MUSCAT : The agreements include the establishment of a shrimp farming project in Shinas in North Al Batinah Governorate, and the development of a multi-purpose fishing port in Masirah, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

The agreement for the fishing port project was signed by His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, and Hritik Khimji on behalf of Khimji Ramdas Contracting Company.

Also present at the signing was His Excellency Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah. The total cost of the Masirah fishing port project is approximately RO 28 million.

The project, set to cover an area of 1.8 million square meters, includes the construction of breakwaters measuring 4,172 meters in length, the expansion of the port basin depth by five meters, and the creation of a sandy beach extending 1,100 meters. Besides, 13 floating berths will be added, alongside facilities for the tourism and commercial sectors, as well as the Royal Oman Police and service amenities for port visitors.

In addition to the port project, the Ministry also signed a usufruct contract with Phoenix National Company to develop a white-legged shrimp farming project in Shinas. This project will occupy 15 hectares and is expected to produce 7,500 tons of shrimp annually. With an investment volume of RO 23.5 million, it is one of the largest aquaculture projects in Oman.

The shrimp farming initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on enhancing food security, diversifying income sources, and creating new job opportunities for Omani youth. The project will also foster the transfer of modern aquaculture technology, strengthening the local workforce and supporting the national economy.

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