Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday for the management, development and operation of Khasab Port with Oman International Container Terminal (Hutchison Ports Sohar).

The MoU will be carried out in two phases. During the first phase, the two parties will complete the draft agreement and then sign the final deal by early August. This will be followed by operations and management of the port by Hutchison Ports Sohar, starting from October.

The second phase includes the company preparing and completing studies and designs for the port’s general development in preparation for signing a concession agreement and starting long-term development work in 2025.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by H E Eng Saeed bin Hamoud al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Anson Kim, CEO of Hutchison Ports Sohar.

In a press statement, H E Ma’awali said the MoU will serve the local community by developing the port to world-class standards, while preserving the identity of the place. He noted that a workshop will be held in May to discuss ways to develop Khasab Port with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.