Oman’s ports sector recorded strong performance in the first half of 2025, driven by higher ship traffic and increased handling of containers and cargo, alongside key development initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) to strengthen port infrastructure and future readiness.
In a statement to Oman News Agency, Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at MTCIT, said container handling registered a notable increase, with the total number of containers handled at the ports of Salalah, Sohar and Duqm reaching 2,427,195 TEUs (twenty-feet equivalent) in the first half of 2025, compared to 2,173,508 TEUs in the same period of 2024.
“This represents a year-on-year growth of 11.7%, reflecting the efficiency of logistics operations and the Omani ports’ ability to meet rising demand,” he said.
Baqer added that Omani ports also saw an increase in the number of ships received. “The total number of vessels handled by ports and offshore jetties reached 6,586 during the first half of 2025, compared with 5,930 in the corresponding period of 2024, a rise of 11.1%. Several major ports contributed to this growth, most notably Port Sultan Qaboos, Shinas and Salalah.”
The Director General of Ports at MTCIT noted that the total volume of goods handled by Omani ports during the first half of 2025 stood at 70,114,527 tonnes, up from 66,620,847 tonnes in the same period last year, an increase of 5.2%.
He further stated that the number of vehicles received by ports reached 50,248, while livestock imports through ports totalled 2,694,293 heads, reflecting the wide range of economic activities served efficiently by the sultanate’s ports.
On development projects, Baqer explained that, as part of MTCIT’s strategic plans to expand port infrastructure, the ministry has awarded a consultancy services contract for the design and supervision of the development of Khor Grama, which will enhance the site’s readiness and optimise maritime use.
He added that the consultancy services tender for the rehabilitation of Shannah and Masirah ports has also been awarded. The project will involve eight months of studies and consultancy services, covering requirements for the rehabilitation of marine infrastructure such as docks, a breakwater and the bridge leading to the port. It will also include the preparation of a master plan and an integrated vision for the port’s organisation and development.
As part of efforts to diversify port logistics services, the Quadrilateral Maritime Solutions and Systems Company, operator of Shinas Port, has signed a usufruct agreement to establish a marine fuel processing and storage centre at the port, with support from MTCIT.
Baqer emphasised that these achievements reinforce Oman’s competitiveness in the logistics sector and support its strategic objective of becoming a regional maritime transport hub, through advanced infrastructure and facilities capable of accommodating rapid growth in trade and investment.
