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Sohar Port and Freezone has been busy in June, signing agreements that offer the scope for significant expansion and growth in different sectors. Firstly, the port authority signed an agreement with C. Steinweg Oman (CSO) which will see the general cargo terminal operator expand its storage area at Sohar by 27 hectares (270,000 m2), in order to meet further growth in demand, especially for minerals traffic.
The new storage facilities are expected to be completed in four months and fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of Sohar Port and Freezone, commented: “This agreement adds to our capacity to meet growing demand for minerals across the region. In 2021, Sohar exported more than 37 million tons of dry bulk cargo and with demand continuing to soar, we will be in a prime position to serve the needs of the market.”
Situated between key markets in the East and the West, Sohar offers a unique strategic advantage which is of global significance to the C. Steinweg Group. Hendrik van Mierop, CEO of CSO, commented, “Adding 27 hectares of additional storage space to our facility at Sohar Port and Freezone shows the growth potential of Oman, while serving more and more markets around the world. We are very pleased to expand our premises and build on the success we have enjoyed since handling the very first vessel to visit Sohar Port in 2004. Adding this additional storage capacity allows us to facilitate further growth for our clients, as well as for our company, for Sohar Port and for Oman in general.”
Additionally, Sohar Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Alfardan Holding for a 3.5 hectares site within the Freezone’s automotive cluster. The area will primarily serve as a stockyard for both Alfardan Motors and Premium Motors, the authorised dealers of Audi, Volkswagen, Maserati, and Ferrari in Oman. Premium Motors Logistic will also begin development on a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) unit on-site at a later stage, ensuring all vehicles delivered to dealerships and customers meet the highest standards.
So far this year, Sohar Freezone has leased more than 340 hectares of land to a broad range of industries, contributing to the ongoing economic diversification efforts in Oman.
