In line with the government strategy to further develop the ports along the coast of Oman, Ministry of Transport & Communications has commenced the commercial operations at Suwaiq Port on the 1st of September in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al Futaisi Minister of Transport & Communications, His Excellency Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthi, Undersecretary for Ports & Maritime Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Hamed bin Said Al Aufi Undersecretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Fisheries, His Excellency Sheikh Muhanna bin Saif Al Lamki Governor of North AL Batinah, His Excellency Sheikh Hamoud bin Nasser AL Hashmi Waly of Suwaiq, Members of Shura Council representatives of Willayat of Suwaiq, members of the Municipal Council in the Willayat as well as a number of the MoTC, other government units & ASYAD Group officials.
 
The trial run of the commercial operations of Suwaiq Port was launched on August 15. Going forward, Suwaiq Port, located in the Northern Batinah Governorate will work towards integrating the Suwaiq Port with Oman’s major ports to maximize the potential of the maritime logistics sector.
 
With the commencement of commercial operations, the Suwaiq Port will now be able to receive shipments like general cargo, livestock, vegetables and fruits coming from the international markets. Besides, the port will be a platform for various private sector companies to develop support services in and around the port.
 
Ministry of Transport & Communication entrusted Marafi, port management arm of ASYAD Group to operate Suwaiq Port. As part of future development plans, multiple measures will be taken by Marafi to fulfill the government's vision to increase Suwaiq’s port capacity and depth to accommodate more commodities and larger ships.
 
"Maximizing returns on the government’s investment in ports and logistics assets is a critical part of our dual mandate at ASYAD. This official commencement of commercial operations of Suwaiq Port demonstrates our commitment to position Oman as global logistics hub, as part of the strategy we set to deliver on the Sultanate’s Logistics Strategy,” said ASYAD Group Chief Executive Officer Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi.
 
“The ASYAD team is working on a business plan to identify the value proposition of each port to increase complementarity, integration and connectivity locally and internationally,” he added
“Moving forward, we will continue to implement our plans to meet Oman government’s vision to create a sustainable and diversified economy for future generations.” he concluded.
 
Marafi CEO Dr. Ahmed Al Abri said “This is a proud day for Marafi. Suwaiq Port will provide tremendous opportunities for shippers, consignees, traders, logistics companies and residents. Moreover, it will provide support to the recently announced Khazaen Dry Port within the Khazaen Economic City—the logistics hub,”
“We understand that ports are evolving rapidly from being traditional land-sea interfaces to providers of complete logistics networks, therefore, we press ahead with our plans to expand and further develop the ports along the coast of Oman to build world-class infrastructure and processes at every part of the logistics chain.” confirmed Marafi CEO.