Muscat, 8 Jul (ONA) — Sohar Port and Freezone achieved impressive results for the first quarter of 2021, recording growth in all categories of shipping and cargo handling.

The port recorded an increase in its production capacity by 21% compared to the same period in the previous year, and dry bulk volume grew by 25% to exceed 9 million tons.

Breakbulk handling saw a rise by 7% to stand at 426,783 tons, and liquid bulk reached 4 million tons, comprising an increase of 7%. The number of handled containers went up by 1.8% to 197.000.

In addition, the port also recorded a surge of 200% Ship-to-Ship (STS) cargo given its strategic location and its reputation for delivering unmatched quality of service with quick turnaround times with its ever growing STS Customer base.

Mark Geilenkirchen, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar Port said that the year-on-year throughput growth at Sohar Port and Freezone has transformed the Sultanate’s capacity for worldwide trade. The results of the first quarter of 2021 show that there is very strong demand for raw materials for industry and consumer goods, fueled by the recovery of economies around the world, he added.

He explained that the robust business continuity strategy and advantageous position at the crossroads of global trade routes has helped Sohar Port and Freezone to manage increased levels of cargo traffic and ensure a seamless and continuous flow of operations to support the national economy.

On his turn, Omar Mahmood al-Mahrizi, CEO of Sohar Freezone, Deputy CEO of Sohar Port, said that Sohar is positioned as a logistics gateway and is integral to bringing in the requisite goods to clients within the freezone and industries in the region which rely on a steady flow of materials. Further expansion of the port will increase Oman’s role as an international trade hub, attracting more leading global partners and establishing itself as the ideal location for business partners from outside the Gulf, he added.

Al Mahrizi pointed out that those results would not have been realized if it was not for the unwavering dedication of the Sohar Port and Freezone staff, looking forward for additional growth with their partners in the Free Zone.

Sohar Port and Freezone is renowned as one of the fastest-growing complexes of its kind in the world and is currently undergoing significant developments especially its industrial cluster. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as it offers a myriad of incentives for businesses and investors, including easy set-up facilities and a One-Stop-Shop for regulatory procedures. Meanwhile, the port’s own unique online route planner, ‘SOHAR Navigate’, has been specifically designed to help companies use container transportation in smarter ways for their supply chain.

— Ends/AG/AH