The Port of Salalah, a premier transshipment and logistics hub on Oman’s southern coast, has recorded a 26 per cent increase in container throughput for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, despite ongoing challenges in global shipping routes.
According to its consolidated financial results, the Container Terminal handled 3.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during the reporting period, up from 2.5 million TEUs in the same period last year. The strong growth was largely attributed to additional vessel calls following the completion of a major terminal upgrade.
The $300 million expansion and modernisation project — jointly undertaken by APM Terminals, a strategic partner in the port, and Salalah Port Services Company (SPS) — included the installation of 10 advanced ship-to-shore cranes capable of servicing ultra-large container vessels, expansion of yard and storage capacity, 2,000 new reefer plug-ins, and comprehensive upgrades to all six existing berths. Enhancements also covered access infrastructure and electrical systems to improve operational efficiency.
Braik bin Musallam Al Amri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salalah Port Services Company SAOG, commended the progress but cautioned that sustained growth would depend on the recovery of global maritime traffic through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
“The main global shipping lines, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, continue to avoid Red Sea passage. It remains to be seen whether recent peace efforts will enable a return to Red Sea and Suez routes, which would likely benefit the Port of Salalah in terms of vessel calls and transshipment volumes,” Al Amri said.
He added that the situation in the Red Sea is expected to persist into 2026, which could keep SPS container volumes flat at current levels. However, Maersk is expected to continue supporting the port through its volume commitments, backed by a penalty clause for any shortfalls.
Meanwhile, the General Cargo Terminal (GCT) also reported robust performance, handling 19.8 million metric tonnes of cargo during the period — a 17 per cent rise compared with 17.0 million metric tonnes a year earlier.
Al Amri noted that growth in the general cargo segment remains strong, particularly in dry bulk categories such as gypsum and limestone, which continue to drive demand.
“This growth trajectory is expected to continue despite intermittent shore crane availability. The liquid bulk outlook also remains positive, with significant interest from international operators and investors seeking to capitalise on our state-of-the-art facilities and available capacity,” he added.
With its enhanced infrastructure and strategic positioning, the Port of Salalah remains a pivotal gateway for trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe — and a key contributor to Oman’s logistics growth story.
