MUSCAT : The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), in cooperation with the Irish company Liebherr for the manufacture and supply of cranes for the Port of Duqm (PDC), organized a training program for four young Omani engineers, including one female engineer holding diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, & related technical disciplines.

The training program which lasted for 9 consecutive months, included teaching and qualifying engineers in an Irish university to complete all technical skills and basic practical experience necessary for understanding crane components, operation, and maintenance. The program also included practical training at specialized manufacturing sites for these cranes, & would complete the remaining training program at PDC during the installation period.

Commenting on this training program, Eng. Ahmed Akak from the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones said that the program came in line with the authority’s belief in the importance of empowering Omani youth in various fields, especially specialized technical works in order to build qualified national competencies to operate and manage various operational works in the areas affiliated with the Authority. The Authority was keen to send trainees to the Irish company that manufactured these cranes to qualify them in the field of managing and operating these state-of-the-art cranes that are characterized by automation and remote control system.

The trainee, Nasra Salem Al-Majrafi, said: “The training program was an enriching opportunity, as we were able to acquire many technical skills in various fields such as security, safety & programming, in addition to increasing our practical and personal skills in communication, time management, business, organizing and arranging priorities, work ethics, problem-solving and crisis management skills at work.”

The trainee, Ahmed Saeed Al Maharbi, valued the efforts made by both OPAZ and the Irish company to provide this training program, which enabled the trainees to learn more about the technologies and technical specifications of bridge cranes (RTG) and container cranes, their operation mechanisms and remote control. He pointed out that they will undergo practical training on the same cranes aftaer installing the cranes and commencing operation in the Port of Duqm; Which will contribute to empowering them scientifically and professionally by applying what they have studied theoretically and practically during the training program in Ireland.

The trainees passed the specified period of training successfully and have proven their competencies and abilities for the next stage of their work mission. Coordination has been made with the competent authorities to hire the trainees as operators of equipment and cranes at PDC, after fulfilling all training requirements.