Latest news with #SoharPort
Times of Oman
13 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sohar Emergency Response Organisation inaugurated
Muscat: Under the patronage of Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, Sohar Port and Freezone hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation, a milestone that redefines industrial safety and resilience in Oman. The Sohar Emergency Response Organisation is a fully integrated initiative, jointly established by Sohar Port and Freezone in close partnership with its tenant community. Designed to serve all stakeholders, from employees and contractors to port users and visitors ,this model represents a unified, community-wide approach to emergency preparedness. Its collective nature is what sets it apart as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region. Ensuring the safety of people and the protection of valuable assets are fundamental principles at Sohar. The Emergency Response Organisation enhances risk mitigation, safeguards facilities, and ensures business continuity, directly supporting Sohar's mission to be a reliable, safe, and sustainable industrial hub. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, emphasized the broader significance of this achievement: 'The Sohar Emergency Response Organisation represents a critical step in aligning with Oman's vision for resilience and sustainability. By enhancing safety standards and ensuring operational continuity, it supports not only Sohar's growth but also Oman's strategic objectives in the logistics sector.' 'This is not just a facility, it is a strategic outcome of collaboration,' said Abdullah Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of SoharPort and Freezone. 'Together with our tenants, we have built a shared resource that protects the entire Sohar ecosystem. This unified model reflects our collective responsibility toward safety, operational excellence, and long-term resilience.' Operating 24/7 and equipped with advanced technologies, the center provides rapid response to a wide range of emergency scenarios, from medical incidents and industrial fires to hazardous materials and technical rescues. Developed in collaboration with international experts such as the Safety Authority Rotterdam, and operated by Unity Fire and Safety Services LLC, the facility aligns with the best global practices adapted to the local context. The inauguration of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation sets a new regional benchmark in industrial safety, not only for its operational capability, but for its ability to unite diverse stakeholders under one mission: protecting the entire Sohar community through collective action.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Hafeet Rail and Brazil's Itaminas ink pact for iron ore logistics solutions
Oman - Hafeet Rail, the cross-border railway developer connecting Oman and the UAE, has signed an agreement with Itaminas Comércio De Minérios S.A., one of Brazil's leading iron ore producers marks a pivotal strategic move towards enabling an integrated, and sustainable logistics ecosystem leveraging the Hafeet Rail network to link key ports and industrial zones, boost logistical efficiency and bolster the iron ore and steel production industry in both nations. The collaboration also aims to cultivate a robust and efficient supply chain solution powered by Hafeet Rail's cutting-edge infrastructure and connectivity, particularly Sohar Port's rail-connected facilities and crucial role in iron ore import and value-added processing, thanks to its established advanced infrastructure, ongoing expansion plans, and seamless integration with the Hafeet Rail network. Construction on the Hafeet Rail project is advancing in both Oman and the UAE, where groundwork and railbed preparation are well underway and structural works on major bridges and tunnels have begun, paving the way for seamless connectivity between the two nations. The project's ongoing development reflects close and strong coordination between stakeholders and local authorities, ensuring the achievement of this vital cross-border project's objectives. Itaminas specializes in high-grade iron ore production, currently boasting an annual output of 6.5 million tons, with environmental permits allowing for an expansion to 15.5 million tons annually. The company plans to export a significant share of this production to the Middle East via Brazil's Port of Sudeste, reinforcing its ambition to play a major role in the region's iron and steel sector. As part of its long-term growth strategy, Itaminas is actively exploring the establishment of segments of its value chain in the GCC, capitalizing on the region's infrastructure, energy resources, and strategic location. This collaboration reinforces the growing integration between Oman and the UAE while exploring how Hafeet Rail's cross-border network can support potential industrial developments across both countries, enabling a seamless logistics corridor that links ports with inland processing facilities serving both global and regional steel players seeking efficient, sustainable, and scalable logistics solutions for their operations in the region. Hafeet Rail is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, ASYAD Group, and Mubadala Investment Company. Hafeet Rail is the first regional cross-border railway network, connecting the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates to enhance economic growth and improve the efficiency of the transportation sector in the region.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Hafeet Rail, ITAMINAS sign agreement to develop sustainable logistics solutions for steel industry
Abu Dhabi: Hafeet Rail, the developer of the cross-border railway project between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, has signed a cooperation agreement with Itaminas Comércio de Minérios, one of Brazil's leading iron ore producers. This agreement marks a strategic step toward establishing an integrated and sustainable shipping system leveraging Hafeet Rail's network to connect major ports and industrial zones, enhancing logistical efficiency and supporting the iron and steel industry in both countries. The collaboration aims to develop a reliable and efficient transport network utilizing Hafeet Rail's modern infrastructure while capitalizing on the pivotal role of Sohar Port in importing and processing iron ore, thanks to its advanced facilities and ongoing expansion plans to increase capacity. The port's integration with the Hafeet Rail network further strengthens this initiative. Construction of the Hafeet Rail project is progressing rapidly along the railway route between Oman and the UAE, with ongoing groundwork, leveling, and site preparation. Major bridge and tunnel construction has also commenced, paving the way for seamless connectivity between the two nations. This progress reflects close coordination between relevant authorities and local governments, ensuring the achievement of the objectives set for this vital cross-border project. Itaminas specializes in producing high-quality iron ore, with a current annual production capacity of 6.5 million tons and environmental permits allowing expansion to 15.5 million tons annually. The company plans to export a significant portion of its production to the Middle East via Brazil's Sudeste Port, as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the region's iron and steel sector. Itaminas is also exploring the possibility of establishing parts of its value chain in GCC countries, leveraging the region's advanced infrastructure, energy resources, and strategic geographic location. This cooperation underscores the deepening integration between Oman and the UAE and highlights the potential of the Hafeet Rail network to support future industrial projects in both countries. By creating an integrated logistics corridor linking ports to industrial and commercial hubs, the network will serve global and regional steel companies seeking efficient, sustainable, and scalable logistics solutions in the region.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's DP World to develop new special economic zone in Oman
Dubai-based DP World will oversee the development of the first phase of the special economic zone (SEZ) in Al-Rawda in Oman. The state-owned Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has signed an agreement with Mahdah Development Company, represented by DP World, for the development and operations of the first phase, OPAZ said in a post on the X platform. The agreement for the first phase of the SEZ will extend for 50 years and cover 14 square kilometres ( sq km) The SEZ, which will cover a total area of 56.8 sq km, aims to boost trade links between Oman's Sohar Port and Dubai's Jebel Ali Port. Oman-based ASYAD Group will manage the zone's land port, the post said. The first phase will target pharma and medical, logistics and warehousing, manufacturing, food and plastic, mining and service-based industries. Under the usufruct agreement, Mahdah can expand the SEZ area to 25 sq km after submitting a detailed development plan. (Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) Issues USD 40 Million Insurance Policy to Support Dredging & Development of SOHAR Port and Freezone
The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) ( a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, announced —on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meeting 2025 in Algiers—the signing of a Specific Transaction Policy (STP) for Royal Boskalis (Boskalis), valued at USD 40 million. The agreement, signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, underpins a project critical to expanding Oman's logistics capacity. By deepening navigation channels and enhancing jetty infrastructure these strategic developments will significantly increase SOHAR Port's throughput capacity, attract high-value industrial investments, and solidify the Sultanate's role as a leading regional maritime hub — all in alignment with Oman Logistics Strategy 2040. Moreover, this will pave the way for a major energy milestone: the launch of the Middle East's first LNG bunkering project, MARSA LNG, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and OQEP, positioning Oman at the forefront of clean maritime fuel. Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, remarked: 'By supporting Boskalis' participation in the SOHAR Port and Freezone South Expansion Project, we are helping to secure the delivery of a project that will fortify Oman's gateway to world trade, generate skilled employment and promote sustainable, diversified growth. ICIEC's mission is to back the infrastructure that opens new trade corridors, deepens connectivity and broadens economic opportunity across our member states.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC). For more information: Email: ICIEC-Communication@ Website: Follow us on: X : Facebook : LinkedIn : YouTube : Instagram : About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC): ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an "Aa3" insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody's, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, ICIEC has been assigned a First-Time 'AA-' long-term Issuer Credit Rating by S&P with Stable Outlook. ICIEC's resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors - energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
