Oman’s maritime trade not impacted by COVID-19 measures

PREVENTIVE STEPS: Authorities at Sohar, Salalah and Duqm ports adopt guidelines to secure their staff from potential exposure to coronavirus

Cargo flows in and out of Oman’s three principal gateways at Sohar, Duqm and Salalah continue uninterrupted despite measures introduced by the government to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

High-level officials at the three hubs contacted by the Observer confirmed that the measures, most notably a month-long moratorium on cruise ships calling at Omani ports, have no impact on merchant ships carrying maritime cargo – which forms the lifeblood of the Omani economy.

Reggy Vermeulen, CEO – Port of Duqm, said the maritime hub, which primarily services the oil and gas fields of central Oman, as well as projects coming up within the adjoining Special Economic Zone (SEZ), is fully operational. “

We are continuing with our efforts to ensure sustained and uninterrupted port operations to support Oman’s development over the long term,” he stated.

It’s also business as usual at Port of Salalah, the Sultanate’s transhipment and logistics hub overlooking the Indian Ocean, according to Mohammed al Mashani, General

Manager – Corporate Affairs. With the exception of cruise traffic, which remains suspended for the next four weeks, container and other general cargo vessels continue to call at the gateway unimpeded, he said.

In comments to the Observer, Al Mashani said a quarantine team from the Ministry of Health is now operating round the clock at the port to provide all pandemic-related assistance.

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