SOHAR Port and Freezone in Oman recorded strong cargo growth in the first half of 2026, with total throughput reaching 52 million metric tonnes, up 52% from the same period last year.
The increase was supported by stronger activity across several cargo segments, particularly transshipment and container operations. Ship-to-ship cargo handling reached 24.38 million tonnes, reflecting continued demand for SOHAR’s maritime services.
Container throughput rose 40% to 545,000 TEUs, driven mainly by higher transshipment volumes. Breakbulk cargo also nearly doubled to 1.24 million tonnes during the six-month period.
Despite a moderation in dry bulk volumes, SOHAR Port recorded 1,555 vessel calls during H1 2026, highlighting the port’s continued operational resilience and role as a gateway for regional and international trade.
Investment activity also remained strong. Existing and expansion projects across SOHAR Port and Freezone were progressing with a combined investment value of approximately $6.82 billion (RO2.62 billion). The projects are aimed at expanding infrastructure and industrial capacity while strengthening the port’s long-term competitiveness.
SOHAR Freezone separately signed five new investment contracts worth RO226.47 million ($589 million) during the first half. Leased warehouse space increased 19% year on year to around 37,000 square metres, indicating continued demand for logistics and industrial facilities.
Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, said the first-half performance demonstrated the adaptability of the integrated port and freezone model and its ability to support evolving regional and international trade requirements.
The strong cargo performance, combined with continued infrastructure and industrial investment, is expected to further strengthen SOHAR’s position as a major logistics and industrial hub connecting Oman with international markets.