Muscat charts maritime resilience framework

MUSCAT, OCT 27
Asyad Group, the end-to-end logistics solutions flagship of the Sultanate of Oman, is seeking to develop what it describes as the world’s first fully integrated maritime resilience framework, bringing international industry leaders together to establish practical priorities for safeguarding supply chains and sustaining global trade amid mounting operational and commercial pressures.
The proposed Muscat Maritime Resilience Framework is the central initiative of the Muscat Maritime Resilience Forum 2026, which opened on Tuesday with discussions on strengthening maritime networks, improving preparedness and translating industry experience into coordinated action.
The commercial stakes were highlighted by an Asyad operational study showing a 137 per cent variation in the total cost of a maritime voyage between India and Suhar. The finding underlined the scale of variables affecting maritime trade economics and the need for closer cooperation across companies, markets and institutions.
Speaking at the opening, Asyad Group Chief Executive Abdulrahman bin Salim al Hatmi said the framework would draw on the expertise of maritime leaders and practitioners to address challenges affecting costs, business continuity and commercial operations.
“For the first time, international maritime leaders and practitioners are coming together in Muscat to contribute to the development of what we intend to be the world's first-ever, fully integrated maritime resilience framework,” he said.
The forum opened under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Asyad organised the gathering in partnership with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Oman Investment Authority.
With more than 80 per cent of global merchandise trade by volume transported by sea, participants are examining how maritime networks can maintain connectivity while adapting to shifting trade patterns, supply chain disruption, technological advances and environmental priorities.
Al Hatmi said these changes were reshaping investment decisions, operations and commercial relationships, making resilience essential to economic competitiveness and trade efficiency.
Preparedness needed to begin before a crisis through sustained infrastructure investment, stronger operational readiness, commercial partnerships and the exchange of practical knowledge, he said.
“Physical infrastructure, digital capabilities, and operational efficiency are vital, but resilience ultimately depends on cooperation across businesses, markets, and institutions,” Al Hatmi said.
The proposed framework seeks to turn that cooperation into practical priorities reflecting the needs of shipping companies, port operators, logistics providers and businesses dependent on reliable cargo movements.
Working sessions are examining operational and commercial challenges, with participants sharing experience and identifying measures to strengthen maritime readiness, network connectivity and supply chain continuity.
The resulting proposals are expected to contribute to a shared industry reference point, helping businesses adapt to changes in maritime trade while deepening commercial cooperation.
Al Hatmi urged delegates to ensure the framework remained practical and relevant, saying Asyad’s ambition extended beyond bringing industry representatives together. “Our ambition, however, extends beyond convening in Muscat,” he said.
Asyad said its capabilities across ports, shipping and logistics would support discussions aimed at improving maritime efficiency and connectivity, with the forum providing a platform to translate operational insights into actionable measures.
Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, said the gathering reinforced the Sultanate of Oman’s role in maritime transport and services.
The participation of decision-makers and industry stakeholders reflected the country’s position along major international maritime routes and its appeal as a destination for high-level sector discussions, he said.
Ambassador Shaikh Humaid bin Ali al Maani, Head of the Diplomatic Academy at the Foreign Ministry, said the forum demonstrated how Omani diplomacy could support international trade, cooperation and partnerships benefiting the national and regional economies.
He said confidence in Omani diplomacy provided a foundation for economic partnerships, while the management of current risks could help generate opportunities for the Sultanate of Oman and the wider region.
Muscat was well placed to host further maritime discussions given the country’s role as a strategic partner in regional trade and supply chains, he added.
Dr Ibrahim bin Bakhit al Nadhairi, Chief Executive of Asyad Shipping, said the forum strengthened the Sultanate of Oman’s presence in global maritime decision-making and reflected its role in bringing different perspectives together.
He said participation by domestic and international experts demonstrated a commitment to developing a shared mechanism that would help maintain maritime resilience and service continuity, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The initiative builds on the Sultanate of Oman’s strategic location, port infrastructure and integrated logistics services connecting regional and international markets.
For Asyad, the immediate task is to turn the forum’s collective expertise into priorities that support commercial preparedness, preserve trade flows and guide the development of the proposed framework.