Port of Salalah Container Volumes Surge 26% After Terminal Upgrade: Key Growth Opportunity for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: The Port of Salalah, a crucial transshipment and logistics hub on Oman’s southern coast, reported a 26 percent increase in container throughput for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. However, the port emphasized that further growth depends on the full restoration of maritime traffic through the Red Sea and other global factors.
During this period, the Container Terminal handled 3.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), up from 2.5 million TEUs in the same period last year. This significant rise was largely driven by additional vessel calls following the completion of a major terminal upgrade, according to the port’s consolidated financial results.
The upgrade project, led by international terminal operator APM Terminals in partnership with Salalah Port Services Company (SPS), involved a $300 million expansion and modernization of the container terminal. Enhancements included the installation of 10 new ship-to-shore cranes capable of handling ultra-large container vessels, expanded yard and storage areas, 2,000 new reefer plug-ins, upgrades to all six berths, and new access infrastructure alongside upgraded electrical systems.
Braik bin Musallam al Amri, Chairman of SPS, highlighted ongoing challenges in the container shipping sector due to geopolitical tensions, global tariffs, and inflation. He pointed out that major global shipping lines, such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, continue to avoid the Red Sea passage. Al Amri noted that the outcome of recent peace efforts will determine whether vessels will resume using the Red Sea and Suez routes, which could positively impact vessel calls and transshipment volumes at Salalah.
“At present, the Red Sea disruption is expected to last well into 2026, likely causing SPS volumes to remain steady at current levels. Nevertheless, Maersk remains committed to supporting SPS with volume guarantees, including penalty clauses for any shortfalls,” he added.
On the general cargo front, the General Cargo Terminal (GCT) handled 19.8 million metric tonnes during the period, up from 17.0 million metric tonnes a year earlier — a 17 percent increase.
Al Amri further remarked that growth in the GCT segment continues strongly, driven mainly by dry bulk commodities like gypsum and limestone. Despite challenges with intermittent shore crane availability, this positive trend is expected to persist. The outlook for liquid bulk cargo is also favorable, with growing interest from international operators and investors attracted by the port’s modern facilities and available capacity.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The 26% surge in container throughput at the Port of Salalah, following a $300 million terminal upgrade, underscores Oman’s rising appeal as a strategic logistics and transshipment hub. However, persistent geopolitical tensions, especially the Red Sea maritime disruption, pose notable risks to sustained growth, making it crucial for businesses and investors to closely monitor regional stability and global shipping dynamics. Forward-looking entrepreneurs should explore opportunities in expanding general and liquid bulk cargo segments, leveraging the port’s enhanced infrastructure and growing international interest.
