Salalah Port’s general cargo volumes jump 20% in H1

MUSCAT: Salalah Port recorded a 20 per cent increase in volumes handled at the General Cargo Terminal (GCT), which climbed to 8.798 million tons during H1 2021, up from 7.308 million tons for the corresponding period of 2020.

Major commodities handled at the terminal were limestone, gypsum, methanol and cement, exported from Salalah to nearby markets, Braik Musallam al Amri, Chairman, Salalah Port Services Co SAOG, said in the Director’s report for the first half of the year.

Container volumes however, dipped 3 per cent to 2.142 million TEUs for H1 2021, down from 2.199 million TEU for H1 2020.

Consolidated net profit for H1, 2021 was recorded at RO 2.619 million, as compared to the corresponding period last year at a profit of RO 11.076 million. Consolidated EBITDA was recorded at RO 8.239 million during H1, 2021, as compared to RO 18.427 million during the same period last year. This includes an insurance claim amount of RO 11.250 million.

The underlying net result of H1 2020 excluding insurance settlement was RO 2.818 million, report noted.

Total revenue from operations increased by 3 per cent compared to same period last year mainly due to the strong volume development of the general cargo business.

The general cargo revenue for volumes handled at Berth 31 has been included in the container terminal financials, as in the previous year, due to the historic conversion of the berth into a container terminal facility.

Direct operating cost increased by 5 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year mainly due to increase in systems and communication costs and costs related to Covid 19. Other operating costs decreased by 27 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year mainly due to payment of higher franchisee fees in 2020 resulting from the insurance compensation received.

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our business environment and we all are facing uncertainty in fast-changing circumstances,” said Al Amri.

“Containment measures including restricted domestic and international flights, cancellation of events, closure /suspension of public services and remote working arrangements are having a worldwide impact. Our priority continues to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, clients and communities and the management is taking appropriate measures in this regard whilst keeping the business going,” he added.