Oman
Maritime, Ports, Energy Forum Kicks off
Muscat,
29 Apr (ONA) — Oman Maritime, Ports, and Energy Forum kicked off today with a
wide participation from government and private entities, alongside experts and
representatives from international and regional institutions specializing in
ports, energy, shipping, and maritime logistics sectors.
The
inauguration ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali,
Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
It
aims to highlight Oman’s position as an integrated regional hub connecting
global port, energy, and maritime service systems. It also focuses on
showcasing pioneering experiences in addressing challenges and opportunities
arising from global trade shifts and technological advancements.
Reflecting
its importance as an international platform for exchanging insights and
expertise, the forum sees a wide participation from over 200 participants
representing around 70 leading global institutions in the ports and energy
sectors. Its program includes seven specialized papers addressing key
innovations and challenges in the energy and ports sectors, along with topics
on digital transformation and investment in national talents.
Asyad
Group, the strategic partner, is taking center stage at the forum showcasing
its advanced solutions in ports, maritime transport, clean energy, and smart
logistics services, reinforcing Oman’s position as a global provider of
integrated logistics services. The group will also showcase its strategic
partnerships with different international organizations in the sustainability
sector, including innovative projects for generating clean energy using wave
power in Sohar and Duqm, as well as investments in green hydrogen, supporting
the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The
forum comes as Asyad Group continues to enhance its global presence as a
leading provider of integrated logistics solutions through tangible
achievements and strategic investments in 2024. These achievements include
increased handling of general and liquid cargo, as well as container volumes,
outstanding operational performance in shipping and dry dock services, and a
reduction in carbon emissions from its maritime fleet. This reflects the
group’s firm commitment to transitioning to clean energy and reducing the
environmental impact of its operations, in line with the goal of achieving
carbon neutrality by 2050.
Asyad
Group was ranked fourth as the largest sustainable transport and logistics
company in the region according to the Middle East and North Africa
Sustainability Leaders list by Forbes Middle East. Additionally, Salalah Port
was ranked as the second-best global port in container handling efficiency over
the past three years. The group also ranked 18th globally in crude oil tanker
ownership, 21st in LNG and oil transport, and 51st in container transport,
highlighting its efforts and pursuit of excellence by adopting global
technologies and practices across its business units.
Commenting
on the forum and Asyad Group’s participation, Omar Mahmoud Al Mahrazi, CEO of
Asyad Ports and Free Zones, emphasized the Group’s strategic partnership with the
forum embodying its commitment to realizing Oman’s vision for developing the
maritime and logistics ecosystem. He noted that the forum serves as an
important platform for exchanging expertise and discussing key challenges and
future opportunities amid rapid global transformations.
Lesley
Bankes-Hughes, Managing Director of ship.energy, said: “This important event highlights
Oman’s leadership and innovation in the maritime and energy sectors. We hope
the conversations that begin this week will continue long after the Forum and
will lead to new and fruitful collaborations between Omani and international
companies.”
The
forum’s program includes a series of panel discussions covering the prospects
of energy in the Middle East, the development of port infrastructure, changes
in the marine fuel market, and topics on innovation, growth, partnerships, and
building national workforce capacities. A specialized workshop on marine fuel
measurement technologies and the role of digital solutions in improving
operational and commercial efficiency in fuel supply chains was held yesterday
on the sidelines of the forum.
The
forum will conclude with a visit to the fuel supply ship “Margherita
Cosulich,” equipped with mass flow meters, providing participants with a
practical and interactive experience that combines knowledge exchange and
exposure to the latest technological innovations in the maritime sector.
This
extensive international presence and close cooperation between the organizing
entity (ship.energy) and Asyad Group underscore the forum’s significance as a
platform highlighting Oman’s pivotal role in the future of the energy and
shipping sectors, opening new horizons for investment and partnership, thereby
enhancing its competitiveness on the global economic map.
—Ends/AG
