The Port of Duqm is set to welcome the BYD Changsha, one of the world’s largest roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels, marking the first call by a BYD-operated vessel at the Omani port and reinforcing Duqm’s growing position as a regional hub for automotive logistics.
The 219.9-metre-long vessel, with a capacity to carry approximately 9,200 vehicles, is expected to handle more than 1,200 vehicles during its upcoming call at Duqm.
The shipment highlights the port’s expanding role beyond serving Oman’s domestic automotive market. More than 200 vehicles from the shipment are destined for Oman, while over 1,000 vehicles will be distributed to other GCC markets. The operation therefore positions Duqm as both an import gateway for Oman and a regional distribution centre connecting Asian automotive supply chains with markets across the Gulf.
The vessel’s call is being handled in collaboration with Saud Bahwan Group, BYD’s partner in Oman, as the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer continues to expand its international distribution network and strengthen its presence across global markets.
The upcoming operation also comes amid sustained growth in Duqm’s RoRo business. The port has reported handling 34,024 RoRo units through more than 20 vessel calls up to August 2026, including over 600 high-and-heavy units.
With annual RoRo handling capacity exceeding 300,000 units, the Port of Duqm is developing its automotive logistics capabilities to support growing vehicle imports, transshipment and regional distribution flows.
The latest BYD vessel call underlines Duqm’s strategic potential as a logistics gateway between Asia, Oman and the wider GCC, while strengthening the port’s contribution to the region’s evolving automotive supply chain.