Our Story
Taking strides to reach peak potential for over two decades
The Port of Salalah was founded in 1998. Since then, it has become one of the largest ports in the region and in the Sultanate of Oman, making a significant contribution to regional trade and facilitating global transactions.
So far, the port has handled over 50 million TEUs and over 100 million MT of bulk, liquid, and general cargo. Since its inception, the container and available cargo terminals have grown from strength to strength. This has been made possible through our consistent focus on infrastructure, resources, and world-class operations.
2022
Recognized as Number 1 Container port globally In more than 4 million TEU category
2021
Port of Salalah is recognised as the world's 6th most efficient container port in a report published by World Bank and IHS Markit. Port of Salalah breaks its earlier records by handling 4.5 million TEUs and 16.9 million MT of general cargo.
2017
Cavotec installs 16 nos of MM400E15 units on berths 3 & 4 at CT, which are more effective in holding ships during Khareef. This project costs approximately around 3.5 million OMR. In addition, a new dual road to the Port of Salalah with three roundabouts has been built (about 2.7 km). This project under MOTC costs around 4 million OMR.
2016
Port of Salalah builds a new prayer hall (Masjid) at CT. In addition, Cavotec installs eight nos of MM400E15 units on berth six at CT, proving that Cavotec Moormaster MM400E15 are more effective in holding ships during Khareef. This project costs around 1.8 million OMR.
2015
The new deep-water General Cargo and Liquid Bulk Terminal have become operational. It adds 20 million tons of dry cargo and six million of liquid bulk cargo annual handling capacity.
2014
GCT is expanded to triple capacity and provides new opportunities in liquid storage. A projected CT expansion to add 3 million TEUs to capacity is planned.
2013
Ten years of business relations with APL are commemorated in a ceremony inaugurated by the Governor of Dhofar. In addition, Salalah is listed as one of the Strategic 100 Top Global Infrastructure Projects.
2012
Expansion of the port's general cargo handling capacity to 20 million tons per annum (mtpa) of dry bulk commodities and over 6 million tons of liquid products is kicked off. Thirty million TEU celebrated. The port won the Most Improved Terminal in the AME region at the APM Terminals Awards, Corporate Social Responsibility at the Containerisation Awards, and Green Habitat at the Oman Green Awards.
2011
Dedicated taxi stand service for cruise and crew passengers opened. General Cargo Terminal (GCT) receives new bulk handling equipment. The port wins the Lloyds List Safety Award.
2009
20 million TEU celebrated. The port receives four additional Post-Panamax Gantry Cranes and six Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes. The year also marks the launch of the SWITCH commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 25% within five years.
2008
Berth 6 is completed.
2007
Berth 5 completed. Container volumes exceed 2.5m TEU; General Cargo volumes exceed 2.8m.
2006
The port receives six additional Post-Panamax Gantry Cranes.
2005
A landmark: 10 million TEU is celebrated. Plans are made to convert the training department into a fully equipped Training Centre.
2003
An expansion project for two new berths and a new breakwater is approved. The port wins Best Seaport Middle East at the Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards.
2002
Notably, the volumes in the Container Terminal exceed design capacity for the first time.
2001
As part of a community focus, the Summer Internship program is launched.
2000
Bunkering facilities are completed. The General Cargo Terminal comes under Port of Salalah management.
1999
Port of Salalah sets a world record for productivity. It records more than 250 berth moves per hour.
1996-1998
The Government of Oman, Maersk Line, Sealand, and private institutions, agree to invest in the development of the Raysut Port jointly. As a result, the Port of Salalah Container Terminal was inaugurated in November 1998 and won the Best Investment Project in Oman Award.
1981-1982
Phase 3 establishes a container terminal with one 35-ton gantry crane, in line with the government's second 5-Year Plan to further the country's economic growth via international maritime transportation.
1976-1980
Phase 2 of the Raysut Port development advances to receive vessels at an annual capacity of one million metric tons.
1971-1974
The Government of Oman initiates the development of the Raysut Port (Port of Salalah). As a result, infrastructure is improved and can accommodate vessels up to a 4-meter draft.
1970
The Governorate of Dhofar receives and sends goods via rudimentary infrastructure. Large vessels need offshore launches and feeders. Operations are hazardous, especially during the monsoon season (Khareef) from June through September.