As part of its ongoing equipment augmentation plan to cater to the growing customer base, the Port of Salalah recently acquired and commissioned a state of the art pilot boat Najm 2 which will join the existing pilot boat Najm 1 to assist in the marine operations of Port of Salalah.

The pilot boats have been given the series name of Najm, which means a star in Arabic drawing inspiration from the traditional use of stars for vessel navigation. Najm 2 is manufactured by Damen Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey. It’s a high speed vessel, with a state of the art navigation system fitted with special propeller tunnels to increase propulsion efficiency, reduce draft, vibration and noise levels. Najm 2 became operational this month.

Najm 2 has been added to the fleet of existing boats in order to enable the increase of work flow and efficiency.

Being the largest private sector employer in the Dhofar Governorate, Port of Salalah continues with its long standing commitment to develop and train local Omani talent and the entire pilot boat crew are Omani having been trained and certified to operate these vessels.