Muscat: Oman’s Port of Salalah continues to chart a growth course amid global shipping disruptions, with new figures underscoring its rising importance in regional and international trade. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), trade volumes through the port are expected to climb from RO 2.1 billion in 2023 to RO 2.4 billion in 2024, including RO 890 million in exports, RO 1.3 billion in imports, and RO 172 million in re-exports.
The port’s high-performing container terminal handled 3.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024. Despite a 6% year-on-year dip in Q1 2025 TEUs due to Red Sea-related disruptions, the port still processed 823,000 TEUs. General cargo volumes grew significantly, with 6.4 million tons handled in Q1 2025, up 11% from 5.8 million tons during the same period in 2024.
Salalah’s growing dry bulk cargo exports—particularly gypsum and limestone—are being driven by sustained demand from India and Southeast Asia’s construction and manufacturing sectors. This demand, coupled with global traders seeking alternative routes, has shielded Salalah’s performance from short-term freight volatility.
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Reinforcing its regional dominance, the port maintained its global reputation as the second most efficient container port in the world, according to the 2024 Container Port Performance Index, marking the third consecutive year in the top two. Salalah now receives over 2,500 vessels annually and serves as a vital link on the Asia-Europe maritime corridor.
Operational revenues in Q1 2025 rose to RO 18.9 million from RO 17.9 million last year. EBITDA reached RO 4.9 million, compared to RO 3.6 million, though net profits dropped to RO 24,000 due to a structural rise in costs linked to terminal upgrades.
The port is currently undergoing a major development plan with over RO 115 million invested to boost its container terminal capacity from 4.5 million TEUs to 6.5 million annually. This includes expanded quays, yards, and advanced handling equipment to support long-term market growth.
Looking ahead, the Port of Salalah remains cautiously optimistic. While Red Sea instability is expected to persist into Q2 2025, long-term forecasts remain strong, supported by expanded connections via the Gemini network and growing interest from global carriers like Hapag-Lloyd.
