Original news was published on 22 February, 2017

Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone handled approximately 619,000 TEU and over 2.3Mt of breakbulk cargo in 2016, up 15% and 18% respectively.

The port’s strong trading performance was attributable to it attracting several new services while its existing customers generally handled more cargo than in the previous year.

Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of the port, is confident that 2017 will be another successful year for Sohar. In an address at the port’s annual business meeting recently held in Muscat, he outlined the port’s main plans for the year that will sustain the growth momentum.

In particular, he pointed to expansion of the port, including the start of the phase two development programme for the free zone. In addition, Geilenkirchen drew attention to further improvements in the food logistics zone and to better connectivity between the port’s maritime, logistics and warehousing activities.

He explained: “Sohar Port South is a significant land reclamation area and it will accommodate new industrial projects that will be announced soon. The project will also include new deep-water berths to the south of the existing port area and it will give a substantial boost to the Sultanate’s diversification efforts, which are aimed at increasing the contribution of the non-oil sectors to Oman’s GDP.”

At the meeting, the executive also stressed the importance technology, stressing that a new innovation zone would be created in conjunction with Rotterdam Port Authority, which is Sohar’s strategic partner.

“Together with private sector companies, international research institutes and some of the world’s leading universities, we are seeking innovative solutions across a broad range of issues that affect our shipping, logistics and industrial sectors,” said Geilenkirchen. “In Sohar we always say ‘it all starts here’ and that has never been truer than now. It means 2017 promises to be our most exciting year ever.”

*NEWS SOURCE