The ports in Oman - including major ones such as Port Sultan Qaboos, Port of Salalah, Port of Sohar, Port of Khasab, Port of Shinas, Port of Duqm, Mina Al Fahal, and Qalhat LNG - have recorded robust growth during the first half of 2025, driven by a spurt in ship arrivals, container throughput, and cargo handling. 

 

The vessel arrivals at the sultanate's ports and offshore terminals also rose by 11.1%, totaling 6,586 ships in the first six months, up from 5,930 the previous year, reported Oman News Agency. 

 

Of these Omani ports, the most notable contributors to this growth included Sultan Qaboos Port, Shinas and Salalah, it stated.

 

Cargo volumes across the ports reached 70.1 million tonnes, up 5.2% from 66.6 million tonnes recorded in the same timeframe last year. The ports further facilitated the arrival of 50,248 vehicles and the import of 2.7 million livestock, highlighting their vital role in supporting diverse economic activities.

 

These improvements are complemented by the development projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) to enhance port infrastructure in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, said the ONA report.

 

On the development front, Muhanna bin Musa al Baqer, Director-General of Ports at MoTCIT, said the container handling at Salalah, Suhar, and Duqm ports surged to 2,427,195 TEUs in the first six months marking an 11.7% jump compared to 2,173,508 TEUs during the same period last year. 

 

This increase underscores the efficiency of logistics operations and the ports’ capacity to accommodate growing demand.

 

Al Baqer said MoTCIT has commissioned a consultancy contract for the design and supervision of the Khour Grama development project, intended to enhance the site’s operational readiness and optimize maritime utilization. 

 

Additionally, consultancy services have been engaged for the rehabilitation of Shannah and Masirah ports. This eight-month study will cover marine infrastructure elements such as quays, breakwaters, and access bridges, along with developing a comprehensive master plan for port organization and development.

 

In a related initiative, Shinas Port—managed by Quadrant Marine Solutions—has entered a usufruct agreement to establish a fuel storage and processing facility, supported by MoTCIT as part of broader efforts to diversify logistics services, stated the ONA report.

 

“These achievements highlight Oman’s growing competitiveness in the logistics sector and reinforce its strategic ambition to become a leading regional hub for maritime transport,” Al Baqer added.