About the Port
Sohar is a deep sea port in the Middle East situated in the Sultanate of Oman, 220km northwest of its capital Muscat. The management of this industrial port lies with Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC SOAC), a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam. The original agreement between the two parties was signed in 2002 and included a port area of 2100 ha and for SIPC to manage and develop the port until 2025. Today, the port is fully operational with state-of-the-art facilities. With current investments exceeding $14billion it is one of the world's largest port development projects.
Located just before the Strait of Hormuz, Port of Sohar is within easy reach of the booming economies of the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent and with great connectivity to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Muscat. Sohar houses three clusters: logistics, petrochemicals and metals. World-leading companies Air Liquide, Alcan, Hutchison Port Holdings, Larsen & Toubro, LG, MAN Ferrostaal, Methanol Holding International, Odfjell, Oiltanking, Shadeed Iron & Steel, Steinweg and Suez have already made Sohar their preferred port of call. The three terminals are operated by world class leading companies. Steinweg for general cargo, Odfjell/Oiltanking for liquid and OICT for containers.
Port of Sohar is witnessing an increase in the number of vessels calling the port every year. The first vessel called the Port of Sohar in 2004 for delivering components in constructing the present industries. The port received 800 vessels last year alone and 300 vessels have already called the port from January to April this year.
Developments include:
- The Automatic Identification System (AIS) tender procedure is operational.
- The port has 3 tug boats operating in the harbour.
- 2 of the tug boats will be equipped with fire fighting foam to improve fire fighting standards within the port.
- The custom rotation system, a safe and more efficient way for agents to clear cargo digitally is operational.
MILESTONES
1990: Conclusion of the study by Japan International Cooperation Agency recommending the site selection of the Port of Sohar and the Special Economic Zone.
1999: Commencement of construction on the Port of Sohar
2002: A Concession agreement was signed between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam to develop and manage the Sohar Industrial Port Company. This includes developing a zone for heavy industries and building cargo terminals in an area of approximately 2000 hectares for the next 25 years. The Sohar Industrial Port Company has 50:50 participation between the Omani government and the Port of Rotterdam.
2003: Irst lease (subusufruct) agreement was signed between Sohar Industrial Port Company and Sohar Refinery; followed by a similar agreement for the general cargo terminal with Steinweg.
2004: Commencement of ship operations, and development for the industrial projects. Received the first cargo vessel at the general cargo terminal.
2007: An addendum to the concession agreement was signed between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam thus expanding the concession area to include 4500 hectares for Special Economic Zone, to promote investments in mainly added-value logistics and downstream industries supported by educational infrastructure. The agreement also granted Sohar Industrial Company an extension to its term up to 2043.
2007: A broad master file vision of the North Batinah was prepared by the Port of Rotterdam under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and in collaboration with the other governmental bodies and Sohar Industrial Port Company. The master plan was approved by the members of the Supreme Committee of Town Planning.
2009: SKIL of India is included as shareholder to jointly develop and manage the Special Economic Zone.
Click here to download map of the Sohar Industrial Port area
Click here to download map of the Greater Sohar Industrial area
