Sohar Port H1 2026 cargo surge

SOHAR Port and Freezone, Oman's integrated port and freezone, reported a 52% increase in total cargo throughput to 52 million metric tonnes during the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year. Container throughput rose 40% to 545,000 TEUs, driven by higher transshipment activity, while breakbulk cargo nearly doubled to 1.24 million metric tonnes. Ship-to-ship cargo handling reached 24.38 million metric tonnes, and the port recorded 1,555 vessel calls despite moderated dry bulk volumes. The port and freezone are advancing expansion projects with a combined investment value of OMR2.62 billion (approximately $6.82 billion). Sohar Freezone signed five new investment contracts valued at OMR226.47 million (approximately $589 million) during the period, and leased warehouse space increased 19% year-on-year to about 37,000 square metres. The results reflect the strength of SOHAR's integrated port and freezone model and its role in supporting Oman's economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040. The port also carried out nine CSR initiatives reaching over 37,450 beneficiaries, including healthcare, education, and skills development programs.