Muscat – Oman’s integrated logistics service provider Asyad Group has invited local and international private sector parties to invest in the expansion of Suwaiq Port within the framework of a joint cooperation programme.

Asyad’s expression of interest tender includes developing, operating and management of Suwaiq Port, so that the 600sqm port would continue to perform its role as a multi-purpose commercial port in accordance with global standards.

The expansion seeks to enable the port to receive mega ships, thereby opening international maritime routes and handle general, liquid and loose cargo, as well as livestock and vehicles, at an operational capacity of 10mn tonnes per annum.

Dr Ahmed Mohammed al Abri, CEO of Asyad Ports, said that the step aims to encourage all firms to express their desire to participate in this major project. He added that the move will enable Suwaiq Port to prepare designs to make deeper quays, raise the reception capacity of the facility and enhance its competitiveness at regional and international levels. It will also meet the local economy’s needs, notably in the field of food security, he said.

Abri told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Suwaiq expansion figures among Asyad’s strategic goals of developing into a leading regional hub, besides making the sultanate an international logistics centre.

The target expansion comes as a natural outcome of the growth the port undergoes year after year, which is a testimony to the ongoing expansion of the business and economy sectors, Abri said. He added that the project will attract investments, activate the labour market and achieve twinship with the Port of Sohar.

Speaking about the terms of the expression of interest document, Abri said that they state the augmentation of the reception capacity of the port by 5mn tonnes a year for general cargo and 5mn a year for liquid cargo, in addition to the setting up of 14m multi-purpose quays for the reception of mega ships.

The applications deadline has been extended to December 6, 2021. The tender document is available at Asyad headquarters and via its website.