Muscat: The ports in the Sultanate of Oman recorded an increase in ship traffic and container and cargo handling during the first half of 2025, along with steps implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology to improve the port infrastructure, according to Oman Observer.
According to Emirates News Agency, Muhanna bin Musa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, stated that container handling witnessed a significant increase. The total number of containers handled at the ports of Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm reached 2,427,195 TEUs during the first half of 2025, compared to 2,173,508 TEUs in the first half of 2024. This represented a growth of 11.7 percent, reflecting the efficiency of logistics operations and the ports' ability to handle the growing demand.
He further reported that ports also recorded an increase in the number of ships, with the total number of ships received by Omani ports and marine docks outside the ports reaching 6,586 ships during the first half of 2025. This compares to 5,930 ships during the same period in 2024, marking a growth rate of 11.1 percent. Several major ports contributed to this growth, most notably Sultan Qaboos Port, Shinas, and Salalah.
The Director-General of Ports highlighted that the total volume of goods handled through Omani ports during the first half of 2025 amounted to 70,114,527 tons, compared to 66,620,847 tonnes during the same period last year, an increase of 5.2 percent.
He also mentioned that the number of vehicles received by the ports reached 50,248, while the total number of livestock imported through the ports reached 2,694,293 heads. This reflects the diversity of economic activities served by the ports with high efficiency.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology's strategic plans to develop port infrastructure have been progressing. The Ministry has awarded the consultancy services project for the design and supervision of the development of Khor Jarama, which will contribute to enhancing the site's readiness and optimal maritime utilisation. Additionally, the consultancy services tender for the rehabilitation of Shannah and Masirah ports has also been awarded.