Latest news with #SOHARPort
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SOHAR Port and Freezone recognized for safety excellence
Suhar – In recognition of its commitment to the highest health and safety standards, SOHAR Port and Freezone has been awarded the RoSPA Gold Sector Award for Health and Safety for the full year of 2025, marking its second consecutive win. This achievement, presented by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK's largest and most respected safety awards program now in its 68th year, highlights SOHAR's dedication to fostering a safe, efficient, and sustainability-driven operational culture. The awards attract nearly 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees worldwide, underscoring the significance of this achievement. Commenting on the recognition, Eng. Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master at SOHAR Port and Freezone, stated: 'We are proud to receive the RoSPA Award for the second year in a row, a reflection of the strong partnerships we have built with our tenants, operators, and stakeholders across the port and freezone. This international recognition is a tangible outcome of our shared commitment to upholding world-class health and safety standards, while fostering an operational environment rooted in sustainability and efficiency. We remain focused on this path, working together to create a safer workplace that reflects our long-term vision of institutional excellence.' This award aligns with SOHAR's strategic direction to build a world-class operational ecosystem, driven by a deeply embedded safety culture and long-term partnerships that continue to strengthen the port's competitiveness as a leading industrial and logistics hub in the region. About SOHAR Port and Freezone SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.6% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4 million metric tons, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernization aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Port and Freezone inaugurates one of a kind Sohar Emergency Response Organization
Suhar – Under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, SOHAR Port and Freezone hosted the inauguration ceremony of the SOHAR Emergency Response Organization, a milestone that redefines industrial safety and resilience in Oman. The SOHAR Emergency Response Organization is a fully integrated initiative, jointly established by SOHAR Port and Freezone in close partnership with its tenant community. Designed to serve all stakeholders, from employees and contractors to port users and visitors ,this model represents a unified, community-wide approach to emergency preparedness. Its collective nature is what sets it apart as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region. Ensuring the safety of people and the protection of valuable assets are fundamental principles at SOHAR. The Emergency Response Organization enhances risk mitigation, safeguards facilities, and ensures business continuity, directly supporting SOHAR's mission to be a reliable, safe, and sustainable industrial hub. H.E. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, emphasized the broader significance of this achievement: 'The SOHAR Emergency Response Organization represents a critical step in aligning with Oman's vision for resilience and sustainability. By enhancing safety standards and ensuring operational continuity, it supports not only SOHAR's growth but also Oman's strategic objectives in the logistics sector.' 'This is not just a facility, it is a strategic outcome of collaboration,' said Abdullah Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone. ' Together with our tenants, we have built a shared resource that protects the entire SOHAR ecosystem. This unified model reflects our collective responsibility toward safety, operational excellence, and long-term resilience.' Operating 24/7 and equipped with advanced technologies, the center provides rapid response to a wide range of emergency scenarios, from medical incidents and industrial fires to hazardous materials and technical rescues. Developed in collaboration with international experts such as the Safety Authority Rotterdam, and operated by Unity Fire and Safety Services LLC, the facility aligns with the best global practices adapted to the local context. The inauguration of the SOHAR Emergency Response Organization sets a new regional benchmark in industrial safety, not only for its operational capability, but for its ability to unite diverse stakeholders under one mission: protecting the entire SOHAR community through collective action. About SOHAR Port and Freezone As one of the fastest-growing ports in the world, SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to leverage on its strategic location and enhance its services, positioning itself as a key logistics hub within the region and across the world boasting container, liquids, and bulk terminals. A powerful combination of the expertise of the Port of Rotterdam and ASYAD Group, it is earmarked as one of the Sultanate's mega-projects, home to logistics, petrochemicals, and metal clusters, as well as the region's first dedicated agri terminal. Today, after 20 years of operation, it serves as the main gateway for import and export in Oman, directly contributing 2.1% of the country's GDP and almost 42,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. With a focus on sustainable development and cutting-edge technology, it is leading the development and modernization of the Sultanate's logistics infrastructure and supporting the economic diversification objectives of Oman's 2040 Vision. For more information about SOHAR Port and Freezone, please visit
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ICIEC issues USD 40mln insurance policy to support dredging & development of SOHAR Port and Freezone
Algiers, Algeria – The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, announced on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meeting 2025 in Algiers the signing of a Specific Transaction Policy (STP) for Royal Boskalis (Boskalis), valued at USD 40 million. The agreement, signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, underpins a project critical to expanding Oman's logistics capacity. By deepening navigation channels and enhancing jetty infrastructure these strategic developments will significantly increase SOHAR Port's throughput capacity, attract high-value industrial investments, and solidify the Sultanate's role as a leading regional maritime hub all in alignment with Oman Logistics Strategy 2040. Moreover, this will pave the way for a major energy milestone: the launch of the Middle East's first LNG bunkering project, MARSA LNG, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and OQEP, positioning Oman at the forefront of clean maritime fuel. Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, remarked: ' By supporting Boskalis' participation in the SOHAR Port and Freezone South Expansion Project, we are helping to secure the delivery of a project that will fortify Oman's gateway to world trade, generate skilled employment and promote sustainable, diversified growth. ICIEC's mission is to back the infrastructure that opens new trade corridors, deepens connectivity and broadens economic opportunity across our member states.' About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC): ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an "Aa3" insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody's, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, ICIEC has been assigned a First-Time 'AA-' long-term Issuer Credit Rating by S&P with Stable Outlook. ICIEC's resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors - energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
ME Construction
16-05-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
BESIX secures Marine contract at Sohar Port and Freezone
Infrastructure BESIX secures Marine contract at Sohar Port and Freezone By The scope of work includes constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) jetty, implementing shore protection measures, and developing an advanced drainage network BESIX recently secured an award for a marine infrastructure project at SOHAR Port and Freezone in Oman. The project award sees BESIX's return to the Omani market and marks the expansion of its regional activities beyond the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The project scope includes constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) jetty, implementing shore protection measures, and developing an advanced drainage network. The contract will be executed by BESIX, leveraging its marine expertise and record in the Sultanate. The firm says it has completed various marine projects in the region, including the marine works at the Duqm refinery and Sultan Qaboos Port, the seawater intake system in Barka, and earlier developments at Sohar Port. Construction is scheduled to commence in summer 2025 and is expected to last 16 months. The new LNG jetty will be a crucial component of the infrastructure supporting the Marsa LNG project, which aims to be the Middle East's first fully solar-powered LNG bunkering hub. By facilitating the safe and efficient transfer of cleaner marine fuel, the jetty contributes significantly to the project's broader sustainability goals. Emile Hoogsteden, CEO, SOHAR Port said, 'Partnering with BESIX on this strategic development reinforces our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. The new LNG jetty is a cornerstone of the Marsa LNG project, and it exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure that positions SOHAR as a leader in green maritime logistics.' Peter Lembrechts, General Manager, BESIX Middle East added, 'This contract represents the trusted collaboration we first established with Sohar Port years ago. We look forward to delivering this project with the same focus, reliability, and excellence that define BESIX across Oman and the Gulf.' BESIX has been delivering jetties worldwide for several decades. Their portfolio includes jetties such as the South Hook Terminal in the UK, Wheatstone LNG in Australia, LNG Kitimat in Canada, the LNG import terminal in Bahrain, and Ain Sokhna LNG in Egypt.
Zawya
11-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Port and Freezone and IPCSA host first port community systems masterclass in the region
Muscat, Oman - SOHAR Port and Freezone, in collaboration with the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), is proud to announce the launch of a specialized training programme on Port Community Systems (PCS). This initiative supports the National Port Community System Project led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, which aims to enhance digital efficiency across Oman's ports. The four-day masterclass will bring together terminal operators and government stakeholders for comprehensive training on the implementation and governance of integrated PCS solutions. The programme is designed to accelerate SOHAR's digital transformation, enhance the skills of stakeholders, and support the Ministry's efforts in driving digital innovation across the sector. As the first IPCSA-led masterclass of its kind in the region, this initiative reflects SOHAR Port and Freezone's commitment to adopting global best practices, promoting digital excellence, and supporting Oman's Vision 2040. It positions SOHAR as a regional leader in trade facilitation, ensuring secure, efficient, and integrated logistics services. The Masterclass will cover essential aspects of PCS development and operation, beginning with an introduction to PCS concepts, stakeholder engagement, and foundational principles of building a robust port community. It will then explore governance frameworks, business models, and implementation strategies, followed by an in-depth examination of modern PCS IT architectures, resilience measures, and emerging challenges for digital port ecosystems. The programme will conclude with a detailed review of PCS operational processes, international standards, and the range of services enabled by PCS platfo His Excellency Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al-Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Transport, emphasized that the Port Community System (PCS) is one of the key systems supporting the implementation of the Oman Logistics Strategy 2040. It enhances the Sultanate's competitiveness, facilitates trade, improves operational efficiency, accelerates transaction processing, and provides easy access to shipment and vessel information by digitizing the supply chain in the Sultanate. His Excellency further explained that the project will cover major ports, airports, and border crossings nationwide. It will integrate automated cargo handling systems (including cranes, conveyors, and robots) with the digital Port Community System (PCS) to ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders, enable real-time shipment tracking using Internet of Things (IoT), and implement predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence. 'The Masterclass will equip our people with the expertise to drive digital transformation, strengthen collaboration across our stakeholder ecosystem, and ensure SOHAR remains a benchmark for smart, secure, and sustainable trade,' said Jasim Al Yamani, VP of Technology at SOHAR Port and Freezone. 'Our partnership with IPCSA reflects our commitment to global best practices and to delivering lasting value for our customers, the logistics industry, and Oman's future as a regional gateway.' By enabling industry stakeholders with the latest knowledge and tools, SOHAR Port and Freezone and IPCSA are paving the way for a more resilient and connected trade ecosystem. This initiative not only supports Oman's ambitions for economic diversification and global competitiveness but also serves as an invitation for partners and stakeholders to collaborate with the National Port Community System initiative led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in building an advanced, technology-driven logistics system ready for the future. About SOHAR Port and Freezone As one of the world's most rapidly growing integrated industrial and logistics projects, SOHAR Port and Freezone capitalizes on its strategic location to cement its status as a crucial logistics hub in the region and globally. A unique collaboration between the Port of Rotterdam and ASYAD Group marks it as a key mega-project in Oman, offering a range of services including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated Cargo terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR is the main gateway for Oman's import and export, contributing 2.1% to the nation's GDP and creating almost 42,000 jobs. Committed to sustainable development and advanced technology, SOHAR is modernizing logistics infrastructure in line with the economic diversification goals of Oman's 2040 Vision.
