First MSC containers arrive in the Omani Port of Duqm from Europe

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Port of Duqm are pleased to announce the arrival of the first MSC containers at this growing transportation hub.

The containers were carried by the MSC Laurence from Antwerp to Jebel Ali, picked up by an Oman Container Line feeder service, and discharged at the Port of Duqm on 5th August.

The cargo includes equipment for Serka Taahhut Insaat – the construction unit of Turkish conglomerate Adali Holding – and will be used to help develop the infrastructure of the commercial quay.

Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm, said:  “MSC is amongst the first shipping lines to put Port of Duqm in its register as an end destination and we expect many other lines to follow soon. Clients active in and around the Duqm area will now have many more options to ship their containerized cargoes in and out of the port to destinations all over the globe. This will enhance the competitiveness of the port and we expect volumes traded through Duqm to grow substantially over time.”

Tariq Khattak, MSC’s local representative in Oman, said: “The Duqm Special Economic Zone and Port represent one of the largest development projects in the region. The port has the potential to attract significant amounts of project cargo, supporting trade development in Oman, in particular in the government initiatives in the Al Wusta Governorate in Oman. MSC already operates services calling at the Omani ports of Salalah and Sohar and we are delighted to complement our presence in the country by contributing to the growth of Port of Duqm.”