Salalah Port Expands Capacity to 6 Million TEUs: What This Means for Trade and Investment Opportunities in Oman
Salalah — Salalah Port has successfully completed a significant upgrade to its container terminal, increasing its annual handling capacity to 6 million TEUs. This enhancement solidifies the port’s status as one of the world’s leading transshipment hubs. The announcement was made during the Middle East Transport Forum 2025, held in Salalah from August 31 to September 2.
Ahmad Aubad Qatan, Chief Commercial Officer of Salalah Port, addressed delegates, emphasizing that the expansion aligns with the port’s goal to attract new mainline services and bolster Oman’s position as a key logistics hub under Vision 2040. He stated, “The upgrade sharpens our competitive edge and provides the headroom needed to support future growth.”
Since its inception in 1998, the port now operates six berths along a 2,197-metre quay with an 18-metre draft, capable of accommodating the largest container vessels. The upgrade, valued at approximately US$300 million, expanded yard space and modernized berths, boosting capacity from 4.5 million to 6 million TEUs.
Salalah Port has consistently ranked among the world’s most efficient terminals, maintaining the No. 2 spot globally in the World Bank and S&P Global Container Port Performance Index for 2023.
Official figures indicate the port handled 3.305 million TEUs in 2024, down from 3.794 million in 2023 and 4.504 million in 2022. Port management highlighted that the expanded capacity provides room for growth as shipping networks evolve and demand increases across East–West trade routes.
Qatan underscored the importance of continued collaboration among shipping lines, logistics providers, and the nearby industrial free zone to sustain performance. “By working closely with our partners, attracting investment, and unlocking new opportunities, we can continue to deliver value to Oman’s economy and ensure Salalah remains a resilient global hub,” he remarked.
The Middle East Transport Forum, hosted at Millennium Resort Salalah and supported by Oman’s transport authorities, convened senior policymakers, port operators, and logistics companies to discuss resilience, investment, and growth strategies for regional supply chains.
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The recent $300 million upgrade at Salalah Port, boosting capacity to 6 million TEUs, positions Oman as a critical global logistics hub aligned with Vision 2040. For businesses and investors, this expansion opens significant opportunities in shipping, trade, and industrial development, but success hinges on strengthened partnerships across the supply chain ecosystem. Smart players should focus on collaborative ventures and infrastructure synergy to capitalize on rising East-West trade demand and sustain competitive advantage.
