MUSCAT: The Port of Duqm is one of the key development projects in the Duqm Special Economic Zone, situated strategically along the international shipping route connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. It enjoys a competitive advantage due to its proximity to emerging markets in Africa, India, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Operated by Port of Duqm Company, a joint venture between Asyad Group and Antwerp Port Authority, the port serves various economic and commercial sectors in Oman, regional markets, and international trade. It comprises three main berths: the Commercial Berth, Government Berth, and Liquid and Bulk Berth. With advanced infrastructure, the port boasts wave breakers totaling around 8.7 kilometers, a harbor basin depth of 18 meters, and an entrance channel of 19 meters, enabling it to accommodate and handle large container ships.
Additionally, Port of Duqm Company and its subsidiaries promote the leasing of land within the 5,000-hectare Duqm Industrial and Logistics Zone, which is part of the Duqm Special Economic Zone, as per the signed concession agreement.
The port provides several incentives to facilitate business operations and enhance competitiveness, positioning itself as a global multi-purpose trading gateway to access various markets. Asyad introduced Duqm Stations in partnership with Port of Duqm Company, managing and operating the General Cargo Station, which includes three commercial berths.
To enhance the infrastructure’s comprehensiveness, the new container cranes were launched last year after completion by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. This project marks a significant step in improving the port's capabilities and efficiency, with Port of Duqm Company working closely with the authority to meet international standards in this field.
The new cranes possess high-tech and efficient container handling capabilities, equipped with fifth-generation technologies, including fiber optic data transmission systems controlled remotely by the crane operator. They are also equipped with intelligent driving systems, yard monitoring systems, and automatic landing systems. Furthermore, they have the capacity to handle the world's largest container ships.
Among the new cranes, there are four container transfer cranes capable of loading up to 65 tonnes, and twelve rubber-tired gantry cranes with a load capacity of 41 tonnes. The Government Berth in Port of Duqm is the first berth constructed for government entities in Omani ports.
Spanning 980 metres in length, the Government Berth occupies a prime location between the dry dock and the Liquid and Bulk Berth, near the Commercial Berth. It is one of the crucial security facilities at Port of Duqm and provides readiness in managing logistics operations for several government entities.
In 2019, infrastructure development for the Government Berth was completed, including buildings for various government entities, staff accommodations, administrative offices, workshops for maintaining boats and ship equipment, and logistic service areas. Additionally, the project involved extending electrical, water, communication, and sewage networks, installing four pumps, surface water drainage channels, water tanks, enclosing the Government Berth, and constructing main and security gates.
Furthermore, the Government Berth has approximately 2 kilometers of roads, 7 meters wide, including main roads, internal roads, road lighting, traffic signs, and parking spaces for various vehicle types.
The Liquid and Bulk Berth in Port of Duqm is one of the mega projects that will transform the investment landscape in Duqm, creating a city for exporting petroleum products and green industries. Its infrastructure was established through two phases, with Phase I finished in 2019 and Phase II completed in the second quarter of 2020.
During Phase I, 79 hectares of the area adjacent to the 4.6-kilometer wave breaker were developed to construct the Liquid and Bulk Berth. The double-cove marina was built along with associated maritime facilities and navigation tools. Approximately 26 million cubic meters of materials were excavated for deepening the basin to 18 meters and the channel leading to the berth to 19 meters. Around 5 million cubic meters of these materials were used for land reclamation at the designated berth site. Additionally, a 1-kilometer-long berth wall, along with floating pontoons and navigation aids, was constructed.
Phase II expanded the berth reclamation project to include the development of 55 hectares of the area adjacent to the wave breaker, making the berth ready for new companies' operations.
During 2019, Port of Duqm Company handed over Phase I to Duqm Refinery, which constructed its export facilities, storage tanks, buildings, and associated services for exporting petroleum products produced by the refinery.
Port of Duqm has played a vital role in expanding its cargo base, especially in handling containers related to the fisheries sector, including frozen and dry products. Moreover, it has succeeded in increasing general container handling and the quantity of mineral exports in various forms.
The CEO of Port of Duqm, Reggy Vermeulen, highlighted that the port has attracted significant investments due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and focus
on sustainable development. In early 2023, the port signed industrial land reservation agreements with several leading companies in the green hydrogen and green iron sectors.
Port of Duqm aims to attract green hydrogen projects that utilize clean energy sources and adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach to environmental sustainability, including carbon removal and commitment to net-zero emissions.
The management of Port of Duqm has achieved numerous accomplishments, establishing it as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region. Its strategic location, global-standard infrastructure, and emphasis on sustainable development have attracted significant investments. The port's success can be attributed to its role in the expansion of cargo handling, particularly in the fisheries sector for frozen and dry products. Additionally, it has witnessed an increase in general container handling and various mineral exports.
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