Port of Salalah Reports Strong Growth in First Half of 2025: Key Implications for Investors and Business Owners in Oman

• By CONRAD PRABHU
• August 16, 2025August 17, 2025
• container terminal Port of Salalah transshipment hub
• With 0 comments

MUSCAT, AUGUST 16 — Port of Salalah, Oman’s largest container terminal and a key transshipment hub on the Arabian Sea, has reported one of its strongest operational and financial performances for the first half of 2025.

The Container Terminal (CT) processed 2.03 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during this period, marking a 21% increase from 1.68 million TEUs in the same timeframe last year. This growth is attributed to a rise in vessel calls following the successful completion of the terminal’s upgrade and the full implementation of Gemini proforma services by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

Meanwhile, the General Cargo Terminal (GCT) handled 12.91 million metric tonnes, up 11% from 11.66 million metric tonnes a year earlier. This increase was primarily driven by higher exports of dry bulk cargo.

Braik bin Musallam al Amri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, credited the container throughput growth to the recent terminal upgrade. He stated, “With the successful completion of our container terminal upgrade project, we are witnessing a steady recovery in transshipment volumes. The infrastructure improvements have raised our handling capacity from 4.5 million TEUs to 6 million TEUs, reflecting a significant expansion of 1.5 million TEUs. The Gemini network has been instrumental in supporting this growth, further establishing Port of Salalah as a premier regional transshipment hub.”

Al Amri also highlighted ongoing growth in general cargo volumes, especially in dry bulk exports. “This positive trend requires targeted investment in equipment and infrastructure to sustain service quality and future expansion. Gypsum exports, in particular, have consistently increased, reinforcing Port of Salalah’s standing as the region’s leading gypsum export hub. This specialization complements our diverse cargo portfolio while enhancing operational efficiencies across our terminal assets.”

Financially, Port of Salalah posted consolidated revenue of RO 42.42 million, up from RO 35.04 million the previous year. Consolidated EBITDA rose sharply to RO 12.78 million from RO 7.13 million, while consolidated net profit grew to RO 2.48 million, compared to RO 1.57 million in the first half of 2024.

The Chairman emphasized that Port of Salalah is evolving into an integrated trade and logistics facilitator, actively fostering investment opportunities and addressing sector-specific challenges. This expanded role, he noted, strengthens the port’s position as a regional economic catalyst and creates new avenues for value generation.

Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market

Port of Salalah’s substantial capacity expansion and 21% growth in container throughput highlight Oman’s emerging strength as a key transshipment and export hub. For businesses and investors, this signals prime opportunities in logistics, infrastructure, and related trade sectors, with a clear need for strategic investments in equipment and service upgrades to leverage sustained growth. Smart entrepreneurs should consider integrating with the port’s expanding networks and diversifying into dry bulk and gypsum exports to capitalize on evolving regional trade dynamics.