Latest news with #AlHatmi
Observer
07-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Research team finds new fungal family
NIZWA: A research team from the University of Nizwa took part in a unique scientific breakthrough that led to the discovery of a new fungal family comprising two genera and seven species. The fungal family is distinguished for its unique ability to coexist inside ant nests. The findings were published in the international journal Studies in Mycology, one of Netherlands' most prominent publications specialised in mycology. The achievement was made through international collaboration with researchers from Brazil, China, the Netherlands and Austria. The team was led by Dr Abdullah Mohammed al Hatmi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa and Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at Nizwa University's Centre for Research on Natural Sciences and Medical Sciences. Dr Al Hatmi said that the discovery constitutes a milestone in the field of fungal research, noting that the research highlights the complex symbiotic relationships between fungi and ants that date back millions of years. Dr Al Hatmi added that identifying such a new fungal family opens up vistas for understanding ecological balance and the diversity of microorganisms. He expressed Nizwa University's pride about participating in this global research and its commitment to support quality research and consolidate international scholarly partnerships. He pointed out that the discovery helps deepen our understanding of the ecological role of fungi and enhances the potential for future research into the interactions between microorganisms and insects within their natural environments. The study contributes to the development of knowledge in the fields of biodiversity and the microenvironment of living organisms. The research team collected ant nests from various plants and succeeded in accurately isolating and classifying fungal species based on microscopic, physiological and genetic analysis. The study resulted in the addition of a new family to the Chaetothyriales phylum, known for its species that are symbiotic with ants and other fungi. — ONA
Observer
16-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's national shipping company to acquire six newbuild vessels by 2026-27
MUSCAT: Newly-listed national shipping company Asyad Shipping recorded a net profit of RO 51.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net earnings of RO 39.5 million for the previous year. Announcing its maiden financial report since its successful initial public offering (IPO) and subsequent listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) last week, Asyad Shipping Group – encompassing subsidiaries investing in ship owning companies, vessel charter hire, voyage activities, and ship management activities - achieved an operating profit level of RO 86.90 million in 2024 compared to RO 65.6 million in 2023. Majority state-owned Asyad Shipping currently operates a fleet of 86 vessels, of which 47 are owned or co-owned, 33 are chartered-in and 6 are under order. The fleet comprises: 22 crude tankers (including 16 VLCCs, four Suezmax vessels and two Aframax vessels); 32 products tankers (26 MRs, two LR2s, two methanol carriers, one small tanker and one small chemical tanker); 17 dry bulk carriers (four VLOCs, nine Ultramax vessels, two Supramax vessels and two Kamsarmax vessels); 10 gas carriers (eight LNG carriers, one VLGC and one MGC); and Five container vessels (two Handymax vessels, one Handysize vessel, one Supramax vessel and one Panamax vessel). Significantly, six new vessels – currently under construction at Korean shipyards – are set to join the fleet over the next two years, said Abdulrehman Salim al Hatmi, Chairman of the Board of Directors – Asyad Shipping. The new acquisitions will support the company's growth and expansion into new markets, he noted. 'Going forward in 2025, the Company will continue the steady growth position in the regional market by expanding its fleet size across all segments. The company will follow its diversification plan of the fleet to offer more competitive activities in the industry. Taking advantage of the change in rates, chartering contracts can be negotiated to increase the revenue of the company,' Al Hatmi stated in the Directors report published here on Sunday. 'Additionally, the Company is committed to achieving its long-term growth plans, with 6 vessels under construction expected to be operational in 2026/2027. Strategies and plans for fleet expansion and diversification are set to ensure the company is on the right path to achieving its vision. The Company can extend its role to become a key player in the global supply chain realm, not only through seagoing transportation but also by integrating its services along the supply chain to maximize value, access cargo, and generate additional sources of income,' he added. The six newbuilds come on top of four newly built Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) that were acquired in 2024. The group's total asset value at the end of 2024 stood at RO 1,085.0 million, compared to RO 1,164.6 million in 2023. The net worth of the Company however increased from RO 443.8 million in 2023 to RO 469.3 million at the end of last year, as a result of the increase in profits for the year, the report added.
