Oman ports drive trade growth and economic expansion
Published: 05:03 PM,Mar 22,2025 | EDITED : 09:03 PM,Mar 22,2025
Oman’s ports also saw an increase in vessel traffic, with over 12,000 ships docking in 2024.
MUSCAT: Omani seaports reinforced their status as key drivers of the national economy, handling trade worth approximately RO 16.5 billion in 2024—77% of the country’s total trade volume, including both imports and exports.
Muhanna bin Musa bin Baqir, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MoTCIT), highlighted the pivotal role of Omani ports in facilitating global trade and advancing economic diversification. He emphasized that Oman’s ports have kept pace with regional and global trade shifts due to their strategic position on international shipping routes.
In an interview, he revealed that total cargo volumes handled by Omani ports surged to 137 million tonnes in 2024, a 15% increase from 119 million tonnes in 2023. Sohar Port witnessed an impressive 72% rise in bulk cargo volumes, while Salalah and Suwaiq ports saw 10% growth each. Duqm Port recorded an exceptional 152% increase in cargo handling, reflecting enhanced operations and rising demand for integrated port services.
Oman’s ports also saw an increase in vessel traffic, with over 12,000 ships docking in 2024—up 1.5% from the previous year. Container throughput at Salalah and Sohar ports reached 4.2 million TEUs, with Salalah handling 3.3 million TEUs and Sohar processing 942,000 TEUs.
BOOST IN CRUISE TOURISM AND LIVESTOCK TRADE
Oman's maritime sector also made strides in cruise tourism, with 114 cruise ships bringing in over 416,000 tourists to the ports of Sultan Qaboos, Khasab, and Salalah. Additionally, Omani ports handled more than 4 million heads of livestock in 2024.
PORT EXPANSIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS
To support future growth, MoTCIT has prioritized infrastructure expansion and modernization. In 2023, the ministry signed a concession agreement with Asyad Ports to develop, manage, and operate Suwaiq Port, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and handle diverse cargo types.
At Salalah Port, the completion of a major container terminal expansion has boosted capacity to 6.5 million TEUs. The upgrades, including quay enhancements and yard expansion, allow the port to handle larger ships exceeding 366 meters in length and process over 14,500 containers, improving efficiency and clearance times.
Meanwhile, at Sultan Qaboos Port, a framework agreement was signed to expand commercial activities, including ship supply services and crew change operations. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with Asyad and Omran Groups, are expected to transform the port into a regional hub for both commercial and tourist vessels.
With continuous upgrades and strategic investments, Oman’s ports are solidifying their role as economic enablers, reinforcing the country’s position as a global logistics powerhouse. — ONA
Muhanna bin Musa bin Baqir, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MoTCIT), highlighted the pivotal role of Omani ports in facilitating global trade and advancing economic diversification. He emphasized that Oman’s ports have kept pace with regional and global trade shifts due to their strategic position on international shipping routes.
In an interview, he revealed that total cargo volumes handled by Omani ports surged to 137 million tonnes in 2024, a 15% increase from 119 million tonnes in 2023. Sohar Port witnessed an impressive 72% rise in bulk cargo volumes, while Salalah and Suwaiq ports saw 10% growth each. Duqm Port recorded an exceptional 152% increase in cargo handling, reflecting enhanced operations and rising demand for integrated port services.
Oman’s ports also saw an increase in vessel traffic, with over 12,000 ships docking in 2024—up 1.5% from the previous year. Container throughput at Salalah and Sohar ports reached 4.2 million TEUs, with Salalah handling 3.3 million TEUs and Sohar processing 942,000 TEUs.
BOOST IN CRUISE TOURISM AND LIVESTOCK TRADE
Oman's maritime sector also made strides in cruise tourism, with 114 cruise ships bringing in over 416,000 tourists to the ports of Sultan Qaboos, Khasab, and Salalah. Additionally, Omani ports handled more than 4 million heads of livestock in 2024.
PORT EXPANSIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS
To support future growth, MoTCIT has prioritized infrastructure expansion and modernization. In 2023, the ministry signed a concession agreement with Asyad Ports to develop, manage, and operate Suwaiq Port, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and handle diverse cargo types.
At Salalah Port, the completion of a major container terminal expansion has boosted capacity to 6.5 million TEUs. The upgrades, including quay enhancements and yard expansion, allow the port to handle larger ships exceeding 366 meters in length and process over 14,500 containers, improving efficiency and clearance times.
Meanwhile, at Sultan Qaboos Port, a framework agreement was signed to expand commercial activities, including ship supply services and crew change operations. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with Asyad and Omran Groups, are expected to transform the port into a regional hub for both commercial and tourist vessels.
With continuous upgrades and strategic investments, Oman’s ports are solidifying their role as economic enablers, reinforcing the country’s position as a global logistics powerhouse. — ONA