Muscat: On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the official launch of the operational activities of Shinas Port was celebrated. This event marked the continuation of the framework agreement signed between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and QSS Maritime in August 2023. The agreement aims to develop, manage, and operate Shinas Port. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, His Excellency Engineer Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, emphasized that this celebration is the result of the collective efforts made in the past period. These efforts included the successful handover of the port and the commencement of commercial operations by the new company at Shinas Port. The purpose of this event is to inform the relevant authorities, merchants, business owners, and citizens in the North Batinah Governorate, particularly in the Wilayat of Shinas, about the company's future plans to develop the port. The local community is considered an essential partner in the success and growth of commercial operations at the port. This development will contribute to meeting their aspirations and creating new projects and commercial opportunities, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
His Excellency further explained that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology hopes that this agreement will significantly contribute to the development of the local economy in the North Al Batinah Governorate, specifically in the State of Shinas. The company is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance the port and the overall logistics system. This collaborative effort will have a positive impact on job creation for job seekers and will generate opportunities for small and medium-sized companies in the wilayat.
Muhanna bin Musa Baqir, the Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that the Ministry's strategic approach revolves around optimizing the utilization of the country's infrastructure and enhancing the competitive edge of Omani ports. This is achieved through attracting more foreign investments and fostering international and local partnerships. The logistics strategy focuses on various aspects such as expanding port capacity, promoting integration between ports, establishing long-term partnerships, encouraging foreign investment, and increasing government revenues.
In line with this vision, the Ministry has recently taken steps to offer ports, harbors, and jetties to the private sector for investment purposes. The aim is to enable the private sector to manage, operate, and develop these facilities, aligning with the government's aspirations of making the ports significant contributors to the acceleration of economic development. These ports are also crucial in attracting investments through the private sector and supporting the economic diversification plan in line with the "Oman Vision 2040."
Furthermore, the Director General of Ports highlighted that the management of Shinas Port has been entrusted to QSS Maritime Company. This decision positions the port as a vital hub in North Al Batinah and Buraimi for the import and export of small general goods. The focus will also be on facilitating the trade of live animals, vegetables, fruits, and essential consumer materials. This development complements the presence of the Port of Sohar and the adjacent land border crossings, ensuring that it does not interfere with the core activities of the Port of Sohar. Additionally, efforts will be made to stimulate the trade of wooden ships and attract luxury, small, and medium-sized tourist yachts. Moreover, a mini dry dock will be constructed to cater to the maintenance needs of ships and tourist yachts.
Abdullah bin Hassan Al Muqbali, the CEO of QSS Maritime, expressed that Shinas Port is a significant project in the logistics vision of the North Al Batinah Governorate. It is a reflection of the Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the governorate's importance in the logistics sector and highlights the competitiveness of Oman in enhancing the integration of Omani ports within global supply chains.
During the ceremony, there was a comprehensive review of the progress made and the future plans for operating and developing Shinas Port. These plans include expanding the port basin, providing logistics services for ships, establishing a container dock, and facilitating import and export operations. Additionally, there are plans to develop other service facilities such as a hotel, veterinary quarantine sites, and opportunities for investment. The ceremony also marked the launch of the new identity for Shinas Port.
