Al Suwaiq Port Cargo Surges 25% to 939,000 Tonnes in 2025: What This Growth Means for Investors and Businesses in Oman
Al Suwaiq Port Achieves Record Cargo Throughput in 2025, Reporting 25% Growth
AL SUWAIQ — Al Suwaiq Port, located in Al Batinah North Governorate, handled 939,682 tonnes of cargo in 2025, marking a significant 25% increase compared to 749,855 tonnes in 2024, according to the Oman News Agency.
The port welcomed 1,053 vessels throughout the year, benefiting from initiatives aimed at accelerating cargo handling and reducing berthing times by attracting ships with larger capacities. Notably, dry bulk cargo volumes more than doubled, reaching 528,599 tonnes in 2025 from 286,279 tonnes the previous year.
Foodstuff shipments, including vegetables, fruit, and meat, totaled 144,353 tonnes, underscoring the port’s vital role in supporting local supply chains and enhancing food security.
Eng. Samir bin Ghulam al Balushi, Director of Al Suwaiq Port, highlighted that 2025 marked a record year with cargo volumes nearing one million tonnes. This achievement coincided with operational enhancements such as an upgraded operational area, reorganized cargo yards, and improved truck movement to alleviate congestion and optimize storage.
The port introduced new high-capacity cranes and forklifts to handle heavier loads, raising productivity and shortening vessel docking times. Additionally, a modern inspection and monitoring system was implemented to strengthen safety, security, and quality control for imports.
Security measures were also enhanced through the launch of a new port entry-permit system integrated with relevant authorities to streamline access controls.
Al Balushi noted that Asyad Ports is finalizing a market and feasibility study for the port’s expansion, a strategic move aimed at attracting investment for future development.
Catering primarily to landing craft, general cargo vessels, and small- to medium-sized livestock ships with capacities up to 10,000 tonnes, Al Suwaiq Port maintains strong links with Gulf and neighboring regional ports. It handles a diverse range of imports and exports, including food, livestock, construction materials such as bitumen, vehicles, and other general cargo.
Livestock imports increased to 11,300 head in 2025, up from approximately 9,923 in 2024.
Ongoing development work focuses on finalizing expansion designs, upgrading infrastructure and services, increasing yard capacity, and modernizing handling equipment to boost productivity, reduce vessel waiting times, and enhance berth efficiency. — Oman News Agency (ONA)
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The 25% surge in cargo throughput at Al Suwaiq Port signals strong growth and enhanced operational capacity, highlighting Oman’s increasing role in regional trade and supply chain resilience. For businesses and investors, this expansion creates opportunities in logistics, infrastructure development, and import-export sectors, while improvements in efficiency and security reduce risks related to congestion and delays. Smart entrepreneurs should consider leveraging the upcoming port expansion to tap into rising demand for maritime services and explore value-added ventures linked to the port’s diverse cargo portfolio.
