BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, FEB 20
Asyad Terminals–Duqm, a partnership of Asyad Ports and Port of Duqm, announced on Sunday that it has started operating and management the general cargo terminal, comprising three commercial berths, at the Port of Duqm.
The first is a multipurpose general cargo berth with a capacity of about 1 million MT per year. The second is a dry bulk cargo berth with a capacity of about 5 million MT per year, and the third is a roll-on/roll-off berth capable of handling 100,000 vehicles per annum. With the start of commercial operations, Port of Duqm is anticipated to witness a strong uptick in vessel calls and freight volumes.
Nasser bin Suleiman al Harthy, Chairman of Asyad Group, said the award of operatorship of the terminal to a national company is in line with the goals of Vision 2040. In a statement to ONA, he added that Asyad Group has adopted a strategy to enhance logistics investments in the country’s maritime gateways, raise efficiency and productivity, and enhance the ports’ appeal to international shipping.
Dr Ahmed al Abri, CEO of Asyad Ports, said Asyad Terminals–Duqm will develop the superstructure of the terminal to enable its handling of general, bulk and ro-ro cargo.
Asyad Ports already oversees the management of Port Sultan Qaboos, Suwaiq Port, Shinas Port, and Khasab Port, which are playing an increasingly important role in facilitating trade flows and keeping the supply chain moving. Asyad Ports will also work with SMEs to provide support services in the operation of warehousing and logistics, customs clearance, transportation, storage and maintenance activitie
Port of Duqm, which officially opened earlier this month, is one of the largest maritime gateways in the Middle East and one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Sultanate of Oman. Covering an area of 187.9 square km, with 2.25 km of commercial quay, the port is 18 metres deep. Also under the port’s management are 2,000 hectares of industrial land and 1,000 hectares of logistical land. (With inputs from ONA)
