Despite the impact of COVID-19 on the global trade and economy, Oman’s strategically located and well-equipped ports, offering end-to-end comprehensive logistics solutions, have witnessed a surge in their operational and commercial business.
In 2020, Omani ports handled about 54 million tonnes of general cargo, 18.4 million tonnes of liquid bulk and 5.2 million TEUs- recording a 3.45% and 5% rise respectively in the latter two segments compared to 2019.
Livestock direct imports saw a noteworthy increase in 2020, marking a 38.7% rise versus 2019, with 2.5 million heads of cattle imported through Omani ports in 2020.
Around 106,900 vehicles and machineries were imported or exported in 2020. 13.4% lower than the previous year, due to the slowdown of the global economy and its direct impact on the local and regional markets.
Working in close co-operation with government agencies, ASYAD Group endeavored to facilitate cross-regional trade and secure local market requirements for commodities and goods from their country of origin, through linking Omani ports with 86 regional and global counterparts.
The resilient and prompt response of Omani ports to the repercussions of the global pandemic is a testament to the effectiveness of their operations, leadership and the integrated model and collaborative efforts amongst the logistics sector in Oman.
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An upward momentum in volume of handling and cargo operations featured the annual performance of Omani ports in 2020 at a time direct imports from global and regional destinations also saw a boost, thanks to tremendous efforts exerted by ASYAD Group.
ASYAD Group continued to put into practice the National Logistics Strategy 2040 (SOLS 2040) to reinforce Oman as a global logistics hub through increasing direct shipping lines.
The Group operated 200 cargo ship weekly trips facilitating direct export and import of goods from their countries of origin and boosting the Government’s returns on investments in seaports, free zones, shipping, and logistics companies.
In addition to the direct services made available to traders and importers to minimize their shipping costs and streamline incoming shipments to Oman, 90% of goods are today cleared within an hour of arrival through Bayan customs system, and a wide range of incentives is provided by governmental entities to investors.
The positive results achieved by Omani ports in 2020 reflect, once again, the competitive advantage of Oman, poised to become “one of the world’s top ten logistics hubs by 2040.”
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