Muscat: Asyad Ports and Freezones, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, has announced the official launch of regular voyages operated by CMA CGM to the Asyad Container Terminal at Port of Duqm. The new service commenced with the arrival of the first vessel on the route, establishing a direct maritime link that enhances Duqm’s international connectivity.

The addition of Duqm to CMA CGM’s global network is a significant milestone, reinforcing Oman’s position as an emerging regional logistics hub and supporting the integration of logistics services led by the ASYAD Group. Strategically located on the Indian Ocean and within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, the Asyad Container Terminal is increasingly positioned as a future platform for trade and industry, offering exporters and importers efficient and cost-competitive access to global markets, particularly for dry and refrigerated goods.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, Omar bin Mahmoud Al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports and Freezones, said the partnership with CMA CGM represents a pivotal step in developing the Port of Duqm as a promising logistics and industrial platform. He noted that the global shipping company’s decision to include Duqm in its routes reflects confidence in the port’s operational efficiency and service quality, while opening wider opportunities for exporters, importers and key economic sectors.

From CMA CGM’s side, Tyashin Govinder, General Manager of the company in Oman, said the launch marks a qualitative leap in advanced logistics solutions, particularly for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He highlighted that the partnership with Ocean Fish and the operation of the Ocean Fresh vessel underline CMA CGM’s commitment to connecting emerging markets with reliable, high-standard transport services.

Sulaiman bin Shatit Al-Ghannami, CEO of Ocean Fish Company, emphasised Duqm’s growing role as a fisheries logistics hub, noting that the port’s proximity to major fishing areas reduces turnaround time and allows faster delivery of products to global markets. Its inclusion as a key station within CMA CGM’s network, he said, gives the company a clear competitive advantage.

The new service further underscores the Port of Duqm’s strategic role in linking Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Backed by world-class infrastructure, including gantry cranes, rubber-tyred dock cranes, container handling equipment and facilities ready for refrigerated containers.