More than 3.3 million sea containers have been loaded and unloaded at the port of Salalah in the first nine months of this year. The port also handled nearly 13 million tonnes of general cargo during the January-September 2021 period.

“The container terminal handled 3.342 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) during the period January-September 2021 compared to 3.22 million TEU during the same period last year, an increase of 4 percent, “Salalah Port Services Company (SPSC), which operates and manages the port of Salalah, said in its report submitted to the Muscat Stock Exchange. “This was made possible thanks to the strong support of one of our main customers despite the very difficult business environment. “

Regarding productivity, SPSC said that the container terminal at the Port of Salalah saw steady improvements in port stay performance during the January-September period of this year. This shows the success of the port by focusing on continuous improvements.

The general cargo terminal at the Port of Salalah, on the other hand, saw volume growth of 17%. The terminal handled 12.721 million tonnes of general cargo in the first nine months of 2021, compared to 10.837 million tonnes in the same period of 2020.

The main products processed are limestone, gypsum, methanol and cement, which are exported from Salalah to neighboring markets and continue to boost general merchandise trade, SPSC said.

According to Port of Salalah, shipping rates are expected to remain high in the near term despite major shipping lines declaring a cap on spot rates. “However, shipping companies have come under pressure from regulators in some governments to reduce tariffs to improve economic prospects, as supply chain disruption is identified as a significant bottleneck. for economic recovery, ”the company said.

On the container side, Salalah-based importers and exporters are also facing pressure from higher freight rates and unavailability of equipment as in other parts of the world, which is expected to impact volume. doors in the fourth quarter of this year. , said the SPSC.

Regarding general cargo operations, SPSC said increasing tonnage and demand for gearless vessels continue to put pressure on dry bulk exporters.

“While the forecast for dry bulk and other cargo volumes remains positive, indicating a large volume pipeline in the last quarter, the excessive increase in vessel charters and, consequently, freight rates, 200 to 250%, could have a negative impact on dry bulk. fourth quarter volume performance, ”the company said.

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