MUSCAT: The maiden call of MSC Loreto, one of the world's biggest ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), at the Hutchison Ports Sohar container terminal has highlighted the growing strategic importance of Suhar Port as a regional maritime gateway, amid shifting global trade patterns and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes.
The Liberia-flagged MSC Loreto, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), called at SOHAR as part of the MSC Shikra Service, becoming the largest container vessel by carrying capacity ever to berth at the Omani port. With a capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and an overall length of 399.99 metres, the vessel represents the latest generation of mega containerships serving key Asia-Middle East trade lanes.
The Shikra Service links Sohar directly with major ports across China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and the UAE, strengthening the Sultanate of Oman's connectivity with some of the world's busiest manufacturing and trading centres.
Commenting on the milestone, Anacin Kum, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports Sohar, said: "The maiden call marked yet another milestone in Sohar Port's position as the gateway port of Oman," adding that the port's journey has steadily progressed from handling vessels of less than 10,000 TEU to 14,000 TEU, 17,000 TEU, 24,000 TEU and now MSC Loreto, among the world's largest container ships by carrying capacity.
The landmark call also reflects Suhar Port's growing prominence as a regional transshipment and logistics hub. According to Kum, the port has consistently expanded its trade volumes over the years, strengthening its position within regional and international supply chains. More recently, evolving geopolitical developments and the diversion of cargo flows have accelerated this growth, leading to a notable increase in vessel calls and cargo throughput while further reinforcing Suhar's role in supporting resilient supply chains across the region.
Handling vessels of MSC Loreto's scale requires highly specialized infrastructure and operational capabilities. Hutchison Ports Sohar has invested extensively in modern quay cranes and terminal facilities capable of accommodating the latest generation of ultra-large container vessels.
These physical investments are complemented by the recent deployment of ‘Veronica’, Hutchison Ports' proprietary terminal operating system, which enhances planning, yard management and vessel operations to improve efficiency and turnaround times, the terminal operator added.
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