MUSCAT : The value of re-exports through the port increased from RO 301.6 million during the corresponding period in 2025, accounting for 60.9 percent of the total re-export value through Oman’s seaports, which stood at approximately RO 543 million between January and August 2026.

The figures were highlighted by Laila bint Ali Al Batashi, Director of the Ports and Marine Terminals Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

She said re-exports through Khasab Port represented 24.6 percent of the total value of re-exports through Oman’s sea, air and land ports, which reached approximately RO 1.34 billion by the end of August 2026, compared with RO 1.12 billion during the same period in 2025, marking growth of 19.7 percent.

Cargo handling at the port also increased to approximately 114,900 tonnes between January and the end of September 2026, compared with 107,700 tonnes during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a 6.6 percent increase.

She said the growth reflected the development of the port’s operational activities and its contribution to supporting commercial and economic activity in Musandam Governorate.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Farsi, Wali of Khasab, said Musandam’s strategic location overlooking the Strait of Hormuz and its proximity to international shipping lanes provided significant opportunities to strengthen its role in trade, maritime transport and logistics services.

He said developing maritime facilities and services, particularly Khasab Port, would help attract investments, expand maritime activities and related industries, and strengthen the participation of the private sector and small and medium enterprises.

These efforts, he added, would create new economic opportunities and support the objectives of the comprehensive economic development strategy for Musandam Governorate 2040.

Al Batashi said the ministry was working to develop Khasab Port, improve its operational efficiency and upgrade its infrastructure and services to make better use of the governorate’s geographical advantages and attract investment.

She noted that the ministry signed a framework agreement with Hutchison Sohar Company in 2022 to manage, operate and develop the port, with the aim of maximising the benefits of its strategic location and supporting economic diversification in Musandam.

The ministry is currently completing the necessary procedures to reach a long-term concession agreement with the company. The proposed agreement includes performance indicators and investment commitments covering the development of the port’s facilities and infrastructure.

The development plans include constructing a new tourist pier, installing cranes, building warehouses and automating port operations, alongside other infrastructure and service improvements. A timetable has been established for implementing the projects to enhance operational efficiency and expand the port’s capabilities.

Al Batashi said the ministry was also working to develop small and medium-sized ports, improve their operational performance and strengthen their integration with Oman’s wider port network.

She added that regional geopolitical developments had underscored the importance of Omani ports and maritime facilities in supporting trade and shipping, highlighting the need to continue investing in maritime infrastructure.

The development of Khasab Port is expected to strengthen Musandam’s position in logistics, maritime transport and tourism, while creating opportunities to attract investment and benefit from vessel movements through the region.

Looking ahead, the ministry aims to enhance the port’s capacity to receive large cruise ships, strengthen its integration with Oman’s port network and establish it as a complementary logistics hub, supporting tourism growth and economic diversification in Musandam.

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