
Salalah’s container terminal achieved a throughput of 2.995 million teu over the first 9 months of this year. This was more than 17% higher than in the equivalent months of 2018 and is attributed by the port to strong support from one of its major customers.
Prospects for further container trade growth are considered positive by the port, which says it is in discussions regarding additional regional feeder services as well as a further direct connection between Salalah’s and the Far East.
Volume growth at Salalah’s general cargo terminal was more limited, with the 11,467 million tons handled representing just 1% more than was recorded the January-September 2018 period. Exports of limestone, gypsum, methanol and cement were affected by slower than expected growth in Indian markets. The port plans to diversify its general cargo base and in this context notes that new ro-ro services have started to have a beneficial impact.