Latest news with #Baqer
Roya News
13-05-2025
- Roya News
Qassam Brigades successfully target "Israeli" engineering unit in Gaza
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported a successful engagement with an Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) engineering unit east of the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in Gaza. According to a statement published on Telegram, the brigades clashed with the unit using light weapons, resulting in the elimination of the driver of an IOF military vehicle, identified as a "Baqer." The incident occurred shortly after the fighters had returned from the frontlines, marking another episode in the ongoing aggression in Gaza. The Qassam Brigades have frequently carried out such operations against the IOF, continuing their resistance efforts amidst the ongoing violence. The specifics of the operation, including any potential "Israeli" casualties, have not been confirmed.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman gearing up for energy transition and maritime sector decarbonisation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition, as well as the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, according to a senior official. Speaking during the first edition of the Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum held here on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Muhanna Moosa Baqer, Director General of Ports and Marine Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology, said: 'The world is on the cusp of a profound energy revolution, and Oman is intent on realizing its potential to catalyze the changes required.' According to Baqer, the maritime logistics sector plays a dual role in both facilitating and driving the energy transition. 'Shipping and ports are both the drivers and facilitators of the energy transition across the globe. Shipping will increasingly transport cargo such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 to all corners of the world, and the industry is a lynchpin in the development of this new and exciting global supply chain infrastructure,' he said. In addition to transporting new energy resources, the sector will also become a consumer of alternative low and zero carbon marine fuels, said Baqer. 'As well as transporting new energy sources, shipping will be consumers of this energy, using alternative low and zero-carbon marine fuels to propel the global merchant fleet. Additionally, he shared that ports will become vital energy hubs and 'gateways for the import, export, and storage of low-carbon and renewable energy', while also supporting a developing bunkering sector for alternative marine fuels. This evolving role of the maritime sector comes amid increasing global pressure to decarbonise the sector. 'Shipping and ports have a huge responsibility for the successful delivery of decarbonization on a national and global basis. To facilitate this, we are seeing the introduction of a raft of national, regional, and global environmental regulations, which together set out ambitious targets for the decarbonization of shipping and ports, which will also accelerate the pace of the energy transition.' A major example, according to Baqer, is the International Maritime Organization's proposed Net Zero Framework, which aims to set mandatory emissions limits and introduce carbon pricing across the shipping sector. 'If adopted, they would enter into force in 2027, and the IMO's Net Zero Framework will be the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector. So, the world is on the cusp of a profound energy revolution, and Oman is intent on realizing its potential to catalyze the changes required.' Consequently, Oman's port and maritime sectors are actively evolving to meet future demands, he said. 'The country's maritime and port sectors are focused on developing cutting-edge logistics excellence in tandem with meeting the requirements of environmental sustainability and stewardship.' Additionally, he shed light on the intersecting role Oman plays in both maritime trade and the energy transition. 'Oman also has a leading and proactive role to play as a key producer of renewable energy. A very recent example of this is the agreement to establish the world's first liquid hydrogen import corridor, which will connect the Port of Duqm, the Port of Amsterdam, and key logistics hubs in Germany.' Concluding his remarks, Baqer noted that the Oman's maritime sector is ready for the change. 'Oman's maritime, boats, and bunkering sectors are building on their heritage and preparing to catalyze the change.'
Observer
29-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman gearing up for energy transition and maritime sector decarbonisation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition, as well as the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, according to a senior official. Speaking during the first edition of the Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum held here on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Muhanna Moosa Baqer, Director General of Ports and Marine Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology, said: 'The world is on the cusp of a profound energy revolution, and Oman is intent on realizing its potential to catalyze the changes required.' According to Baqer, the maritime logistics sector plays a dual role in both facilitating and driving the energy transition. 'Shipping and ports are both the drivers and facilitators of the energy transition across the globe. Shipping will increasingly transport cargo such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 to all corners of the world, and the industry is a lynchpin in the development of this new and exciting global supply chain infrastructure,' he said. In addition to transporting new energy resources, the sector will also become a consumer of alternative low and zero carbon marine fuels, said Baqer. 'As well as transporting new energy sources, shipping will be consumers of this energy, using alternative low and zero-carbon marine fuels to propel the global merchant fleet. Additionally, he shared that ports will become vital energy hubs and 'gateways for the import, export, and storage of low-carbon and renewable energy', while also supporting a developing bunkering sector for alternative marine fuels. This evolving role of the maritime sector comes amid increasing global pressure to decarbonise the sector. 'Shipping and ports have a huge responsibility for the successful delivery of decarbonization on a national and global basis. To facilitate this, we are seeing the introduction of a raft of national, regional, and global environmental regulations, which together set out ambitious targets for the decarbonization of shipping and ports, which will also accelerate the pace of the energy transition.' A major example, according to Baqer, is the International Maritime Organization's proposed Net Zero Framework, which aims to set mandatory emissions limits and introduce carbon pricing across the shipping sector. 'If adopted, they would enter into force in 2027, and the IMO's Net Zero Framework will be the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector. So, the world is on the cusp of a profound energy revolution, and Oman is intent on realizing its potential to catalyze the changes required.' Consequently, Oman's port and maritime sectors are actively evolving to meet future demands, he said. 'The country's maritime and port sectors are focused on developing cutting-edge logistics excellence in tandem with meeting the requirements of environmental sustainability and stewardship.' Additionally, he shed light on the intersecting role Oman plays in both maritime trade and the energy transition. 'Oman also has a leading and proactive role to play as a key producer of renewable energy. A very recent example of this is the agreement to establish the world's first liquid hydrogen import corridor, which will connect the Port of Duqm, the Port of Amsterdam, and key logistics hubs in Germany.' Concluding his remarks, Baqer noted that the Oman's maritime sector is ready for the change. 'Oman's maritime, boats, and bunkering sectors are building on their heritage and preparing to catalyze the change.'
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cargo volumes at Omani ports grow 15% to 137mn tonnes in 2024
Muscat: Seaports dominate Oman's trade volume, accounting for approximately RO16.5bn worth of goods traded, or 77% of total trade in 2024, covering both exports and imports. In a statement to Oman News Agency, Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that Omani ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade between Oman and countries worldwide. He emphasised that the sultanate's ports are among the most significant enablers of economic diversification. He highlighted that Omani ports have kept pace with regional and global economic growth due to their strategic location on key international shipping routes. Baqer noted that Omani ports witnessed a significant rise in cargo volumes last year, handling more than 137mn tonnes – a 15% increase compared to 119mn tonnes in 2023. He pointed out that bulk cargo volumes at Sohar Port surged by 72%, while cargo handled at both Salalah and Suwaiq Ports increased by 10% each. The Port of Duqm achieved a remarkable 152% rise in cargo handling across all categories – general, liquid, and bulk – reflecting improvements in operations and growing demand for integrated port services. He further explained that Omani ports recorded an increase in vessel arrivals in 2024, exceeding 12,000 ships, a 1.5% rise. Container throughput at Salalah and Sohar ports reached approximately 4.2mn TEUs, with Salalah Port handling around 3.3mn TEUs and Sohar Port processing over 942,000 TEUs. On the development of cruise tourism, Baqer stated that Sultan Qaboos, Khasab, and Salalah ports received approximately 114 cruise ships carrying over 416,000 tourists in 2024. Additionally, these ports handled more than 4mn heads of livestock. Regarding port expansion and service upgrades, he explained that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signed a concession agreement last year with Asyad Ports to develop, manage, and operate Suwaiq Port. The agreement aims to enhance the port's capacity to accommodate larger vessels and handle all types of cargo to meet growing demand. The expansion of the container terminal at Salalah Port has also been completed, increasing its capacity to 6.5mn TEUs. The project involved upgrading berths and expanding storage yards to accommodate larger container ships, exceeding 366 metres in length and carrying more than 14,500 containers, ensuring higher productivity and faster clearance. Baqer confirmed that the ministry's signing of a framework agreement to invest in the operation, management, and development of marine services and crew changes at Sultan Qaboos Port will enhance commercial activity at this key port, in addition to its primary role as a tourism hub. He noted that these commercial advantages will position the port as an attractive destination for both commercial and cruise vessels, especially as it undergoes rapid development in collaboration with the Asyad and Omran groups. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
22-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Cargo volumes at Omani ports grow 15% to 137mn tonnes in 2024
Muscat – Seaports dominate Oman's trade volume, accounting for approximately RO16.5bn worth of goods traded, or 77% of total trade in 2024, covering both exports and imports. In a statement to Oman News Agency, Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that Omani ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade between Oman and countries worldwide. He emphasised that the sultanate's ports are among the most significant enablers of economic diversification. He highlighted that Omani ports have kept pace with regional and global economic growth due to their strategic location on key international shipping routes. Baqer noted that Omani ports witnessed a significant rise in cargo volumes last year, handling more than 137mn tonnes – a 15% increase compared to 119mn tonnes in 2023. He pointed out that bulk cargo volumes at Sohar Port surged by 72%, while cargo handled at both Salalah and Suwaiq Ports increased by 10% each. The Port of Duqm achieved a remarkable 152% rise in cargo handling across all categories – general, liquid, and bulk – reflecting improvements in operations and growing demand for integrated port services. He further explained that Omani ports recorded an increase in vessel arrivals in 2024, exceeding 12,000 ships, a 1.5% rise. Container throughput at Salalah and Sohar ports reached approximately 4.2mn TEUs, with Salalah Port handling around 3.3mn TEUs and Sohar Port processing over 942,000 TEUs. On the development of cruise tourism, Baqer stated that Sultan Qaboos, Khasab, and Salalah ports received approximately 114 cruise ships carrying over 416,000 tourists in 2024. Additionally, these ports handled more than 4mn heads of livestock. Regarding port expansion and service upgrades, he explained that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signed a concession agreement last year with Asyad Ports to develop, manage, and operate Suwaiq Port. The agreement aims to enhance the port's capacity to accommodate larger vessels and handle all types of cargo to meet growing demand. The expansion of the container terminal at Salalah Port has also been completed, increasing its capacity to 6.5mn TEUs. The project involved upgrading berths and expanding storage yards to accommodate larger container ships, exceeding 366 metres in length and carrying more than 14,500 containers, ensuring higher productivity and faster clearance. Baqer confirmed that the ministry's signing of a framework agreement to invest in the operation, management, and development of marine services and crew changes at Sultan Qaboos Port will enhance commercial activity at this key port, in addition to its primary role as a tourism hub. He noted that these commercial advantages will position the port as an attractive destination for both commercial and cruise vessels, especially as it undergoes rapid development in collaboration with the Asyad and Omran groups.
