Port of Duqm, the only Omani port, is taking steps to become a regional favourite hub, as a port official commented in Times of Oman. The port is able to compete against other ports in the area.
According to engineer Humaid Al Jabri, Port Manager at Duqm, in the beginning, heavy cargo was passing through Musabbah Port in Abu Dhabi to arrive to Oman; Yet, later on, the Duqm port began operations in 2013 and became the first port in the area, able to handle heavy cargo.
He continued that the location of the port is a crucial factor that attracts companies, as ‘using our port saves you 2 days going to Jabal Ali Port and 2 days coming back from there’, he added. Also, due to the fact that the port is considered to be ‘new’, it is easier to equip it with technological advantages.
Moreover, Al Jabri added that the port has room for possible expansion, which gives it the advantage to compare it to other ports in the area.
Up to now, six companies have already signed to commence business with the port, as also, the majority of the port’s services are ready in 2020.
Ahmed Al Dughaishi, Director of Projects at SEZAD, quoted at Times of Oman that Al Duqm is
Attractive to investors partly because of its strategic placement along international marine routes.
In late May, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) announced the construction of an in-port bunker terminal at the Port of Duqm on the Sultanate’s Al Wusta coast, that will provide marine fuels to ships in and around the port.
