Al SUWAIQ: Suwaiq Port in Al Batinah North Governorate recorded significant growth in cargo traffic during the first half of 2025, handling a total of 399,615 tonnes — up from 374,168 tonnes during the same period last year.
The number of vessels received also increased, with 429 ships docking at the port compared to 408 in the first half of 2024.
However, the volume of dry bulk cargo declined to 243,359 tonnes from 286,278 tonnes a year earlier. In contrast, the handling of foodstuffs — including vegetables, fruits and other consumer goods — rose to 54,401 tonnes, up from 47,291 tonnes in the same period of 2024.
Engineer Samir bin Ghulam al Balushi, Director of Suwaiq Port, said that the increase in overall traffic reflects operational improvements across the facility.
These include enhanced unloading and loading efficiencies, upgraded handling procedures and the deployment of modern cargo equipment, such as high-capacity cranes, which have helped accelerate throughput.
He highlighted that food, vegetables, fruits and livestock remain key commodities handled at the port, alongside construction materials, machinery and general cargo.
Development works are under way to boost operational efficiency, including the reorganisation of internal yards, upgrades to security and inspection systems; and enhancements to electronic operating platforms.
Al Balushi confirmed that preliminary studies for the port’s expansion project are nearly complete, with administrative processes currently being finalised to begin implementation.
The project is intended to align with Suwaiq Port’s growth trajectory and support future demand.
Suwaiq Port is designed to handle small and medium-sized vessels with capacities of up to 10,000 tonnes. Strategically located between Muscat and Suhar; and in close proximity to Khazaen Dry Port, it serves as a critical logistics corridor for regional trade and distribution.
The port facilitates the movement of goods and food products to both local and regional markets, as well as international markets in the Indian subcontinent and the Horn of Africa.
Through its ports and free zones, Asyad Group continues to work on strengthening Suwaiq Port’s capabilities, enhancing service quality and boosting marketing efforts locally and abroad.
These efforts are part of the group’s broader strategy to deliver integrated logistics solutions and embed Al Suwaiq within the national and global logistics network, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
