MUSCAT, MAY 10
QS Maritime, the operator of Shinas Port, has announced that it plans to launch work on the expansion and modernisation of Shinas Port before the end of this year. The upgrade, totalling RO 77 million in investments, will span 5 – 7 years.
Eng Abdulbaqi bin Ahmed al Kindi, CEO of QS Maritime, said the construction work will be undertaken by a company specialising in port and maritime development. The first phase of the project will include expanding the port's current basin to the south, in addition to constructing a new breakwater on the north side to enable the port to receive larger vessels and enhance its operational efficiency.
In a statement to ONA, he added that the upgrade will boost the port’s total area to 1.8 million m2, which will include dedicated sites for fuel tanks, factories, and various warehouses targeting re-export and the local market.
Importantly, a new sea route between Shinas Port and Bandar Abbas Port in the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin operating during the last quarter of this year, said Al Kindi. The passenger line will operate two trips per week using ferries with a capacity of 200 passengers and their vehicles. A passenger terminal, equipped with security and inspection services, is nearing completion at the port.
Meanwhile, Shinas Port witnessed significant growth in commercial activity during the first quarter of 2025, with the number of ships increasing to 306, compared to 119 during the same period in 2024. Livestock handled at the port rose to 25,944 head, compared to 9,057 in Q1 2024.
More than 186,000 tonnes of assorted cargo were handled over the two years. These goods included construction materials such as cement and iron, foodstuffs, general cargo, as well as livestock and camels.
Al Kindi added that 42 transshipment operations, covering a total weight of 173,000 tonnes were also executed in Q1 2025. These included 40 liquid cargo operations and two fuelling operations, surpassing the port’s total transshipment volume for 2024. (ONA)
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
