Oman Maritime, Ports, Energy Forum kicks off
Muscat: Oman Maritime, Ports, and Energy Forum kicked off on Tuesday with a wide participation from government and private entities, alongside experts and representatives from international and regional institutions specialising in ports, energy, shipping, and maritime logistics sectors.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The forum aims to highlight Oman's position as an integrated regional hub connecting global port, energy, and maritime service systems. It also focuses on showcasing pioneering experiences in addressing challenges and opportunities arising from global trade shifts and technological advancements.
Reflecting its importance as an international platform for exchanging insights and expertise, the forum sees a wide participation from over 200 participants representing around 70 leading global institutions in the ports and energy sectors. Its program includes seven specialized papers addressing key innovations and challenges in the energy and ports sectors, along with topics on digital transformation and investment in national talents.
Asyad Group, the strategic partner, is taking center stage at the forum showcasing its advanced solutions in ports, maritime transport, clean energy, and smart logistics services, reinforcing Oman's position as a global provider of integrated logistics services. The group will also showcase its strategic partnerships with different international organizations in the sustainability sector, including innovative projects for generating clean energy using wave power in Sohar and Duqm, as well as investments in green hydrogen, supporting the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The forum comes as Asyad Group continues to enhance its global presence as a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions through tangible achievements and strategic investments in 2024. These achievements include increased handling of general and liquid cargo, as well as container volumes, outstanding operational performance in shipping and dry dock services, and a reduction in carbon emissions from its maritime fleet. This reflects the group's firm commitment to transitioning to clean energy and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, in line with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Asyad Group was ranked fourth as the largest sustainable transport and logistics company in the region according to the Middle East and North Africa Sustainability Leaders list by Forbes Middle East. Additionally, Salalah Port was ranked as the second-best global port in container handling efficiency over the past three years. The group also ranked 18th globally in crude oil tanker ownership, 21st in LNG and oil transport, and 51st in container transport, highlighting its efforts and pursuit of excellence by adopting global technologies and practices across its business units.
Commenting on the forum and Asyad Group's participation, Omar Mahmoud Al Mahrazi, CEO of Asyad Ports and Free Zones, emphasized the Group's strategic partnership with the forum embodying its commitment to realizing Oman's vision for developing the maritime and logistics ecosystem. He noted that the forum serves as an important platform for exchanging expertise and discussing key challenges and future opportunities amid rapid global transformations.
Lesley Bankes-Hughes, Managing Director of ship.energy, said: 'This important event highlights Oman's leadership and innovation in the maritime and energy sectors. We hope the conversations that begin this week will continue long after the Forum and will lead to new and fruitful collaborations between Omani and international companies.'
The forum's program includes a series of panel discussions covering the prospects of energy in the Middle East, the development of port infrastructure, changes in the marine fuel market, and topics on innovation, growth, partnerships, and building national workforce capacities. A specialized workshop on marine fuel measurement technologies and the role of digital solutions in improving operational and commercial efficiency in fuel supply chains was held yesterday on the sidelines of the forum.
The forum will conclude with a visit to the fuel supply ship "Margherita Cosulich," equipped with mass flow meters, providing participants with a practical and interactive experience that combines knowledge exchange and exposure to the latest technological innovations in the maritime sector.
This extensive international presence and close cooperation between the organizing entity (ship.energy) and Asyad Group underscore the forum's significance as a platform highlighting Oman's pivotal role in the future of the energy and shipping sectors, opening new horizons for investment and partnership, thereby enhancing its competitiveness on the global economic map.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Oman advances plans for national semiconductor industry
MUSCAT: Marking a key step in its bid to penetrate the global trillion-dollar semiconductor industry, Oman is preparing to commission an international consultant to chart a strategy for developing a comprehensive ecosystem to support the growth of a domestic semiconductor sector. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology – which is spearheading the establishment of this sector as part of the broader digital economy – invited qualified consultants to bid for an advisory services contract linked to this initiative. In addition to formulating a blueprint for the establishment of an integrated ecosystem around semiconductor production, the selected consultant will also be required to assist in the development of a Centre of Excellence for Semiconductors and Electronic Chips in Oman. The consultant's scope of work encompasses, among other requirements, the creation of a master plan and a road map for building an end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem in the country. As part of its remit, the consultancy firm will also study and provide recommendations on the following key areas: Training & Skills Development, Research & Development, Partnership and Network Development, Facility Design and Equipment Planning, and Operational and Financial Sustainability. Additionally, the company will be responsible for overseeing the rollout of the Centre of Excellence, which will be tasked with attracting FDI into the semiconductor production value chain, facilitating the inflow of technological know-how, creating opportunities for semiconductor design and testing, enabling digital innovation in this strategic industry, and supporting localisation and job creation. Already, the building blocks of a nascent semiconductor sector are being put in place in Oman. Earlier this year, the Omani government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AONH Private Holdings, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, to explore the establishment of an advanced AI-based semiconductor chip manufacturing plant in Salalah. The proposed facility is expected to contribute to the development of national expertise in semiconductor design and manufacturing, create new business opportunities for Omani youth, and attract international talent from leading semiconductor nations such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This initiative will support the transfer of global expertise and the localisation of advanced semiconductor technologies in Oman. Sovereign wealth fund Oman Investment Authority is also playing a pivotal role in the development of this vital sector. Its ICT investment arm, ITHCA Group, has acquired a strategic stake in the US-based semiconductor design and services company GSME, which has established an advanced chip design and development lab in Muscat. GSME Oman is supporting the training of a national cadre of young Omanis, who have already successfully designed the first Omani microchips. Also boding well for the growth of a competitive semiconductor industry in Oman is a 100,000-tonnes-per-annum capacity polysilicon project currently under construction at Sohar Freezone, at a cost of $1.6 billion. Promoted by Oman-based United Solar Holding Inc, the project is expected to supply critical raw materials for, among other industries, semiconductor manufacturing in Oman. Over the past two years, a number of major international players have expressed interest in Oman's potential as a hub for semiconductor production. In 2023, the Omani government hosted a high-level delegation from South Korea's SK Hynix Inc, the world's second-largest semiconductor company. Separately, a delegation representing four prominent companies from Taiwan's semiconductor sector – ULVAC Taiwan Inc, MSScorps Co, Ltd, eMemory Technology Inc, and Global Unichip Corp – visited Oman last December. Caption: Oman is preparing to commission an international consultant to chart a strategy for developing a comprehensive ecosystem to support the growth of a domestic semiconductor sector
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
New public transport hub to come up in Buraimi
Buraimi – The Governorate of Buraimi and Mwasalat signed an agreement last week to establish a new integrated public transport station in the wilayat of Buraimi. The project forms part of efforts to expand sustainable mobility infrastructure under Oman Vision 2040. The new transport station will be developed in the North Aqda area on a 56,000sqm plot, serving both intercity and local routes. Facilities will include a smart taxi terminal, micro-mobility options, air-conditioned waiting areas, commercial and logistics spaces, parking for buses and private vehicles, as well as dedicated offices for operations. The agreement was signed in the presence of H E Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Buraimi, signed on behalf of the governorate, while Eng Bader bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, represented the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Mwasalat will take on technical responsibilities including design specifications and implementation oversight. The company will also manage and operate the station once it is completed. The governorate will provide funding and manage regulatory aspects such as land allocation and zoning approvals. Busaidi said the station would support a shift in the public transport landscape in Buraimi. 'The station will serve a large number of passengers, especially with the 12 daily trips between Muscat and Buraimi,' he said. 'It will also reinforce Buraimi's position as a key transit point along the Muscat-Abu Dhabi corridor.' Eng Nadabi said the project also has commercial potential. 'A tender for the station's development and operation will be issued shortly,' he said. 'Construction is due to begin within three months and is expected to be completed in three years.' The initiative aligns with Oman's national objective to enhance domestic connectivity and promote governorates as regional centres for transport and logistics.
Observer
04-06-2025
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
