In a published statement ahead of the visit, A total of more than 2.3 million tonnes of cargo was handled at Shinas Port in North Al Batinah Governorate during the first half of 2026, covering both imports and exports. The port continues to record active and sustained cargo handling operations. Its strategic geographical location facilitates vessel arrivals and connections with regional and international trade routes, reflecting its growing role in Oman’s maritime transport sector. Khater bin Ali Al Maamari, Chief Operating Officer at Shinas Port, said the port plays an important role in Oman’s logistics sector due to its strategic geographical location, which connects Oman with countries around the world. He noted that the port has become a key hub for receiving and transporting goods. Imports reached 2,322,695 tonnes, while exports totalled 18,802 tonnes of the overall cargo handled. He added that the port received 1,837 vessels during the first half of 2026, reflecting growth in vessel traffic compared with the same period last year. This represents an increase of around 156%, equivalent to more than two and a half times the previous level. The Chief Operating Officer explained that statistics showed construction and building materials topped the list of imports during the first half of 2026, while general cargo ranked first among exports during the same period. He added that 103 trans-shipment operations were carried out during the same period, an increase of 30% compared with the corresponding period last year. A total of 2,296,483 tonnes of cargo was handled through these operations. These figures reflect the growing role of Shinas Port in supporting trade and improving the efficiency of services across various shipping routes.
Context
The statement does not mention the reasons for the significant increase in cargo traffic. However, the data indicates a substantial growth in vessel traffic—1,837 vessels during the first half of 2026, a 156% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to the port’s strategic location, facilitating connections with regional and international trade routes. The doubling of cargo handled at Shinas Port underscores the increasing importance of Oman as a logistical gateway between Asia and Europe. The prominence of imports of construction and building materials, alongside general cargo exports, suggests a sustained period of economic activity and trade flows. The rise in trans-shipment operations, up 30% year-on-year, further demonstrates the port’s expanded role in facilitating complex global supply chains. The statement does not address the overall economic drivers behind this growth.
What to Watch
Should the current trends continue, Shinas Port’s capacity will be further tested. If the port continues to handle more than 2.3 million tonnes of cargo per half-year, the Ministry of Transport will likely need to consider further infrastructure investments to accommodate the increased demand. The statement does not mention any plans for expansion. The continued growth in vessel traffic, as indicated by the 156% increase, suggests a potential need for increased port operational capacity and potentially expanded berthing facilities. The increase in trans-shipment operations (30% increase) could indicate a shift towards more complex trade patterns and greater reliance on Shinas Port as a transshipment hub. The statement does not address the potential impact of these trends on Oman’s broader trade strategy.
