Suwaiq Port to become Oman’s trade hub

The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology signed a 40-year concession agreement with Asyad Group to develop, manage, and operate Suwaiq Port, positioning it as a critical enabler of Oman’s logistics and trade ambitions. The agreement aims to transform Suwaiq Port into a regional hub, enhancing trade links, supporting economic diversification, and strengthening Oman’s position as a global logistics centre.

The agreement, signed by Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), outlines an ambitious vision for the port. This includes infrastructure expansion, operational efficiency improvements, and alignment with international standards to attract investments and new shipping lines.

Under the agreement, a 500-meter-long and 14-meter-deep sea berth will be constructed to accommodate a variety of vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo ships. Advanced handling systems will be introduced to streamline operations and expand storage capacity to support increasing trade volumes.

The port’s total area will be expanded to over 360,000 sqm providing additional space to handle Oman’s growing import and export demands, particularly in critical sectors like food security. These upgrades are expected to ensure the port remains versatile, capable of handling a wide range of cargo types while meeting the evolving needs of local and international markets.

Eng Al Maawali emphasized the agreement’s importance in boosting Oman’s logistics capabilities. "This project is a milestone in our strategy to strengthen public-private partnerships, enhance infrastructure, and diversify the economy. Suwaiq Port will play a pivotal role in connecting Oman to global markets and driving sustainable growth," he said.

OIA President Al Murshidi described the partnership as a significant step toward solidifying Oman’s logistics infrastructure. "This agreement provides Asyad Group the opportunity to transform Suwaiq Port into a key logistics hub, fostering trade and attracting investments that will energize the national economy," he noted.

Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, highlighted the port’s current success, having handled over 4,700 ships and 4 million tonnes of cargo to date. "This long-term agreement will build on that success by integrating the port with key infrastructure, such as the Al Batinah Coastal Road, Al Batinah Expressway, and Khazaen Economic City," he said.

Omar bin Mahmoud al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports, shared plans for further enhancements, including dock deepening, land reclamation, and new facility construction to support the growing movement of goods. He stressed the strategic integration of Suwaiq Port with Sohar Port and Khazaen’s dry port, enabling seamless trade flows, particularly with goods arriving from the Islamic Republic of Iran.