Wednesday 12 / August / 2026
A’Suwaiq: The Port of A’Suwaiq in North Al Batinah Governorate witnessed notable growth during the first half of 2026 in cargo handling volumes and the number of vessels received, alongside enhanced operational efficiency and improved handling processes. This contributed to reduced vessel turnaround times and elevated the quality of services provided.
Statistics issued by the Port of A’Suwaiq management indicate that the total cargo handling volume during the first half of 2026 reached 560,600 tonnes, compared to 404,600 tonnes during the same period in 2025, achieving a growth rate of approximately 38.6%.
The number of vessels received by the port in the first half of this year stood at 590 vessels, compared to 437 vessels during the same period in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 35.0%.
The management explained that the port handles general cargo vessels carrying vehicles, dry bulk carriers, container vessels, as well as small and medium-sized vessels, and receives vessels with capacities of up to approximately 10,000 tonnes depending on vessel type.
The Port of A’Suwaiq achieved a 24.8% growth in dry bulk cargo handling volumes during the first half of 2026, reaching 267,200 tonnes, compared to 214,100 tonnes during the same period in 2025. This growth reflects the diversification of operational activities at the port. The volume of foodstuffs, vegetables, fruits, and meat handled during the first half of this year reached 96,600 tonnes, compared to 54,400 tonnes during the same period in 2025, achieving a growth of approximately 77.6%.
The Port of A’Suwaiq received 68,700 head of livestock in the first half of this year, whereas the port did not receive any livestock shipments during the same period last year due to the redistribution of shipments to other ports under the national plan. The port affirms its full readiness to receive livestock shipments and provide associated operational services.
Engi. Sameer Ghulam Al Balushi, Director of the Port of A’Suwaiq, affirmed to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the port continues its role in supporting the continuity of supply chains and ensuring the smooth flow of goods between the Sultanate of Oman and neighboring countries, thereby contributing to food security enhancement.
He noted that the port has launched an electronic portal for shipping agents, which enables the completion of procedures electronically, contributing to expedited services, enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experience.
The port has also expanded its operational services by receiving container vessels and vehicle-carrying vessels, reflecting the diversity of its services and its capacity to meet the requirements of trade and the logistics sector.
Eng. Sameer stated: "The market and investment feasibility study for the Port of A’Suwaiq expansion project has been completed, encompassing four main phases. The specialised consultancy services for the first phase of the project will be tendered and awarded, followed by the tendering and awarding of the construction works contract, in preparation for the commencement of project implementation according to the approved plan."
He explained that the most prominent cargo handled through the Port of A’Suwaiq includes vegetables and fruits, foodstuffs, construction materials, equipment, and general cargo, in addition to containers and vehicle-carrying vessels, reflecting the diversity of the port's operational activities and its role in serving import, export, and re-export movements.
He added that the Port of A’Suwaiq continues to implement a number of initiatives and development projects, including the development and reorganisation of operational yards, the completion of procedures related to the expansion project, alongside the upgrading of monitoring systems and the enhancement of digital transformation initiatives, all of which contribute to raising operational efficiency, improving service quality and strengthening the safety and security system.
