SOHAR Port and Freezone reports 52% cargo growth in H1 2026

SOHAR Port and Freezone reported a 52% increase in total cargo throughput during the first half of 2026, reaching 52 million metric tonnes. This growth occurred despite a challenging international trading environment.

Key performance metrics included a 40% rise in container throughput to 545,000 TEUs, largely due to increased transshipment activity. Ship-to-ship cargo handling reached 24.38 million metric tonnes, and breakbulk cargo volumes nearly doubled to 1.24 million metric tonnes. While dry bulk volumes saw a moderation, the port managed 1,555 vessel calls.

Investment in existing and expansion projects reached a combined value of approximately US$6.82 billion (OMR 2.62 billion) to enhance industrial capacity and infrastructure. Within the SOHAR Freezone, five new investment contracts worth approximately US$589 million (OMR 226.47 million) were signed. Additionally, leased warehouse space grew by 19% year-on-year to roughly 37,000 square metres.