Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology today signed a concession agreement with Asyad Group to develop, manage, and operate A’Suwaiq Port for 40 years. The agreement is aimed at transforming A’Suwaiq Port into a major commercial hub that supports the national economy and bolsters the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a global logistics center.
According to Oman News Agency, the agreement aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to enhance Omani ports, improve import and export operations, and attract new shipping lines to better connect Oman with international markets. The agreement was signed by Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Abdul Salam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (OIA).
The agreement outlines plans for constructing a 500-meter-long, 14-meter-deep sea berth capable of accommodating various ship sizes and handling different types of cargo, including bulk, liquid, dry, general ca
rgo, and vehicles. It also includes modern handling systems to improve operational efficiency and expand storage capacities to meet growing demand.
The port’s area is set to expand to over 360,000 square meters to cater to the local economy’s needs, particularly in the food security sector. This expansion aims to maintain A’Suwaiq Port’s role as a multi-purpose commercial hub and attract new international shipping lines.
Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali emphasized that the agreement seeks to enhance infrastructure through public-private partnerships, aiming to achieve economic diversification and strengthen Oman’s competitive edge in international markets. Abdul Salam Mohammed Al Murshidi noted that the deal is a significant step in consolidating strategic partnerships and offers Asyad Group a chance to develop A’Suwaiq Port as a cornerstone of economic diversification and a global logistics center.
Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, highlighted the port’s importance, noting its re
cent handling of about 4,700 ships with a cargo volume of 4 million tons. The agreement is expected to attract new investments, improve existing systems, and connect the port with major road networks like Al Batinah Coastal Road, Al Batinah Expressway, and Khazaen Economic City.
Omar Mahmoud Al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports, stated that since Asyad Group began operating the port in 2018, there has been steady development in goods handling. Through this agreement, Asyad Group plans to complete construction projects, expand dock areas, and accommodate increasing port traffic.
The development will focus on integrating A’Suwaiq Port with Sohar Port and the dry port in Khazaen Economic City, facilitating the exchange of goods, particularly those from the Islamic Republic of Iran.