Rising Vessel and Cargo Traffic at Omani Ports: What It Means for Investors and Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT, AUG 16 — Oman’s ports sector demonstrated robust growth in the first half of 2025, driven by increased ship arrivals, container throughput, and cargo volumes. These improvements are complemented by key development projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) to enhance port infrastructure in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Muhanna bin Musa al Baqer, Director-General of Ports at MoTCIT, reported that container handling at Salalah, Suhar, and Duqm ports surged to 2,427,195 TEUs in the first six months of 2025, marking an 11.7 percent rise compared to 2,173,508 TEUs during the same period in 2024. This increase underscores the efficiency of logistics operations and the ports’ capacity to accommodate growing demand.
Vessel arrivals at Omani ports and offshore terminals also rose by 11.1 percent, totaling 6,586 ships in the first half of 2025, up from 5,930 in the previous year. Notable contributors to this growth included Sultan Qaboos Port, Shinas, and Salalah.
Cargo volumes across the ports reached 70.1 million tonnes, a 5.2 percent increase 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 2,694,293 livestock, highlighting their vital role in supporting diverse economic activities.
On the development front, Al Baqer noted that 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.
“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 emphasized. — ONA
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Oman’s ports sector is demonstrating robust growth and strategic infrastructure development, positioning the country as an increasingly competitive logistics hub in the region. Businesses should capitalize on rising cargo throughput and vessel arrivals, while investors and entrepreneurs ought to explore opportunities in port-related services, fuel storage, and maritime logistics diversification. The ongoing upgrades aligned with Oman Vision 2040 signal a forward-looking approach that could unlock long-term value and regional trade integration.
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