Omani Ports Achieve 21.6% Container Growth by 2025: Key Implications for Business and Trade in Oman
MUSCAT, FEBRUARY 23 – Oman’s ports experienced significant growth in vessel traffic, cargo volumes, and container handling throughout 2025, reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a burgeoning logistics and maritime hub, as reported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT).
In a recent post titled “Omani Ports Statistics During 2025,” the Ministry outlined improvements in key performance indicators across the port sector compared to 2024, highlighting increased trade flows, heightened shipping activity, and sustained investments in port infrastructure and logistics services.
Data reveals that the total number of vehicles processed at Omani ports reached 98,968 units in 2025, reflecting an increase of 8.3 percent from 91,374 units in 2024. This growth indicates a rise in both imports and exports, particularly in the automotive sector, alongside enhanced operational efficiency at the ports.
Vessel movements also showed notable growth, with ship calls rising to 13,576 in 2025, up from 12,393 in 2024, marking a 9.5 percent year-on-year increase. This surge underscores Oman’s appeal as a stopover and destination for regional and international shipping lines, bolstered by its strategic location on vital global trade routes linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Container throughput experienced the most robust growth among the reported indicators, with the number of containers handled reaching 5,178,622 TEUs in 2025, compared to 4,260,056 TEUs in 2024, representing a substantial 21.6 percent increase. This growth highlights the rising demand for containerized trade and the expanding role of Omani ports in transshipment and value-added logistics activities.
Additionally, the total volume of goods handled at Omani ports rose to 143.49 million tonnes in 2025, an increase from 137.62 million tonnes in 2024, equating to a 4.3 percent rise. This growth in cargo volumes indicates steady expansion in both bulk and general cargo, driven by industrial activities, energy exports, and non-oil trade.
The Ministry emphasized that this positive performance aligns with the government’s broader goals of bolstering Oman’s logistics ecosystem, enhancing port competitiveness, and supporting economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040. Continued investments in port infrastructure, digital services, and integration with free zones and logistics parks have contributed to smoother cargo flows and quicker turnaround times.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that the consistent rise in maritime indicators showcases the resilience of the port sector amid global trade uncertainties. By enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency, Omani ports are increasingly establishing themselves as reliable gateways for regional and international trade.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s ports’ broad-based growth in vessel traffic and cargo handling signals a robust opportunity for business expansion and enhanced logistic services in the region. This positions Oman not just as a transit hub but as a key player in global supply chains, creating avenues for investors to tap into the burgeoning containerized trade sector. Smart investors should consider leveraging this momentum to establish synergistic partnerships within the logistics ecosystem, while also being mindful of potential market volatility linked to global trade dynamics.
