Suwaiq – Cargo handled at Suwaiq Port rose 38.6% in the first half of 2026, while the number of ships calling at the North Batinah facility increased 35%, reflecting stronger trade activity and wider use of the port for food, bulk cargo and vehicles.

The port handled 560,600 tonnes of cargo between January and June, up from 404,600 tonnes in the same period of 2025, according to figures released by the port administration.

Vessel calls increased to 590 from 437 a year earlier.

Dry bulk cargo rose 24.8% to 267,200 tonnes from 214,100 tonnes, while foodstuffs, vegetables, fruits and meat recorded one of the strongest increases, climbing 77.6% to 96,600 tonnes from 54,400 tonnes.

The port also handled 68,700 head of livestock during the period. No livestock shipments were recorded in the first half of 2025 following a redistribution of consignments to other Omani ports under the national plan.

Suwaiq Port handles general cargo, dry bulk, containers and vehicle shipments, as well as small and medium-sized vessels. It can receive ships of up to 10,000 tonnes, depending on vessel type.

Samir bin Ghulam Al Balushi, Director of Suwaiq Port, said the facility continues to support supply chains between Oman and neighbouring countries, particularly for food imports.

He said the launch of an electronic portal for shipping agents had helped speed up procedures and improve operational efficiency.

The port has also expanded its services to receive container vessels and vehicle carriers, broadening its role in import, export and re-export trade.

Al Balushi said a market and investment study for the planned expansion of Suwaiq Port, which will be implemented in four phases, has been completed.

Consultancy services for the first phase will next be tendered and awarded, followed by the construction contract, paving the way for work to begin under the approved plan.

Key goods moving through the port include vegetables, fruits, food products, building materials, equipment, general cargo, containers and vehicles.

“Suwaiq Port continues to implement a number of initiatives and development projects,” Al Balushi said, citing the reorganisation of operational areas, expansion preparations, upgraded monitoring systems and further digitalisation aimed at improving efficiency, safety and service quality.