Oman’s Port of Salalah has inaugurated a new deep-water general cargo and liquid bulk terminal, at an investment of RO55 million ($143 million).

A leading transshipment hub in the West Central Asia region, Port of Salalah’s new terminal will add
20 million tonnes of dry cargo and six million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo to its annual handling capacity, said the port in a statement.

The 1,266-m quay facility offers two 320-m general cargo berths, and two 300-m liquid bulk berths, and is dredged to a depth of 18 m, it said.

The new terminal also includes support structures such as power substations, a fire pump house, a prayer hall, a canteen, and administrative offices, it added.

David Gledhill, the CEO, said: “The new facility is able to handle a wide range of vessels, ranging from naval ships, to vessels handling limestone, cement, livestock, project cargo and other dry bulk commodities as we continue to grow as a key centre of trade and logistics in the region.”

Ahmed Akaak, the deputy CEO, said: “A dedicated pipe corridor links the new liquid bulk terminal directly with one of our customers operating within the port, and in the future, an extension will connect with the Salalah Free Zone where new customers are setting up their plants.” – TradeArabia News Service