Shinas Shrimp Farm Nears Completion: A Boost for Oman’s Aquaculture Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT – Construction is advancing steadily on a significant shrimp farming project in Shinas, underscoring Oman’s expanding emphasis on aquaculture as a key component for food security and economic diversification. The initiative, led by Singapore-based Blue Aqua International in collaboration with Omani investors, is set to become one of the most technologically advanced shrimp production facilities in the country.
Dr. Farshad Shishehchian, Group Executive Chairman and Founder of Blue Aqua International, confirmed that the integrated shrimp farm, hatchery, and broodstock center—with a planned output capacity of 1,800 metric tonnes—is on track to be fully operational by February 2026. The Shinas facility is being developed as a state-of-the-art, technology-driven farm focused on biosecurity, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
“This facility is designed to ensure consistent shrimp production while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability and disease control,” Dr. Shishehchian stated, highlighting the project’s role in bolstering seafood supply within Oman and the surrounding region.
The shrimp farm is part of a broader 22-hectare aquaculture development announced in 2023, a joint effort with Bahwan Services and Trading LLC and Muscat Investment House. This comprehensive project supports the cultivation of white shrimp, Rainbow Trout, and aquafeed production, reflecting an integrated model aimed at establishing a complete aquaculture value chain in Oman.
From its inception, the Shinas facility has been envisioned as a long-term investment rather than a standalone operation. The project incorporates advanced water management technologies to maximize resource efficiency, alongside waste treatment and recycling systems designed to minimize environmental impact. Rigorous biosecurity protocols are also a foundational element, addressing the critical risk of disease outbreaks that commonly affect global shrimp farming.
In addition to enhancing seafood output, the project is anticipated to have a considerable economic impact at both local and national levels. Upon full operation, it will generate employment across various sectors, including hatchery management, grow-out farming, processing, logistics, and technical support, delivering significant benefits to the Al Batinah North Governorate where the project is located.
The Shinas shrimp farm aligns with Blue Aqua International’s wider regional ambitions. Alongside this initiative, the company is progressing with plans for a 5,000-metric-tonne land-based trout farm, slated for completion in 2027. This trout facility will utilize Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, enabling fish cultivation in a controlled, land-based setting with substantially reduced water use compared to traditional systems.
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The Shinas shrimp farming project marks a significant leap in Oman’s push for economic diversification and food security through aquaculture. For businesses, this presents opportunities in technology-driven sustainable seafood production and integrated value chains, while smart investors should consider the potential of long-term growth in biosecure, environmentally responsible aquaculture as a hedge against global seafood supply risks. Entrepreneurs could capitalize on emerging ancillary services, such as hatchery management, logistics, and technical support, especially within the Al Batinah North region.
