Latest news with #MuhannabinMoosabinBaqer
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. (
Times of Oman
22-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omani ports' contribution to trade tops OMR16.5bn
Muscat: Seaports of the Sultanate of Oman has led the trading activity accounting for nearly OMR16.5 billion, or 77 percent of the total trade volume in 2024, according to Mohanna bin Musa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the Omani ports play a vital role in exchange of trade between Oman and other countries and are considered one of the sectors supportive economic diversification. The Omani ports have coped with the qualitative shift in the regional and international trade by being at the centre of the world shipping lines. Handling goods He said that the Omani ports last year witnessed a remarkable increase in terms of handling goods worth over OMR137 million tonnes, an increase of 15% compared to 119 million tonnes in 2023. Handling liquid goods at Sohar Port increased by 72 percent while the goods handled at the ports of Salalah and Al Suwaiq increased by 10 percent each, he said, adding that the goods of all types handed at Duqm Port increased by 152 percent, which reflects the development of operations and the increase in the demand for the integrated services of the port. The number of ships anchored at the Omani ports during 2024, increased by 1.5% to over 12,000 with 4.2 million containers handled by the ports of Salalah and Sohar where 3.3 million containers were handled at Salalah port and over 942,000 containers handled at Sohar port. On the marine tourism, he said that in 2024, the ports of Sultan Qaboos, Khasab and Salalah received 114 tourist vessels carrying over 416, 000 tourists. Mega ships On the expansion and development of the ports and services, he said that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signed last year a concession agreement with 'Asyad Ports Company' for the development, management and operation of Al Suwaiq Port to enable the port receive mega ships and handle all types of goods. The ministry has completed the project on development and expansion of the container terminal at Salalah Port which is project to increase the capacity to 6.5 million containers, he added.
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.
Muscat Daily
22-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Salalah Port celebrates $300mn expansion
Muscat – The APM Terminals-operated Port of Salalah has invested $300mn in expanding and ensuring readiness for the new network under the Gemini-cooperation, according to a press statement. The investment has included upgrades to all six existing berths and an expansion of the yard. The expansion has moved the terminal from a capacity of 4.5mn TEU's to 6.5mn and cements the Port of Salalah's position as a key hub in the region with ideal access to the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. As part of the expansion project, APM Terminals has also invested in a new access road, a new electrical power substation and electrical network upgrade, and reefer expansion of 2000 reefer plugs. Capacity at the port will be lifted by new equipment, including 10 new STS cranes with the capability to handle ultra large vessels 26 containers wide. The new equipment list also includes 12 hybrid rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, two reach stackers, six empty container handlers and 30 terminal trucks and trailers have been added to the fleet of landside equipment. Steven Yoogalingam, Port of Salalah's Chief Executive Officer, said, 'Our investment underscores our deep commitment to Oman and the region. The new capabilities ensure a smooth and seamless operation from Port of Salalah and provide opportunities for local and regional growth and job creation.' Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, 'This expansion emphasises our commitment to advancing Oman's economic objectives and supporting Oman Vision 2040. In collaboration with Salalah Port Services Company, strategic planning efforts are continuously underway to optimise the port's strategic location and robust infrastructure. 'Recently, the company allocated $300mn towards upgrading the container terminal, enhancing the port's capacity from 4.5mn to 6.5mn TEUs. This substantial investment aligns with the port's goal to stay ahead of rising maritime traffic, offering a competitive edge.'' In the 2023 Container Ports Performance Index (CPPI), the Port of Salalah was ranked as the second most efficient container port in the world for the third year in a row. The upgrades, combined with the ongoing implementation of Lean practices is expected to raise levels of efficiency further and offer industry leading port stay times. The Port of Salalah is a central component of the Gemini network, serving as one of the primary hubs supporting the infrastructure. On February 18, the first call by a Gemini vessel was made in Salalah. Yoogalingam said, 'The port call marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the network's operation, illustrating the strategic importance of Salalah in this global initiative. The Port of Salalah maintains world-class operations is ever-present, with ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and expand our capabilities.'
Observer
19-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Port of Salalah celebrates milestone expansion of 2 million TEU
Muscat: The APM Terminals operated Port of Salalah has invested USD 300 million in expanding and ensuring readiness for the new network under the Gemini-cooperation. The investment includes an upgrade to all six existing berths and an expansion of the yard, and the expansion moves the terminal from a capacity of 4.5 million TEU's to 6.5 million and cements the Port of Salalah's position as a key hub in the region with ideal access to the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. As part of the expansion project, APM Terminals has invested in a new access road, a new electrical power substation and electrical network upgrade, and reefer expansion of 2000 reefer plugs. Steven Yoogalingam, Port of Salalah Chief Executive Officer states: 'Our investment underscores our deep commitment to Oman and the region. The new capabilities ensure a smooth and seamless operation from Port of Salalah and provides opportunities for local and regional growth and job creation – also with the close link to the Gemini-cooperation, where we are delighted to welcome the network from A P Moller - Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd as part of the hub-system behind the setup.' Capacity at the port will be lifted by new equipment, among other things, 10 new STS cranes with the capability to handle ultra large vessels 26 containers wide. In addition, 12 hybrid rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, two reach stackers, 6 empty container handlers and 30 terminal trucks and trailers have been added to the fleet of landside equipment. Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in the Sultanate of Oman states: 'This expansion emphasizes our commitment to advancing the Sultanate of Oman's economic objectives and supporting Oman Vision 2040. In collaboration with Salalah Port Company, strategic planning efforts are continuously underway to optimise the port's strategic location and robust infrastructure. Recently, the company allocated $300 million towards upgrading the container terminal, enhancing the port's capacity from 4.5 million to 6.5 million TEUs. This substantial investment aligns with the port's goal to stay ahead of rising maritime traffic, offering a competitive edge.'' In the 2023 Container Ports Performance Index (CPPI), the Port of Salalah was ranked as the second most efficient container port in the world for the 3rd year in a row. The upgrades, combined with the ongoing implementation of Lean practices is expected to raise levels of efficiency further and offer industry leading port stay times. Port of Salalah part of hub-system as backbone of Gemini-network The Port of Salalah is a central component of the Gemini network, serving as one of the primary hubs supporting the infrastructure. February 18, the first call by a Gemini-vessel will be made in Salalah. Steven Yoogalingam, Port of Salalah Chief Executive Officer states: 'The port call marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the network's operation, illustrating the strategic importance of Salalah in this global initiative. The Port of Salalah maintains world-class operations is ever-present, with ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and expand our capabilities.' By integrating into the network, the port plays a central role in facilitating global trade and connectivity. The enhancements planned for the Port of Salalah are specifically aligned with the evolving requirements of the Gemini collaboration, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global shipping operations.
