Call for sea bridge as Shannah, Masirah see traffic surge
Muscat: Shannah and Masirah ports witnessed a significant increase in maritime activity during the Eid al-Fitr holidays as several people visited the islands.
At the same time, several island residents also visited several governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to meet friends and for Eid shopping.
The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs in the Al Wusta Governorate ensured a safe maritime environment with direct supervision of the activities at the two ports, which included ferries operated by both Mwasalat and some private operators.
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As ferries are the main link that connects people on the island, several residents and businesses argued that the bridge is an important requirement to serve both citizens and the growth of the local tourism and the economy.
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They also claimed that taking ferries that take more than an hour to arrive, and sometimes services are cancelled at the last moment.
The Observer had earlier reported that transport connectivity is key to exploring the potential of Masirah Island, situated in the Arabian off the east of the Sultanate of Oman.
The largest Island is one of the country is part of the South Sharqiyah Governorate.
Currently, the population of the island is connected to the rest of the country with a ferry service, including for the transport of private vehicles, to the Shannah Port on the other side.
There is a regular daily bus service from the capital, Muscat, to the Shannah Ferry Port. The other option is the weekly twice-flight services between Muscat and Masirah Island.
Speaking to the Observer, Sheikh Abdullah Ba'awain, Wali of Masirah, said the region has been receiving a large number of both foreign and domestic tourists, especially during the summer windy months, which is the main attraction of the island for activities like kitesurfing or kitesurfing.
He added that recently, a tender was awarded to build a multipurpose port in Masirah valued at over RO28 million.
"The project, which will be an extension of the existing port, will include main and secondary breakwaters, fixed docks, floating moorings, and modern facilities, which will contribute to raising the efficiency of marine operations, fish production, and improving marine transport. It will also help to use large and advanced vessels that will reduce the current travel time by sea."
It may be noted that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has floated tenders for site selection studies, master plans, design, and supervision for the development of an airport in Masirah.
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