THE cyclone Mekunu-ravaged port of Salalah pulled off an impressive recovery in 2019 with container throughput rising to a record 4.11 million TEU, representing a growth rate of 21 per cent compared to the previous year.
The port was successful in retaining all its container shipping line clients, while Maersk's share of container traffic at the port surged by 18 per cent.
Volumes at Salalah's General Cargo Terminal were steadier. The 16.278 million tonnes handled during 2019 was similar to 2018 levels. There was a sharp dip in volumes during the third quarter attributed to regional political tensions, but there was a strong rebound in the fourth quarter. Expanding ro-ro traffic from the Far East was a particular highlight of 2019, reported The Maritime Standard, Dubai.
Prospects for bulk cargo shipments are rated positively, particularly for gypsum. However, the scope for growth is presently restricted by a lack of space for dry bulk stockpiles. Enhanced ship loader performance is said to be vital in this context, boosting stockpile turnover and hence capacity.
Similarly, there is strong demand for the development of tank farm capacity at Salalah. This would require more land to be made available within the port but this is presently occupied by dry bulk stockpiles.
WORLD SHIPPING
The port was successful in retaining all its container shipping line clients, while Maersk's share of container traffic at the port surged by 18 per cent.
Volumes at Salalah's General Cargo Terminal were steadier. The 16.278 million tonnes handled during 2019 was similar to 2018 levels. There was a sharp dip in volumes during the third quarter attributed to regional political tensions, but there was a strong rebound in the fourth quarter. Expanding ro-ro traffic from the Far East was a particular highlight of 2019, reported The Maritime Standard, Dubai.
Prospects for bulk cargo shipments are rated positively, particularly for gypsum. However, the scope for growth is presently restricted by a lack of space for dry bulk stockpiles. Enhanced ship loader performance is said to be vital in this context, boosting stockpile turnover and hence capacity.
Similarly, there is strong demand for the development of tank farm capacity at Salalah. This would require more land to be made available within the port but this is presently occupied by dry bulk stockpiles.
WORLD SHIPPING