
The Port of Salalah, one of the largest multi-purpose ports in the Middle East, achieved a new record in 2022, handling 18.5 million tonnes of general cargo. In January this year, the trend continued with the Port handling 1.9 million tonnes, the highest volume in any month since the terminal became operational.
Additionally Salalah has continued to enhance performance at its container terminal. In the first quarter of 2023, it consistently broke previous Port Moves Per Hour (PMPH) records and regularly exceeded 200 PMPH. Higher efficiency leads to reduced port stays for shipping lines, saving time, reducing environmental impact, and lowering costs, the port points out.
Furthermore, bunkering at the Salalah anchorage is gathering momentum with more than 12 vessels being bunkered in the first quarter, thereby raising the profile of Salalah as a regional bunker hub.
Efficiency at the port has also been positively impacted by further investment by Salalah Port. To improve dry bulk handling productivity, the port has acquired an additional 21m3 grabber. This enables the immediate replacement of any unit that breaks down during dry bulk vessel operations.
The port has also invested in four shore tensioners for use with larger liquid and dry bulk vessels. During the monsoon season these reduce vessel movement by up to 90% compared with conventional moorings and result in safer and more efficient operations.