Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Port of Salalah has achieved 13% increase in handling containers in H1, 2020 and also secured three additional services connecting European and Red Sea ports. 

During H1, 2020, the Port of Salalah handled 2,199,000 TEU’s compared to 1,941,000 TEU’s during the same period in 2019, which is an increase of 13%. Revenues from the Cargo Terminal also grew by 3% compared to the same period last year. The General Cargo Terminal handled 7,308,000 tonnes of cargo. 

Despite the negative impact of COVID 19, which has significantly affected the global economy during Q2, as well as the shipping industry and business at ports, the Port of Salalah has been working to achieve higher volumes and expand its logistic services to address the changing needs of local and international markets and mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain and logistics sector, enhancing its strategic location on international shipping lines and international navigation, stated a press release. 

Abdulrahman Salim al Hatmi, ASYAD Group Chief Executive Officer, said that these positive results reflect the global pivotal role of the Port of Salalah as a transshipment hub which has also mitigated the negative impact of COVID-19 on local markets and ensured the availability of goods.

The Port of Salalah secured three additional shipping lines during Q2, 2020 – the peak of the COVID-19 situation. These services add increased connectivity to and from Salalah, enabling local trade access to some key regional markets. 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) added a call to Salalah on its premium Himalaya Express which provides additional direct connectivity to North Europe while the JJS service of Global Feeder Shipping has enhanced connectivity to ports in the Red Sea like Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Global Resources and Shipping, a niche operator, has also commenced a regular service into Yemen with plans to expand to other ports where traditional shipping lines cannot serve. 

Mark Hardiman, CEO, Port of Salalah, said, “The new situation due to COVID-19 provides opportunities to enhance Salalah’s overall value proposition to both, the shipping lines and supply chain providers. We are working closely with our partners to not only provide new services via Salalah but also develop innovative solutions which adds to the flexibility of the port and resilience of the supply chain during this time of global changes. 

“We are delighted to see the acceptance of these concepts which validates a need for new solutions. The port is committed to continue exploring new opportunities which will enhance regional connectivity and support local trade and the port’s active contribution to Oman’s 2040 vision of its economic diversification strategy.”