Indian logistics firms negotiate terminal stakes at Oman’s Sohar Port

Sohar Port, now a key gateway for Indian exporters to the Gulf Cooperation Council, is in talks with multiple Indian logistics firms about operating terminals or captive berths, according to deputy CEO Raid Al Rubaiey. The port, which already hosts a Jindal-run captive terminal, is assessing expansion options given a sharp rise in cargo flows caused by the West Asia crisis. Since February, feeder services linking India and Sohar have quadrupled, diverting cargo that once traveled on larger vessels directly to GCC destinations.

In the first half of the year, container handling rose 40% and break-bulk volumes nearly doubled, pushing total cargo to 52 million tonnes, a 52% increase. Sohar aims to become a transshipment hub for GCC and African markets, leveraging its extensive land, waterfront and upcoming Oman-UAE rail link slated for 2028. Investments exceeding $30 billion underpin the port and its free-zone, reinforcing its role in regional trade.