SOHAR Port and Freezone

SOHAR Port and Freezone is managed by Sohar Industrial Port Company, a 50-50 joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and the Sultanate of Oman (represented by Asyad Group). Located at the nexus of Europe-Asia global trade routes, Sohar provides unrivaled access to the economies of India, East Africa and the Gulf states, allowing vessels to avoid the congested Strait of Hormuz, saving time and money.

The port started operations in 2004 and is equipped with deepwater quays capable of accommodating the largest vessels. Sohar is a 21 million square-metre deep-sea hub with three established major clusters (logistics, petrochemicals and metals), recently joined by a food cluster offering Oman’s first terminal dedicated to the handling of agricultural bulk.

• Aims: ensuring best connectivity and a solid infrastructure network for all port operators, co-operating with them to improve efficiency, eliminating operational bottlenecks and providing the necessary flexibility to face any sudden schedule changes
• Opportunities: an agreement signed with Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) enhances Sohar’s appeal in the region as a bunkering services provider because shipping operators will be able to handle cargo and refuel in the same port. The minerals industry will be served by more terminals and storage areas, enabling the port to grow in this sector, providing valuable support to the supply chain.

Sohar is a multipurpose import-export port where containers, liquid and dry bulk cargo, gas and general cargo can be handled. The integration of the port and free zone is an important advantage, by placing them under a single management, creating an easy linkage via a bonded corridor and offering, among others incentives, tax and labour benefits. The One-Stop-Shop (OSS) allows clients to operate efficiently and rapidly, providing multiple services under a single window.