Oman Global Logistics Group (Asyad) has been granted licence by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) to operate Port Sultan Qaboos, including ship handling from January 1, said a report.

Earlier known as Oman Global Logistics (OGL) Group, Asyad is the holding company formed by Oman government to manage several state-owned firms in transport and logistics sector, including Oman Post, Mwasalat, Port of Duqm, Port of Salalah, Oman Drydock and Sohar Free Zone, among others.

Obtaining the licence to manage and operate Sultan Qaboos Port by Asyad is a promising strategic step in the operation and management of local and international ports and docks, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, was quoted as saying in an Oman Daily Observer report.

An MoTC statement said Asyad submitted to the ministry an action plan for the management of operations at the port, including the status of workers employed by the Port Services Corporation (PSC), the current operator.

The statement said this step is complementary to Omran’s efforts to develop the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront in partnership with Damac.

The project will include tourism and components such as hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and leisure facilities.

The licence granted to the new operator is consistent with the government’s vision to promote investments in the logistics sector, including ports.

The ports will serve as a competitive edge for trade routes for Asia, Indian subcontinent, Europe and Middle East and North Africa (Mena) markets, added the report.