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Omani ports report positive performance despite virus

13 Feb 2021

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global trade and economy, Oman’s strategically located and well-equipped ports, offering end-to-end comprehensive logistics solutions, have witnessed a surge in their operational and commercial business. 

In 2020, Omani ports handled about 54mn tonnes of general cargo, 18.4mn tonnes of liquid bulk and 5.2mn TEUs (twenty feet equivalent unit) containers- recording a 3.45 per cent and 5 per cent rise, respectively in the latter two segments compared to 2019. 

Livestock direct imports saw a noteworthy increase in 2020, marking a 38.7 per cent rise versus 2019, with 2.5mn heads of cattle imported through Omani ports in 2020. 

Working in close cooperation with government agencies, Asyad Group endeavoured to facilitate cross-regional trade and secure local market requirements for commodities and goods from their country of origin, through linking Omani ports with 86 regional and global counterparts, according to a press statement. 

The resilient and prompt response of Omani ports to the repercussions of the global pandemic is a testament to the effectiveness of their operations, leadership and the integrated model and collaborative efforts amongst the logistics sector in Oman. 

An upward momentum in volume of handling and cargo operations featured the annual performance of Omani ports in 2020 at a time direct imports from global and regional destinations also saw a boost, thanks to tremendous efforts exerted by Asyad Group, which linked the sultanate’s ports with 86 regional counterparts. 

Omani ports recorded imports and exports of around 106,900 vehicles and machineries in 2020; 13.4 per cent lower than the previous year, due to the slowdown of the global economy and its direct impact on the local and regional markets. 

As per the statistics available, more than 9000 vessels called on the Omani ports in 2020.

Asyad Group continued to put into practice the National Logistics Strategy 2040 (SOLS 2040) to reinforce Oman as a global logistics hub through increasing direct shipping lines; operating 200 cargo ship weekly trips; facilitating direct export and import of goods from their countries of origin; and boosting the government’s returns on investments in seaports, free zones, shipping, and logistics companies. 

In addition to the direct services made available to traders and importers to minimise their shipping costs and streamline incoming shipments to Oman, 90 per cent of goods are today cleared within an hour of arrival through Bayan customs system, and a wide range of incentives are provided by governmental entities to investors.

 

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