Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has announced a new passenger ferry between Shinas Port and Bandar Abbas Port in Iran.

The move is part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance and maximise revenues from Omani ports and develop Shinas Port further.

Introduction of the new route follows a partnership agreement between QS Maritime, operator and developer of Shinas Port, and World Modern Lights. The partnership aims to boost tourism and trade between Oman and Iran, according to the ministry.

Besides introduction of the new route, the partnership will see development and operations of a new passenger terminal and lounge at Shinas Port which will offer modern facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience for travellers.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Abdullah al Muqbali, CEO of QS Maritime, informed that work is currently underway on the new passenger terminal. “We expect the work to be completed in four months, with the ferry service for passengers and vehicles starting in December.”

The ferry will link Shinas to Bandar Abbas via Khasab.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Shinas Port, Muqbali emphasised its role in consolidating Oman’s position in the logistics sector and its integration into global supply chains.

Iran is currently planning to launch new passenger routes connecting the islands of Kish and Qeshm to Oman and Dubai.

In May, Hojjatollah Abdolmaleki, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of Free Industrial Trade and Special Economic Zones, was quoted by Iranian Tasnim News Agency stating that the country was focusing on developing marine tourism in its free zones.

“In addition to developing domestic sea lines, there are plans to launch recreational and passenger lines from Kish and Qeshm islands to the destinations of Dubai and Oman,” he said.