Port Operations

Shipping Arabia, November 3, 2026 – DP World handled 64.27 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) across its global terminal network during the first nine months of 2026, with growth in Asia Pacific, India, the Americas and Australia contrasting with declining volumes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Dubai-based port and logistics group recorded third-quarter container throughput of 21.5 million TEUs, compared with approximately 24 million TEUs during the corresponding period of 2025.

The results reflect contrasting regional performance across DP World’s international terminal portfolio amid geopolitical uncertainty and challenges affecting global trade and supply chains.

According to figures reported by Al Mal News, DP World highlighted the geographical diversity of its operations and the flexibility of its business model as important factors supporting its ability to navigate changing global trade conditions.

Asia Pacific and India Lead DP World Container Throughput

Asia Pacific and India remained the largest contributors to DP World’s global container volumes during the first nine months of 2026.

The region handled 34.35 million TEUs, compared with 33.32 million TEUs during the corresponding period of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 3.1%.

Third-quarter throughput also increased, reaching 11.73 million TEUs against 11.6 million TEUs in the same quarter of 2025, an increase of 1.3%.

Meanwhile, the Americas and Australia recorded positive performance during both reporting periods.

Container throughput across these markets reached 10.8 million TEUs in the first nine months, compared with 10.39 million TEUs a year earlier, reflecting growth of 3.9%.

During the third quarter, the region handled 3.7 million TEUs, up from approximately 3.6 million TEUs in the corresponding period of 2025. The reported growth rate stood at 2%.

Together, these regions contributed to the group’s operating volumes despite weaker performance elsewhere in its global terminal network.

Europe, Middle East and Africa Record Lower Volumes

In contrast, DP World’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region experienced a substantial decline in container throughput.

The region handled 19.12 million TEUs during the first nine months of 2026, compared with approximately 25.7 million TEUs during the same period of 2025.

Third-quarter volumes also decreased significantly, reaching approximately 6 million TEUs against 8.8 million TEUs in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The figures highlight the considerable differences in regional performance across DP World’s global operations, with growth in Asia Pacific, India, the Americas and Australia contrasting with reduced throughput across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Jebel Ali Port Handles 3.5 Million TEUs

At Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, container throughput totaled approximately 3.5 million TEUs during the first nine months of 2026.

Third-quarter volumes reached 403,000 TEUs, according to the reported operating figures.

Jebel Ali forms part of DP World’s wider international port network, which also includes operations in Egypt at Sokhna Port.

The company’s geographical presence across multiple markets remains a central element of its operating model, allowing it to maintain activities across different regions and respond to changing conditions in international trade.

Consolidated Terminal Throughput Falls to 35.4 Million TEUs

Beyond the regional figures, DP World also reported lower container volumes across its consolidated terminals.

Total consolidated throughput reached 35.4 million TEUs during the first nine months of 2026, compared with approximately 41.7 million TEUs during the corresponding period of 2025.

During the third quarter, consolidated terminals handled 11.6 million TEUs, down from 14.3 million TEUs in the same quarter of the previous year.

These results underline the difference between the performance of DP World’s consolidated terminal operations and the wider geographical distribution of container volumes across its global network.

According to the company, its diversified terminal portfolio and integrated international network support operational flexibility and cargo flows across major trading markets.

DP World also emphasized the importance of its geographical reach in responding to geopolitical developments and global supply chain challenges.

While several regions recorded lower volumes during the reporting period, growth in Asia Pacific, India, the Americas and Australia remained a significant component of the group’s global container throughput performance.

Source: Al Mal News

Shipping Arabia, November 2, 2026 – Iraq’s General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) is implementing urgent measures to address Umm Qasr North Port congestion and delays in cargo truck movements. The action follows disruptions to the ASYCUDA customs system, which have affected clearance procedures and contributed to truck congestion at the port’s Grand Welcome Yard.

The management of Umm Qasr North Port held an expanded coordination meeting chaired by Port Director Capt. Salem Jabbar Hussein. The meeting focused on identifying the causes of congestion, accelerating the departure of loaded trucks and improving operational efficiency.

The discussions formed part of efforts to maintain smoother cargo flows and strengthen coordination among the government agencies and commercial operators involved in port operations.

ASYCUDA Disruption Affects Customs Clearance and Truck Movements

A central issue discussed during the meeting was the disruption of the ASYCUDA customs system within the relevant customs departments. The disruption has affected the processing of customs procedures and contributed to delays in releasing cargo trucks from the Grand Welcome Yard.

Participants examined the main operational challenges affecting truck movements and considered measures to reduce waiting times and accelerate customs transaction processing.

The discussions also addressed the need to ease congestion within the yard and prevent further bottlenecks. Particular emphasis was placed on improving coordination between the authorities responsible for customs clearance, cargo handling and truck exit procedures.

The meeting highlighted the importance of addressing both administrative and operational obstacles to improve cargo movements through Umm Qasr North Port.

Transport Ministry Directives Drive Coordinated Response

The meeting followed directives issued by Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahb Al-Hassani, and instructions from the senior management of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, led by Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah.

The directives focus on resolving operational difficulties, strengthening cooperation among relevant authorities and ensuring more efficient cargo and truck movements across Iraqi ports.

The meeting brought together officials from several organizations involved in port and border operations. Participants included the Director of the Umm Qasr North border crossing, the Director of Customs at the Grand Welcome Yard and a representative of the company operating the yard.

Representatives of the National Security Service and intelligence authorities also attended, alongside the directors responsible for cargo loading and unloading operations at Umm Qasr North and Umm Qasr South ports.

Their participation reflected the need for coordination across the different authorities responsible for processing and facilitating cargo movements through the port.

Urgent Measures Target Truck Delays and Operational Bottlenecks

The meeting concluded with a series of urgent directives and measures intended to address the causes of delays and improve the movement of trucks leaving the Grand Welcome Yard.

The participating authorities emphasized the importance of reducing truck waiting times, accelerating customs procedures and easing congestion within the facility.

They also stressed the need to maintain continuous coordination and follow-up to ensure implementation of the agreed measures. This cooperation will involve the relevant government departments and operational stakeholders responsible for managing cargo and truck movements.

The General Company for Ports of Iraq aims to improve operational efficiency at Umm Qasr North Port and the Grand Welcome Yard through these measures, while preventing further congestion and supporting smoother cargo flows.

Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport / General Company for Ports of Iraq

Shipping Arabia, November 1, 2026 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has approved temporary storage charges and free-storage periods for transit cargo and empty containers at Saudi ports. The measures will remain in effect for 60 days and aim to address exceptional circumstances and operational challenges affecting maritime traffic, supply chains and logistics services.

The decision introduces temporary schedules governing storage charges and exemption periods for the specified cargo categories. Mawani said the arrangements aim to maintain business continuity, facilitate port operations and reduce the impact of current disruptions on maritime transport and logistics activities.

Temporary Storage Charges and Free Periods at Saudi Ports

Under the new circular, Saudi ports storage charges and free-storage periods for transit cargo and empty containers will follow the schedules attached to the directive.

The applicable charges and exemption periods will depend on the individual port, cargo classification, storage duration, tariff bracket and calculation unit. Each port and cargo category will therefore be subject to the provisions specified in the relevant schedules.

Mawani confirmed that the temporary arrangements will remain effective for 60 days from the circular’s implementation date.

Following this period, the storage charges and free periods established under the Port Services Fees and Charges Regulations (Fourth Edition), including subsequent amendments, will automatically resume. However, Mawani may issue another circular modifying or terminating the temporary arrangements.

The authority described the decision as a temporary regulatory measure introduced in response to the exceptional circumstances and operational challenges currently affecting the maritime and logistics sectors.

Supporting Port Operations and Supply Chain Continuity

Mawani explained that the temporary storage arrangements aim to maintain uninterrupted business activity and facilitate the movement of cargo through Saudi ports.

The measures also seek to strengthen the ability of ports to accommodate cargo movements while maintaining the efficiency of services provided to port users.

According to the authority, the decision forms part of its efforts to mitigate the effects of current operational challenges on maritime traffic, supply chains and logistics services.

By establishing temporary storage schedules for transit cargo and empty containers, Mawani aims to support operational continuity and preserve the flow of goods through Saudi Arabia’s port network.

Implementation Requirements and Previous Storage Charges

The circular also introduces requirements for stakeholders responsible for applying storage charges and administering free-storage periods.

From its effective date, the new directive supersedes provisions relating to storage charges and exemption periods for the covered cargo categories contained in previous circulars. Those earlier provisions will no longer apply to cargo covered by the temporary arrangements.

All relevant parties must implement the attached schedules and update their operational systems accordingly. This includes adjustments to the systems used to calculate, invoice and collect storage charges.

However, the circular explicitly preserves storage charges accrued during previous periods. Any amounts already payable under the earlier arrangements will remain due.

The temporary framework will apply for the designated 60-day period unless Mawani issues further instructions changing or ending the measures.

Source: Maaal

Shipping Arabia, October 29, 2026 – Trans Misr Terminal (TMT) welcomed a delegation from Barcelona, Spain, on October 20, 2026, for discussions focused on maritime operations, port infrastructure and logistics industry developments. The visit brought together representatives from the Port de Barcelona, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and companies operating in the transport and logistics sectors.

The engagement provided an opportunity for TMT to present its operational capabilities and exchange industry knowledge with Spanish maritime and logistics stakeholders. Discussions also addressed emerging trends affecting port operations and the wider logistics industry.

Trans Misr Terminal Showcases Port Infrastructure and Cargo-Handling Capabilities

During the visit, TMT presented its terminal infrastructure, operational capabilities and diverse cargo-handling services to the visiting delegation.

The presentations highlighted the terminal’s role in supporting Egypt’s maritime and logistics sector, alongside its position as a hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

By showcasing its facilities and services, TMT provided the Barcelona delegation with an overview of its cargo-handling activities and operational capabilities.

Maritime and Logistics Industry Knowledge Exchange

Beyond the presentation of terminal facilities, the visit created a platform for exchanging industry insights and sharing operational experiences among representatives of the Egyptian and Spanish maritime and logistics sectors.

Participants discussed emerging trends shaping the maritime, port and logistics industries, providing an opportunity to explore the evolving dynamics of these interconnected sectors.

The engagement brought together port authority representatives, commercial organizations and logistics companies, reflecting the range of maritime and transport stakeholders involved in the discussions.

TMT described the visit as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and professional knowledge exchange with the Barcelona delegation, emphasizing the value of sharing experiences and perspectives on developments across the maritime and logistics industries.

Source: Trans Misr Terminal (TMT)

Shipping Arabia, October 24, 2026 – Aqaba ports cargo handling increased by 14.3% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 20.51 million tons, as container throughput, vehicle movements and transit trade recorded substantial growth. The expansion was driven by higher imports, increased handling of essential commodities and growing cargo flows to regional markets, particularly Iraq, according to figures released by the Jordan Shipping Association.

Total cargo handling, excluding vehicles and containers, rose from approximately 17.95 million tons during the corresponding period of 2025. Import volumes exceeded 12.4 million tons, compared with around 9 million tons a year earlier, reflecting stronger cargo flows through Jordan’s maritime gateway.

Capt. Mohammad Al-Dalabih, Secretary General of the Jordan Shipping Association, said the figures demonstrate sustained maritime and commercial activity through Aqaba. He emphasized the importance of developing port infrastructure and improving operational efficiency to accommodate rising cargo volumes and transit traffic.

Aqaba Container Terminal Records Growth in Iraq-Bound Transit Traffic

Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) handled 786,948 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) between January and September 2026, an increase of 6.6% compared with 738,349 TEU during the same period last year.

Transit container volumes recorded significantly stronger growth, rising 151.8% to 115,762 TEU, compared with approximately 45,000 TEU in the corresponding period of 2025. The increase highlights Aqaba’s expanding role in facilitating containerized trade to neighboring markets.

Iraq emerged as one of the main drivers of this expansion. Container traffic destined for the Iraqi market surged 1,040.5% to 56,286 TEU, compared with only 4,935 TEU during the first nine months of 2025.

Refrigerated import container traffic also increased, reflecting growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics services. Reefer imports rose 25.2% to 15,846 containers, compared with 12,129 containers a year earlier.

According to the Jordan Shipping Association, the increase underscores the importance of strengthening cold chain infrastructure, refrigerated storage facilities and supporting logistics services.

RoRo Vehicle Traffic Records Exceptional Growth

Aqaba’s roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) sector registered substantial increases in both vehicle imports and exports during the reporting period.

Vehicle imports rose 114.9% to 142,955 units, compared with 66,513 vehicles during the first nine months of 2025.

Meanwhile, vehicle exports increased by more than 1,245%, reaching 18,568 units, compared with just 1,380 vehicles during the corresponding period last year.

Al-Dalabih attributed much of this growth to expanding vehicle transit traffic through Aqaba toward Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf markets.

The increase reinforces the importance of specialized vehicle-handling facilities, storage yards and associated logistics infrastructure in supporting regional automotive trade.

It also places greater emphasis on maintaining efficient vehicle handling and onward transportation as transit volumes continue to expand.

Grain Imports Increase as Iraqi Demand Strengthens

Bulk grain and essential food commodity imports recorded substantial growth during the first nine months of 2026, supported largely by increased demand from the Iraqi market.

Bulk corn imports increased 108.1%, exceeding 1.1 million tons, compared with approximately 552,000 tons during the corresponding period of 2025.

Soybean imports rose 72.9% to approximately 500,000 tons, compared with 288,000 tons a year earlier. Barley imports also increased 15.6%, reaching around 972,000 tons, up from approximately 841,000 tons.

Wheat imports recorded a 30.1% increase, reaching approximately 1.1 million tons, compared with 846,000 tons during the first nine months of 2025.

Al-Dalabih explained that the growth was closely linked to stronger Iraqi demand for grain and other essential commodities, which increased cargo movements through Aqaba’s ports.

He stressed the importance of maintaining efficient supply chains and ensuring that ports and border crossings have sufficient operational capacity to handle rising volumes.

According to the association, greater coordination between port operations, transportation providers and customs clearance procedures will be essential to maintaining cargo flows and meeting the requirements of domestic and regional markets.

Energy Cargo Expands While Livestock and Phosphate Decline

Beyond containers, vehicles and grain, Aqaba recorded mixed performance across several other cargo segments.

Handling of petroleum products, gas and mineral oils increased 19% to approximately 3.78 million tons during the first nine months of 2026, compared with around 3.1 million tons during the corresponding period last year.

The increase occurred alongside expanding transit cargo movements, highlighting the importance of Aqaba’s port facilities in supporting energy supply flows and regional distribution activities.

However, livestock imports declined significantly. The number of imported animals fell 39% to approximately 543,000 head, compared with around 890,000 during the first nine months of 2025.

According to the reported figures, the decline was partly attributable to livestock carriers shifting their operations to Syrian ports instead of Aqaba.

Phosphate exports also decreased, falling 18.2% to approximately 4 million tons, compared with around 4.9 million tons during the corresponding period last year.

The decline came amid challenges affecting maritime trade, including higher shipping, transportation and insurance costs. These pressures have increased overall export expenses and affected competitiveness in international markets.

In contrast, bulk potash exports increased 5.7% to approximately 1.9 million tons, compared with 1.8 million tons in the corresponding period of 2025.

The figures demonstrate differing performance across Aqaba’s commodity segments despite the overall increase in cargo handling.

Aqaba Ports Cargo Handling Growth Highlights Infrastructure Requirements

Al-Dalabih emphasized that the continued expansion of cargo, container and vehicle traffic reinforces Aqaba’s position as a regional logistics and commercial gateway.

The growth in Iraq-bound transit cargo and vehicle movements toward Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf countries has increased the importance of maintaining efficient connections between port facilities and inland transportation networks.

He called for continued development of port infrastructure, expansion of handling and storage capacity, and improvements to supporting logistics services.

Particular attention should be given to strengthening coordination between ports and land border crossings, ensuring that growing cargo volumes can move efficiently toward their final destinations.

Al-Dalabih also highlighted the need to improve customs and operational procedures, enhance transportation efficiency and expand storage facilities to support increasing trade volumes.

According to the Jordan Shipping Association, these measures are essential to strengthening Aqaba’s competitiveness as a regional transportation and logistics hub.

The association stressed that improving integration between port operations, border crossings and supporting logistics infrastructure will help maintain supply chain continuity amid regional and international developments.

With container throughput approaching 787,000 TEU, vehicle traffic rising sharply and Iraq-bound transit shipments recording exceptional growth, Aqaba’s performance during the first nine months of 2026 reflects the increasing importance of its ports in regional trade.

Source: Al Ghad

Shipping Arabia, October 23, 2026 – Saudi ports cargo throughput declined by 25% in September 2026, with total handled volumes exceeding 16.5 million tons, compared with 22.1 million tons during the same month in 2025, according to the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani).

The decline was accompanied by a reduction in container throughput across the Kingdom’s ports. However, inbound container volumes increased, while outbound container movements recorded a slight decrease.

Saudi Ports Container Throughput Declines 4.46%

Saudi Arabia’s ports handled approximately 625,300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September 2026, representing a reported 4.46% decrease compared with the corresponding period last year.

During September 2025, total container throughput reached approximately 655,700 TEUs, according to Mawani’s figures.

The reduction in container handling accompanied the sharper decline in overall cargo tonnage, which fell by 25% year-on-year.

Inbound Container Volumes Increase as Exports Decline

Despite the overall reduction in container throughput, Saudi ports recorded an increase in inbound container movements during September 2026.

Inbound container volumes reached approximately 367,700 TEUs, compared with 251,100 TEUs during the same month in 2025.

The published report described this as a 6.58% increase, although the two reported volume figures indicate a larger percentage rise.

Meanwhile, outbound container throughput declined by 0.61%, reaching approximately 236,000 TEUs compared with 237,500 TEUs in September 2025.

The figures show contrasting trends in Saudi Arabia’s container traffic, with inbound movements increasing while outbound volumes declined slightly.

Overall, Mawani’s September results indicate lower cargo tonnage and total container throughput across Saudi ports, despite growth in inbound container handling.

Source: Maaal

Shipping Arabia, October 22, 2026 – Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has confirmed that the existing Port of Salalah investment agreements will not be renewed when they expire on November 1, 2028. The Ministry also announced that a new port operator will be named in the coming period, while port operations and development activities will continue under the current agreements until their expiry.

The announcement follows an official disclosure by Salalah Port Services Company SAOG, which confirmed receiving formal notification from the Ministry regarding the nonrenewal of its existing investment agreements.

According to the company, the Ministry’s decision is final and unconditional, confirming that the current contractual arrangements will end on their scheduled expiry date without renewal.

Port of Salalah Investment Agreements to Expire in 2028

Salalah Port Services disclosed that it had received an official letter from the Ministry confirming that the existing investment agreements would not be extended beyond November 1, 2028.

The company stated that its Board of Directors would review the notification and evaluate the potential implications and consequences of the decision for its business.

Salalah Port Services also confirmed that it would communicate with the relevant authorities as appropriate while assessing the situation. Furthermore, the company committed to disclosing any material developments related to the matter in accordance with applicable regulatory disclosure requirements.

The disclosure establishes the Ministry’s final position on the future of the existing investment agreements. However, the company has not provided details regarding the potential financial implications of the decision.

Ministry Confirms Continued Port Operations and Development

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology emphasized that operations and development activities at the Port of Salalah would continue throughout the remaining contractual period.

The Ministry explained that these activities form part of its commitment to expanding and developing the port while ensuring the continuity of its operations under the existing agreements.

Accordingly, operational and development activities will continue until November 1, 2028, when the current investment agreements are scheduled to expire.

The Ministry’s confirmation clarifies that the nonrenewal decision does not affect the continuation of port operations and development during the remaining term of the agreements.

New Port Operator to Be Announced

The Ministry also confirmed that it would announce the operator responsible for the Port of Salalah following the expiry of the current agreements.

Although the decision establishes that the existing investment arrangements will not continue beyond November 2028, the Ministry has not yet identified the future operator or provided further details about the subsequent operating arrangements.

Meanwhile, Salalah Port Services will assess the implications of the notification through its Board of Directors and engage with the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Neither the Ministry’s statement nor the company’s disclosure provided information on the identity of the next operator or the potential financial impact of the nonrenewal on Salalah Port Services.

For the remainder of the current contractual period, the Port of Salalah will continue operating and undergoing development under its existing agreements, while the Ministry prepares to announce the operator that will assume responsibility after their expiry.

Source: Oman Daily

Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – Iraq’s General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has identified the completion of ongoing works at Umm Qasr North Port, particularly its gate development project, as a key operational priority. The initiative aims to improve the movement of cargo and trucks, streamline port procedures, and enhance operational efficiency.

The priority was highlighted during an internal management meeting chaired by GCPI Director General Abdullah Aati Abdullah on October 18, 2026. Separately, a senior Ministry of Transport official visited the company to review operational matters and discuss development priorities across Iraq’s port sector.

Umm Qasr North Port Gate Project Among Key Priorities

During a meeting with department and division heads, Abdullah reviewed upcoming work plans and outlined the company’s financial, technical, and administrative priorities.

The discussions focused on accelerating project implementation and strengthening institutional performance. Abdullah emphasized the importance of coordinating activities across departments and ensuring that management teams work collectively toward shared operational objectives.

A central priority is completing ongoing infrastructure works at Umm Qasr North Port, particularly the gate development project.

The project is intended to improve the organization of cargo and truck movements entering and leaving the port. It also aims to facilitate smoother traffic flows and strengthen the efficiency of operational procedures within the facility.

Abdullah stressed the importance of completing these works as part of the company’s efforts to improve port operations and accelerate the implementation of priority projects.

GCPI Strengthens Administrative Coordination and Oversight

The management meeting also addressed internal administrative procedures and institutional accountability.

Abdullah called for closer coordination between departments and divisions, emphasizing the importance of unified efforts and teamwork in implementing the company’s operational plans.

He also highlighted the need to address observations raised by Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit through approved legal and administrative procedures.

The measures are intended to strengthen compliance with transparency and accountability standards while improving the effectiveness of the company’s administrative operations.

The discussions formed part of GCPI’s efforts to establish clear priorities and improve coordination between its technical, financial, and administrative functions.

Ministry of Transport Reviews Iraqi Port Operations

In a separate development, Dr. Hazem Al-Hafadhi, Administrative Undersecretary at Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, visited GCPI headquarters to review operational and administrative matters.

The visit followed directives from Transport Minister Wahb Al-Hassani calling for field-level monitoring of ministry-affiliated organizations and assessments of their operational requirements.

During the visit, Al-Hafadhi met with GCPI Director General Abdullah Aati Abdullah to discuss the company’s activities, key operational matters, and priorities for the upcoming period.

The meeting, held at the Martyr Basil Abdul Hamid Hall, examined operational and administrative issues alongside requirements for improving institutional performance.

Discussions also addressed measures to increase workplace efficiency and strengthen the effectiveness of procedures across the port sector.

Both officials emphasized the importance of accelerating the review and follow-up of priority matters to support smoother workflows and improve the performance of Iraqi ports.

The management meetings underline GCPI’s focus on completing ongoing port infrastructure projects, improving administrative coordination, and strengthening operational procedures across Iraq’s maritime sector.

Source: General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI)

Shipping Arabia, October 20, 2026 – Oman’s ports recorded strong operational growth during the first eight months of 2026, with cargo throughput rising 62.3% and container volumes increasing 20.5% compared with the same period in 2025. The latest figures from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology also show significant increases in vessel arrivals and vehicle handling, reflecting expanding maritime and logistics activity across the Sultanate.

Total cargo throughput at Omani ports reached approximately 146 million tons by the end of August 2026, compared with 90.5 million tons during the corresponding period of 2025. The increase highlights the growing volume of goods moving through the country’s maritime facilities and their expanding role in supporting supply chains and logistics services.

Layla bint Ali Al Battashi, Director of the Ports and Marine Berths Department at the ministry, presented the figures in a statement to the Oman News Agency. She said the operational indicators reflect increasing trade activity and the continued development of Oman’s maritime transport sector.

Container Throughput Exceeds 4 Million TEUs

Container handling at Omani ports increased by 20.5% during the first eight months of 2026, exceeding 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This compares with 3,368,465 TEUs handled during the same period in 2025.

According to Al Battashi, the growth reflects expanding commercial activity and the efficiency of port operations. The increase also demonstrates the importance of container handling within Oman’s maritime transport and logistics system.

Meanwhile, vessel arrivals at Omani ports and marine berths located outside port limits rose by 27.9%. More than 11,000 vessels were received by the end of August 2026, compared with 8,793 vessels during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The simultaneous growth in vessel arrivals and container throughput reflects the broader increase in maritime activity recorded across the country’s port system.

Cargo and Vehicle Handling Register Significant Increases

Beyond container shipping, Oman recorded a substantial increase in total cargo volumes. Port cargo throughput reached approximately 146 million tons during the reporting period, representing a 62.3% increase from the 90.5 million tons handled a year earlier.

Al Battashi highlighted the importance of this growth in strengthening the role of Omani ports in supporting supply chains and logistics activities. The figures demonstrate the increasing movement of goods through the country’s maritime infrastructure.

Vehicle handling recorded the highest percentage growth among the four operational indicators reported by the ministry.

The number of vehicles handled at Omani ports surged by 182.6% to 188,368 units during the first eight months of 2026. This compares with 66,661 vehicles during the same period in 2025.

The sharp increase in vehicle volumes contributed to the overall expansion of port activity, alongside the growth recorded in cargo throughput, container handling and vessel arrivals.

Omani Ports Strengthen Regional and International Trade Connectivity

Al Battashi emphasized that the latest operational results demonstrate the continued growth of Oman’s port sector during 2026. She pointed to the increases across all four indicators as evidence of expanding maritime activity and the importance of ports to the country’s transport and logistics system.

According to the ministry, this performance reinforces the role of Omani ports as essential infrastructure for facilitating trade and supporting logistics services.

The growth also strengthens Oman’s connectivity with regional and international markets, supporting the country’s position within maritime transport and global trade networks.

With higher vessel arrivals, container throughput, cargo volumes and vehicle handling recorded through August, Oman’s ports continue to play a central role in facilitating trade flows and supporting the Sultanate’s logistics sector.

Source: Oman Daily

Shipping Arabia, October 18, 2026 – Saudi Global Ports (SGP) Multipurpose Terminals has welcomed the 32,000-dwt vessel FATIMA-2 on its first call at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, conducting a tailored bulk salt loading operation that allows trucks to access the vessel directly through its side ramp. The operation demonstrates the terminal’s ability to adapt cargo handling methods to different vessel configurations while supporting bulk cargo exports from Saudi Arabia’s eastern ports to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

The operation involved coordinating the loading arrangements to accommodate the specific requirements of bulk salt cargo and the vessel’s side ramp configuration. This approach enabled trucks to drive directly onto the vessel’s deck for loading, providing a practical solution suited to the shipment and the vessel’s design.

Direct Truck-to-Vessel Loading for Bulk Salt Cargo

Saudi Global Ports coordinated the FATIMA-2 bulk salt loading operation through its multipurpose terminal facilities at King Abdulaziz Port.

The handling method was tailored to the vessel’s configuration, allowing trucks to access the deck directly through its side ramp. This arrangement provided a loading solution that accommodated the cargo requirements without relying exclusively on conventional quayside cargo transfer arrangements.

According to SGP, the operation reflects the flexibility of its multipurpose terminals in developing practical handling solutions for different cargo types and vessel requirements.

The company also highlighted the vessel’s operational capabilities through a three-stage cargo handling concept. This involves vehicles driving directly onto the vessel, loading cargo and utilizing the vessel’s self-unloading capability when required.

The 32,000-dwt FATIMA-2 combines direct vehicle access with cargo handling features that can accommodate different operational requirements.

Supporting Bulk Cargo Exports Through Dammam

The vessel’s first call forms part of Saudi Global Ports’ activities supporting continued and efficient exports to GCC markets through Saudi Arabia’s eastern ports.

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam serves as the location for the operation, with SGP Multipurpose Terminals coordinating the cargo handling arrangements.

The operation illustrates how terminal handling procedures can be adapted to individual vessel designs and cargo characteristics. In this case, the combination of bulk salt cargo, truck transportation and direct access through the vessel’s side ramp determined the loading approach.

Saudi Global Ports, a member of PSA Group, emphasized its ability to provide tailored solutions for different cargo handling needs.

The FATIMA-2 bulk salt loading operation highlights the practical application of flexible cargo handling arrangements at King Abdulaziz Port, supporting the movement of bulk commodities through Saudi Arabia’s eastern maritime gateways.

Source: Saudi Global Ports