Oman terminal opens for business

OICT is a joint venture between the HPH Group, the Government of Oman, Steinweg of the Netherlands and three well-established Omani investors. Progress at the greenfield site has been rapid since the joint venture agreement was signed in November 2005. Terminal B, Phase I has a total quay length of 285 m and a depth alongside of 16.5 m. It has four post-Panamax quay cranes, eight RTGs, two reachstackers and a fleet of 15 tractors and 33 trailers.

Phase II was expected to come on stream ahead of schedule in February 2007. Upon completion, the container terminal will have a total quay length of 520 m and a total yard area of 28 ha. It has already attracted a number of major customers.

John Meredith commented at the ceremony: “OICT is an important member of the HPH network of ports. With its strategic location outside the Straits of Hormuz, it will strengthen Oman’s position as a centre of trade in the region, as well as serve as a gateway to international trade for the Sohar Industrial Port and other developing industries in the Batinah region.”