Salalah Port Increases Handling Capacity to 6 Million Containers Annually

Salalah Port has completed its expansion plan aimed at increasing its container handling capacity from 5 million to 6 million TEUs annually, with the arrival of the final four large cranes.

Reduction in Ship Dwell Time

Scott Salman, Chief Operating Officer of Salalah Port, announced that the arrival of these cranes at Salalah Port will help reduce ship dwell time significantly, enabling faster access to the upper layers of vessels and enhancing the port’s capability to attract the largest ships built globally.

Enhancing Port’s Ability to Attract the Largest Ships

With this new development, Salalah Port has boosted its ability to attract the largest ships in the world. The goal of this expansion is to enhance global trade connectivity, improve the port’s infrastructure, and increase the efficiency of marine services provided by strategic partners, aiming to make the port a primary gateway for international trade and a global maritime hub.

Testing and Commissioning of New Cranes

Currently, the four new cranes are being tested for transferring cargo from ships to shore to ensure their operational readiness and are expected to contribute to the station’s productivity starting in August. Additionally, two more cranes are undergoing testing.

High-Efficiency Electric Cranes

The new electric cranes are among the largest of their kind in the world, setting new standards in terms of size and efficiency. These cranes can handle vessels with a depth of 26 containers, have a lift height of 58 meters above the rail, a total height of 77 meters (including below the rail), and a maximum lifting capacity of 105 tons, making them capable of servicing the largest container ships currently in operation.

Upgrading the Port’s Electrical Network

Significant efforts have been made to upgrade the existing electrical network at Salalah Port, including the construction of a new high-capacity substation and high-voltage feed lines to reinforce the port’s electrical network built in 1998. This will prepare the station for future additional demand as equipment runs on electricity.

Investment in Achieving Zero Carbon Emissions

Salalah Port is investing to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040, with ambitious plans for hydrogen and renewable energy in the near future.

Infrastructure Development and Preparation for “Gemini” Alliance

Additional work at the port includes yard expansion and new road construction, with upgrades to the existing four berths to support the new cranes completed. Two berths are under construction, and the additional capacity will enable the station to handle the requirements of the “Gemini” Alliance, set to be operational from the first quarter of 2025.

Outstanding Operational Performance of Salalah Port

Salalah Port has shown excellent operational performance and has expanded its logistical services to meet the changing demands of local and global markets, adapting to maintain the logistical supply chain and ensuring the availability of goods and products.

Second Most Efficient Container Port Globally

According to the Container Port Performance Index 2023, published in June by the World Bank and Global Market Intelligence (S&P Global), Salalah Port maintained its position as the second most efficient container port in the world for the third consecutive year.

A Key Gateway for Oman in International Maritime Trade

Salalah Port, which began its commercial operations in 1998, is recognized as a key gateway for Oman in international maritime trade and a global hub for container transshipment. The port is designed to be sustainable and scalable, aligning with the advancement of maritime trade and the integration of technology into operational processes. Its strategic location close to global shipping routes connecting the East and the West makes it one of the top transshipment ports in the world, reducing time and distance and providing facilities to accommodate second and third-generation container ships.

Extensive Global Port Connections

The port currently has direct links with over 50 ports worldwide and facilitates short-sea shipping and container transshipment to East Africa, India, and the GCC markets. Direct shipping times from Salalah Port to New York and Shanghai are 14 days, to Mombasa 7 days, to Singapore 6 days, to Jeddah 4 days, and to Karachi 3 days, providing integrated logistical services in coordination with Salalah Airport.

Comprehensive Logistical and Operational Services

Salalah Port receives more than 2,500 ships annually and offers services including loading and unloading, container maintenance and repair, tug services, fuel supply, and cargo storage. The port boasts high logistical capabilities and operational capacities to handle various sizes of vessels.

Source: Salalah Port Increases Handling Capacity to 6 Million Containers Annually (omannews.gov.om)