Muscat – Oman’s ports sector delivered strong operational performance and recorded robust growth in 2025, driven by increased vessel traffic and higher container and cargo handling volumes. This reflects the growing role of Omani ports as a key pillar supporting the national economy and boosting trade.

Maktoum bin Rashid Al Shehhi, Assistant Director-General for Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), said operational indicators for Omani ports in 2025 recorded remarkable growth, reflecting the accelerating pace of commercial and logistical activity.

Vessel traffic exceeded 13,576 ships, compared to 12,393 vessels in 2024, representing growth of 9.5%. This demonstrates increasing international confidence in the efficiency of Omani ports and their ability to accommodate rising maritime traffic.

In a statement to Oman News Agency, Al Shehhi said the total number of containers handled surpassed 5mn TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2025, compared to approximately 4mn TEUs in 2024, marking growth of 21.6%.

“This rapid increase confirms the improvement in operational efficiency and expanded handling capacity, in addition to the success of development plans in strengthening the position of Omani ports as pivotal logistics hubs in the region,” he said.

He added that the total volume of goods handled through Omani ports in 2025 exceeded 143mn tonnes, compared to 137mn tonnes in 2024, representing an increase of 4.3%. This reflects the diversity of economic activities served by the ports and their key role in trade.

Omani ports also recorded growth in vehicle imports in 2025, reaching more than 98,000 vehicles, compared to 91,000 vehicles in 2024, an increase of 8.3%. The number of imported livestock rose to 4.1mn head, compared to 4mn head in 2024, reflecting growth of 2.4%.

This strong performance of the ports sector coincides with the continued implementation of a package of strategic projects overseen by MTCIT. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen infrastructure, and attract new shipping lines and markets, thereby boosting the regional and international competitiveness of Omani ports. This aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and reinforce Oman’s position as a key logistics hub in the region.

Al Shehhi affirmed that MTCIT is developing strategies and policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the ports sector and consolidating the sultanate’s logistical standing. He noted that the development plans and a new master plan for Shinas Port were finalised in 2025, with implementation set to commence following the signing of the concession agreement, which is nearing completion.

He added that the ministry has issued a tender for the construction of a breakwater, a fixed quay and land reclamation works at Sultan Qaboos Port. This will support commercial and tourism-related activities. MTCIT is also working on several maritime tourism projects, including the development of Khor Grama and Khor Al-Fawaris to create new tourist destinations that will attract luxury yachts and revitalise leisure boating.