Oman’s ports achieved growth in several commercial operations and volumes of direct import during the first half (H1) of 2021, handling 2.5 million containers (TEUs) as well as 28.8 million tonnes of general cargo, local media reported.
The ports recorded a rise of 18% over its performance in H1, while liquid commodity handling grew by 12% to 9.9 million, compared to the corresponding period last year, reported Oman News Agency (ONA).
Compared to the corresponding period in 2020, imported livestock witnessed a notice spike of 65% during the first six months this year (1.9 million heads). The import of vehicles and equipment dropped by 8% (55,500 vehicles and equipment imported or re-exported) due to the decline in global economy and its impact on local and regional markets.
More than 4,400 vessels visited the Sultanate’s ports from January to June 2021.
Mohammed Al Mashani, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Port of Salalah said that the sizeable capacity of Salalah Port and its modern facilities cement its position as a maritime gateway and transshipment hub. The Port plays a crucial role in maintaining the flows of vital medical and food supplies; critical agricultural products; energy streams; and other goods and services essential to enhance commercial activities.
Accordingly, Port of Salalah was ranked sixth out of 351 ports worldwide in operational efficiency when receiving and handling container ships based on the Container Ports Performance Index in 2020.
Batti Mohammed Al Shibli, Harbour Manager, at Sohar port, said that the port is pressing ahead with its commitment to the local and international business community. “Sohar Port keeps upgrading its logistic operations with the objective of becoming a global logistics hub connected with Asian, European and African markets. It is already assuming a pivotal role in the global supply chain and it helps in securing the flow of commodities, facilitating the transport and handling of raw and basic cargo and maintaining the continuity of operations round the clock,” Al Shibli said.
“We are proud of the positive results achieved by Sohar Port during the first half of this year (2021). The port saw tangible growth in handling operations (30% up in general cargo handling). This reflects our efforts in the integrating the operations of different business partners as well as our clients in local and international markets. We are confident that the port will continue to maintain its central role in enriching the Sultanate’s GDP and supporting the government’s economic diversification plans,” Al Shibli added.
Hashim Tahir Al Ibrahim, Business Support Director at Port of Duqm Company, said that operations at the Port of Duqm are directly associated with and complement all economic and industrial operations in Duqm and the rest of the Sultanate.
The port contributes to enhancing direct export and import of different commodities (petroleum, chemical, fishery) and it is currently witnessing sustainable growth in operational activities. During the first six months this year (2021), the Port of Duqm achieved positive results, with as many as 466 vessels received, up by 79% over the performance during the corresponding period last year.
Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Abri, CEO of Asyad Ports and Terminals, said that the steady growth in volumes of operational and commercial activities of medium- ports (Suwaiq, Shinas, Khasab, Port Sultan Qaboos) is an outcome of our integration strategy. We are working to provide our customers with more flexible experience in transporting goods across the Sultanate, he added.
These ports complement the operations of major ports of Salalah, Sohar and Duqm, said Al Abri, adding that the medium-size ports achieved growth in volume of handling of vegetables and fruits (16%) and livestock (67%). He added that the number of vessels received grew by 10% during the first six months this year, compared to the corresponding period last year.
Al Abri pointed out that Khazen Dry Port will play an essential role in accelerating the movement of containers and goods, connecting ports with the industrial, economic and commercial zones.
Source: Trade Arabia