Al Suwaiq Port cargo tops 939,000 tonnes in 2025, up 25%

AL SUWAIQ: Al Suwaiq Port handled 939,682 tonnes of cargo in 2025, a 25% rise from 749,855 tonnes in 2024, reflecting improved operational efficiency and higher throughput, Oman News Agency reported.
The port, located in Al Batinah North Governorate, received 1,053 vessels during the year as it pursued initiatives to speed up handling and reduce berthing time by attracting ships with larger carrying capacity.
Dry bulk volumes more than doubled to 528,599 tonnes in 2025 from 286,279 tonnes a year earlier, while shipments of foodstuffs — including vegetables, fruit and meat — reached 144,353 tonnes, reinforcing the port’s role in supporting domestic supply chains and food security.
Eng Samir bin Ghulam al Balushi, Director of Al Suwaiq Port, said that 2025 saw cargo handling reach a record level close to one million tonnes, alongside upgrades to the operational area, the reorganisation of cargo yards and improved truck movement within the port to ease congestion and optimise storage space.
He said new equipment was introduced, including high-capacity cranes and forklifts to handle larger loads, boosting productivity and reducing the time vessels spend alongside. The port also activated a modern inspection and monitoring system to strengthen security and safety standards and enhance quality controls for imported goods.
Al Balushi said a new port entry-permit system was launched and linked with the relevant security authorities to streamline procedures and tighten access control.
He added that Asyad Ports is finalising a market and feasibility study for an expansion of Al Suwaiq Port, a step intended to pave the way for investment in the project.
The port mainly serves landing craft, general cargo vessels and small- to medium-sized livestock ships, with capacities of up to 10,000 tonnes and is linked to Gulf and nearby regional ports. It handles imports and exports ranging from food and livestock to construction materials — including bitumen — as well as vehicles, equipment and other general cargo.
Livestock imports rose to 11,300 head in 2025, up from about 9,923 in 2024, Al Balushi said.
Development work is under way, including finalising the expansion design, upgrading infrastructure and operational services, increasing yard capacity and adding and modernising handling equipment to raise productivity, cut vessel waiting times and improve berth efficiency. — ONA