5 days ago
Omani ports record rise in vessel and cargo traffic
MUSCAT, AUG 16
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
