Dry bulk up 38% as Sohar registers strong results

(Posted on 05/12/22)

SOHAR Port and Freezone has announced Strong results for the third quarter of 2022 as the Port throughput reported an increase by 32% over the same period last year.

As the rapidly growing complex continues to transform the Sultanate’s burgeoning maritime and logistics industries, dry bulk volume grew by 38% to almost 11.8 million tons, liquid bulk increased by 28% to just over 5 million tons. The number of handled containers increased by 4% to 188,604 TEU. In addition, the Port also recorded robust growth of 60% increase in Ship-to-Ship (STS) cargo given its strategic location and its reputation for delivering unmatched quality of service with quick turnaround times with our ever-growing STS Customer base.

Emile Hoogsteden, Chief Executive Officer of SOHAR Port said, “The year 2022 has been tumultuous when it comes to higher energy costs and soaring consumer food prices globally, which have led to higher marine bunker prices and an increase in shipping costs for all sectors. With that said, we have been pleased with our performance, as well as seeing throughput grow quarter on quarter, year versus year.” He added, “As we embark on 2023, we are optimistic about what the year holds for us. With the continuous support of our shareholders at Asyad Group and Port of Rotterdam, we are confident that SOHAR Port and Freezone will continue to grow and place Oman on the global trade and logistics map. We are also excited about the prospects of investments in the realm of green hydrogen, supported by the recently signed agreement between Oman and the Netherlands at COP 27, which will contribute to building the global green hydrogen value chain, as well as boost port development opportunities.”

Meanwhile, the SOHAR Freezone’s performance has been unrelenting in Q3 2022 with 11.2% increase in exports, and 4.2% increase in land occupancy compared with the same period last year. With a bespoke regulatory and incentive scheme program to attract Foreign Direct Investment, phase one of the Freezone is now occupied at over 75% capacity.

Omar Al Mahrizi, Chief Executive Officer of SOHAR Freezone and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SOHAR Port said, added, “The growth we have achieved in 2022 to date provides a solid platform for even better results during 2023. Further expansion is planned as we continue to reach out to overseas investors about the potential of SOHAR Port and Freezone to meet their logistical needs in the region.” He added, “In line with the aims of Oman Vision 2040 and considering the financial and economic measures the government is taking, the national economy is expected to grow by 5.7 percent next year. As a key enabler of growth, we look forward to more successes and achievements as SOHAR Freezone continue to attract Foreign Direct Investments and be the home of mega-projects in the fields of manufacturing consumer goods, food and industrial supplies, while offering competitive incentives and benefits.” “In addition, and in line with its in-country-value strategy, SOHAR Port and Freezone local awarded outsourcing contracts increased by 114%.,” Omar concluded.

SOHAR Port and Freezone has attracted USD 27 billion in total investment as part of a long-term commitment to developing Oman’s economy in line with the objectives of Vision 2040. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, SOHAR is one of the world’s fastest-growing complexes of its kind and significant developments within its industrial and food clusters are currently underway. The company is also exploring investment in green and renewable energy to make the Port and Freezone more efficient and environmentally conscious for the benefit of tenants, clients, the community, and the environment.

Latest News

EIB provides €80m loan for Bilbao expansion and electrification

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an €80 million loan with the Port Authority of Bilbao... Read more

Steel supplier Outokumpu invests €40m at Mukran Port

Mukran Port on the island of Rügen, Germany, has gained a strategically important partner for the... Read more

AD Ports consolidates digital capabilities into Maqta Technologies Group

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced... Read more

Haivanship expands operations into northern Vietnam

Leading Vietnamese maritime-logistics operator Haivanship (HVS) is growing its Konecranes fleet with... Read more

Ghent boosts bulk handling with a Gen 6 Konecranes Gottwald MHC

Euroports Group is set to strengthen its bulk handling capacity at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the addition... Read more

Europe’s first fully electric tug delivered to Antwerp-Bruges

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD Tugs 2513 to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The... Read more

Hamburg bulks show mixed trends

Throughput of bulk cargo at the Port of Hamburg has experienced a slight recovery over the course of... Read more

LAR in Angola reinforces transport capacity with new wagons

The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has taken an important step this week towards strengthening its transport... Read more

ABP’s Port of Hull welcomes two new build Eco Traders

The Port of Hull recently welcomed two new eco-friendly vessels built for charterer Ahlmark Lines AB... Read more

Port of Detroit awarded $24m by EPA for climate-friendly upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a historic move toward green infrastructure, has... Read more