with specialist guides. It starts at the reception area with safety guidance and a map of the route. We present organic farming and the varieties developed at the farm, including organic turmeric, with fresh products available at dedicated outlets. Bookings via the website are simple, prices are within everyone's reach, and we will continue to expand the route with new interactive stations, God willing.' The farm expects growing interest from domestic and international visitors in this style of agri-tourism, which is gaining traction worldwide, and says the route will be upgraded in phases to add new stations and experiences that reinforce Dhofar's position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and applied agricultural learning. Key details Duration: Two hours (including 30 minutes by bus with specialist guides) Start point: Reception area with safety briefing and route map Booking: Via the farm's website (simple, user-friendly interface) Pricing: Affordable and accessible Target groups: Families, students, researchers and those interested in organic farming and its technologies
Muscat Daily
13 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman enforces transparency, fairness in telecom sector
Muscat – Consumers in Oman will now benefit from greater transparency and fairness in telecommunication services following introduction of new retail tariff regulations by Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). The rules aim to curb hidden charges, misleading claims and unfair practices, while safeguarding consumer rights. All licensed operators are required to clearly display package prices on websites, mobile apps and points of sale, ensuring accessibility for all, including people with special needs. Companies are prohibited from making unverified claims such as 'best network' or 'lowest prices', and services cannot be advertised as 'free' unless no hidden fees or conditions exist. Subscribers must give explicit consent for all subscriptions, renewals, upgrades or downgrades, and receive immediate notifications following every transaction. Providers must offer straightforward electronic options for modifying or cancelling services. Fair usage policies, contract terms and all service limitations must be communicated before agreements are signed. The regulations set clear rules for consent: subscribers must be offered both one-time and automatic renewal options, with one-time as the default wherever possible. For online subscriptions using debit or credit cards, verification mechanisms such as one-time passwords (OTP) are mandatory. No service may be activated through a single click without explicit consent, which must be documented via a secure verification method. Confirmation messages must be sent in Arabic or the subscriber's chosen language immediately after subscription. The new rules apply to all offers, including permanent, promotional, individual or tender-based packages, and cap contractual commitments at 24 months with defined termination terms to prevent undue fees. Operators must also provide transparent information on international roaming costs and promotions involving contests or prizes. Notifications of roaming service activation, including applicable tariffs for calls, SMS and data, must be sent via SMS upon arrival or during transit, with the validity period starting only after the message is received. TRA said the regulations form part of a broader strategy to improve service quality, promote digital justice and maintain a competitive telecommunications sector in line with Oman Vision 2040. Licensed operators are expected to comply fully. All violations will be closely monitored, with strict action taken to protect consumer rights.
Muscat Daily
18 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
E-invoicing to be rolled out for 100 largest taxpayers in Oman
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The Tax Authority has announced the launch of Electronic Invoicing, a strategic initiative that forms part of Oman's digital transformation efforts under Oman Vision 2040. Currently in its initial implementation phase, the project is focusing on technical coordination and collaboration. The first stage will involve 100 large taxpayer companies in Oman, with plans to gradually expand to cover broader segments across various sectors in the future. The project aims to facilitate the issuance and exchange of electronic invoices, enhance transparency and tax compliance, simplify taxpayer procedures, and accelerate the country's digital transformation. According to the Tax Authority, electronic invoicing will play an important role in reducing costs by minimising paper use, enabling faster and more accurate invoice processing, and strengthening trust between businesses and customers. Officials stated that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to modernising financial systems in line with international best practices and supporting the goals of sustainable development under Oman Vision 2040.
