MUSCAT: Port of Duqm Company (PODC), in collaboration with Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) and Oman logistics Association (OLA), organised a forum on “Business Opportunities at Port of Duqm,” which attracted oil and gas companies operating in the Sultanate of Oman.
The forum aimed at encouraging business collaboration with Port of Duqm, where large number of professionals from the oil and gas sector joined the forum.
The Port of Duqm is currently supporting the oil and gas industry, serving both the upstream and downstream sectors. Further growth in cargo volumes are expected as downstream petrochemical projects developed in Duqm. Eventually, the Port of Duqm will essentially be serving Al Wusta Governorate particularly, which is rich in oil and gas.
Speaking on the occasion, Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm, pointed out, “The Port of Duqm is rapidly becoming a new commercial gateway, thanks to its strategic location. While unlocking its full potential to further grow its activities, the Port is opening up great prospects for cooperation, creating business opportunities in the oil and gas sector. It is standing as a port of call and a hub of economic activity for key corporates and oil and gas players.”
“The Port is, further, facilitating the import of raw materials and re-export of goods. Capitalising on its existing infrastructure and abundant land area, the Port offers opportunities to accommodate storage and distribution facilities for oil and gas cargo logistics. This is based on the rise of cargo operations, which we are currently servicing while intending to offer space leasing for cargo too. It is the clear vision of the Port of Duqm to become the region’s most preferred multi-purpose port, and the entire marketing strategy is built around that. In view of that, all major shipping lines like Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, Hapag Lloyd and Evergreen have acknowledged Duqm as the end destination for their containers, and containerised cargo is being shipped to and from Duqm accordingly,” the CEO added.
On the other hand, Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, CEO of Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL), said, “The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is offering several investment opportunities and I’ve witnessed an incredible growth and development in the recent past. Oman is taking a serious aspiration for establishment of attractive projects in Duqm while the infrastructure is being upscaled almost on daily basis.”
Such business forums undoubtedly bring fruitful outcomes and benefits for all participants, including corporates and individuals alike. Further, the attendees were familiarised with the key achievements of Port of Duqm, and the future promising plans and strategies for its development. In due course, they have commended the Port of Duqm’s taking the lead in organising such an enlightening economic forum. — ONA
