A host of the most recognised names in the maritime industry have unveiled their timeline for commencement of activity at SOHAR Port and Freezone. Among them are the world’s largest container shipping line, Maersk Line, as well as the renowned global shipping line, Safmarine. Oman Container Lines, experts in ship owning, chartering and management as well as integrated logistics company, Hyundai Merchant Marine have also outlined their intentions.
The Omani Government has set a deadline of August to ensure all commercial activity in Muscat is transferred to SOHAR Port and Freezone, now one of the world’s largest port and free zone developments after an unparalleled period of growth in the last decade that has resulted in investments totalling US$ 15 Billion. Excellent infrastructure is in place and the forthcoming rail link will further improve operations.
A range of important developments have taken place within the port to ensure an easy transition. Most notably the relocation and expansion of HPH-led Oman International Terminal (OICT), this has ramped up container capacity to 1.5 million TEU’s. Other investments will take place in the Expanded Petrochemical Cluster through Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries (Orpic) as well as parent company, Oman Oil Company SAOC. A combined capital investment of around US$ 6.5 billion over five years is set to take place.
The move heralds a new beginning for Port Sultan Qaboos that will see the port become the focal point of the tourism industry with plans afoot to develop a world class marina, incorporating five star accommodation and luxury shopping. This will complement the already burgeoning cultural and historical hub and has the potential to follow the blueprint of commercial ports from around the world that have developed a tourism legacy; Cape Town, London, New York and Amsterdam to name a few.
SOHAR Port and Freezone Chief Executives Andre Toet and Jamal Aziz, both highlighted a commitment and drive for the future; Andre Toet said: “Investment and growth go hand in hand at SOHAR Port and Freezone. We’re delighted to be working with some of the biggest and most recognised global names in the shipping industry. We have a strategy in place that will encourage growth and investment for years to come.”
Jamal Aziz continued: “We’re now ready for anything; we’ve been working towards this momentous occasion for many years and look forward to a bright and prosperous future with many new partners.”
SOHAR Port and Freezone is a deep sea port and free zone in the Middle East, situated in the Sultanate of Oman around 200 kilometers northwest of its capital Muscat. With current investments exceeding US $15 billion, it is one of the world's largest port and free zone developments and lies at the center of global trade routes between Europe and Asia. SOHAR provides unequalled access to booming Gulf economies while avoiding the additional costs of passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The existing road network and the future rail system and airport provide direct connectivity to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as to the rest of the world. Equipped with deep-water jetties capable of handling the world’s largest ships, SOHAR has leading global partners that operate its container, dry bulk, liquid and gas terminals including Hutchison Whampoa, C. Steinweg Oman, Oiltanking Odfjell and Svitzer. SOHAR Port and Freezone is managed by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC), a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and the Sultanate of Oman.