Sohar Port Cargo Throughput Jumps 52% to 52m Tonnes in First Half
Container volumes up 40% to 545,000 teu on transhipment, breakbulk close to doubling
Sohar Port and Freezone in Oman reported a sharp increase in cargo activity during the first half of 2026, handling 52m tonnes, up 52% on the same period last year.
Container throughput increased 40% to 545,000 teu, driven primarily by higher transhipment volumes, while breakbulk cargo nearly doubled to 1.24m tonnes. Ship-to-ship cargo handling reached 24.38m tonnes. Dry bulk volumes moderated over the period, but the port still recorded 1,555 vessel calls across the six months.
The operational gains come alongside continued investment across the integrated port and industrial complex. Existing and expansion projects underway at Sohar represent a combined investment value of $6.82bn, targeting additional infrastructure and industrial capacity.
"The first half of 2026 demonstrates the adaptability of Sohar's integrated port and freezone model and the strength of our long-term strategy," said Emile Hoogsteden, chief executive of Sohar Port. He said continued investment in infrastructure and maritime connectivity was designed to position the complex for future growth while strengthening Oman as a logistics and industrial hub.
The freezone recorded its own set of numbers. Sohar Freezone signed five new investment contracts valued at $589m during the first half, and leased warehouse space increased 19% year on year to approximately 37,000 sq m. Raid Al Rubaiey, chief executive of Sohar Freezone and deputy chief executive of Sohar Port, said the development strategy was focused on attracting industries that strengthen Oman's industrial base and deepen local and regional value chains.
The scale of the transhipment gain is the figure worth watching. Sohar sits on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz, and a 40% rise in box volumes in a half-year when Gulf gateways inside the strait lost the majority of their throughput points to a redistribution of relay cargo rather than organic growth in Omani trade.
The port's expansion forms part of the wider Oman Vision 2040 economic diversification strategy, which positions Sohar as an integrated maritime, logistics and industrial gateway serving regional and international trade.
