SOHAR handles 52m tonnes of cargo in H1

SOHAR Port and Freezone handled 52 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, up 52% year on year. Container throughput rose 40% to 545,000 TEUs, while breakbulk cargo nearly doubled to 1.24 million tonnes, supported by higher transshipment activity.

Ship-to-ship cargo handling reached 24.38 million tonnes during the period, while the port recorded 1,555 vessel calls. The increase in cargo volumes points to stronger demand for maritime and transshipment services at the Oman gateway.

Higher container and transshipment volumes could strengthen SOHAR’s role in regional cargo flows by providing additional capacity for connecting international trade with Oman and wider Middle East markets. Growth in breakbulk volumes also supports the movement of project and industrial cargo through the port.

The port and freezone also saw progress on projects worth a combined $6.82 billion. Five new investment contracts worth $589 million were signed, while leased warehouse space increased 19% to about 37,000 square metres.

Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, said the first-half results reflect SOHAR's ability to provide a platform for trade, industry, and investment in the international trading environment. "The first half of 2026 demonstrates the adaptability of SOHAR's integrated port and freezone model and the strength of our long-term strategy. As trade continues to evolve, we remain committed to investing in world-class infrastructure, strengthening maritime connectivity, and enhancing operational excellence to ensure SOHAR continues to create long-term value for customers, partners, and the wider economy. These investments ensure SOHAR remains well positioned for future growth while reinforcing Oman's position as a logistics and industrial hub."