Suwaiq Port cargo volumes surge 38.6% in H1 2026
The port has also expanded its services to receive container vessels and vehicle carriers, broadening its role in import, export and re-export trade.
OMAN – Suwaiq Port has experienced a significant surge in commercial activity during the first half of 2026, with cargo volume rising 38.6% and vessel arrivals increasing 35%, driven largely by a spike in food imports and the reintroduction of livestock shipments, which had previously been diverted to other facilities.
The port handled 560,600 tonnes of cargo between January and June, up from 404,600 tonnes in the same period of 2025, according to figures released by the port administration. Vessel calls increased to 590 from 437 a year earlier.
On the other hand, dry bulk cargo rose 24.8% to 267,200 tonnes from 214,100 tonnes, while foodstuffs, vegetables, fruits and meat recorded one of the strongest increases, climbing 77.6% to 96,600 tonnes from 54,400 tonnes.
Additionally, the port also handled 68,700 head of livestock during the period. No livestock shipments were recorded in the first half of 2025 after consignments were redistributed to other Omani ports under the national plan.
Operational Efficiency and Digitalisation
Samir bin Ghulam Al Balushi, Director of Suwaiq Port, said the facility continues to support supply chains between Oman and neighbouring countries, particularly for food imports. He said the launch of an electronic portal for shipping agents had helped speed up procedures and improve operational efficiency.
The port has also expanded its services to receive container vessels and vehicle carriers, broadening its role in import, export and re-export trade.
To manage this expansion, the port administration implemented a new electronic portal to streamline shipping procedures and improve overall operational efficiency.
Expansion Plans and Infrastructure Development
Al Balushi said a market and investment study for the planned expansion of Suwaiq Port, which will be implemented in four phases, has been completed.
These upgrades aim to increase the port’s capacity to handle containers and vehicle carriers while modernising safety and monitoring systems. Key goods moving through the port include vegetables, fruits, food products, building materials, equipment, general cargo, containers and vehicles.
“Suwaiq Port continues to implement a number of initiatives and development projects,” Al Balushi said, citing the reorganisation of operational areas, expansion preparations, upgraded monitoring systems and further digitalisation aimed at improving efficiency, safety and service quality.
These developments further prove the port’s growing importance as a vital link in Oman’s national supply chain.
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