Sohar Port signs agreements for provision of maritime services for ships

Muscat: Sohar Port and the Freezone signed three agreements with a number of companies operating in the field of sea transport for the provision of maritime services for ships which anchor at the port.

The agreement's signing is a step to empower the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to further boost entrepreneurship.

The agreements were signed with Al Risiah Shipping and Trading Services; Gulf Global Land and Sea Services and National Marine Services. According to the agreements, the three companies will offer ship cleaning services, underwater surveys and underwater repair among other services.

This cooperation opens horizons for the achievement of in-country value (ICV) and provides SMEs with the opportunity to offer high-quality services for ships with low maintenance costs and reaffirms the commitment of Sohar Port and the Freezone to the enhancement of the sea transport industry.

Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master at Sohar Port and Freezone said that the agreements come within the vision of the port on the creation of an integrated maritime system through the empowerment of the local companies. It also aimed to boost the growth of SMEs and sustainable shipping and cargo practices, he added.

Is’haq Al Shukaili, Assistant Vice President of the Authority for SMEs Development who is also the head of the Department of In-Country Value at  the Authority for SMEs Development said that this strategic cooperation is promising
in terms of boosting the sea transport sector and the Sultanate’s economic development.