Oman’s
Maritime Strategy Highlighted at London International Shipping Week

London,
17 Sep (ONA) — SOHAR Port and Freezone, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and Asyad Group, hosted
the “Sohar Port and Freezone Maritime Excellence Gathering” during
the 2025 London International Shipping Week.

The
event aimed to highlight and solidify Oman’s strategic position as a global hub
for maritime trade, logistics, and green innovation, in line with the
objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Eng.
Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport,
Communications, and Information Technology for Transport, stated in his speech
that Oman’s maritime sector is entering a new phase that goes beyond just
infrastructure development. He said it now includes building an integrated
ecosystem characterized by flexibility, innovation, and regional integration.
He added that the London International Shipping Week provided an opportunity to
showcase Oman’s achievements and to exchange experiences and insights with
global leaders in the shipping, trade, and logistics sectors.

Discussions
during the event focused on global challenges and opportunities and the main
priorities shaping the future of the maritime sector, such as improving supply
chain resilience, enhancing efforts to reduce emissions, and streamlining trade
procedures.

Omar
Mahmood Al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports and Freezones at Asyad Group, noted that
the group undertakes a pivotal role in boosting the competitiveness of Oman’s
ports and maritime transport sector and connecting them to global markets
through integrated logistics solutions to establish its position as a leading
hub for trade and logistics.

Emile
Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, emphasized the strategic role of the
integrated ecosystem at Sohar Port and Freezone. “We are working to
develop a comprehensive maritime system supported by the latest technologies,
sustainable solutions, and international partnerships. This will strengthen the
position of Sohar Port and Freezone and the Sultanate of Oman as an attractive
destination for investment, talent, and innovation, as well as a major gateway
for Oman’s trade exchange,” he said.

On
the sidelines of the event, Sohar Port and Freezone signed several memorandums
of understanding with major international institutions in the areas of
sustainable fuels, maritime services, talent development, enhancing safety
standards, collaboration on event organization, and international media
outreach. These agreements will further cement Oman’s position in the global
maritime sector.

—Ends/AG