CMA CGM and Oman's Asyad Group have signed a framework agreement to develop and operate a new multipurpose logistics terminal at Sohar Port, with an expected investment of around $400m. The project will add integrated logistics and cargo handling capacity at one of Oman's main port and industrial hubs, according to Splash247.
The agreement was signed during the official visit of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France. Asyad stated the project would support higher cargo volumes and improve links between Omani ports and global shipping networks. CMA CGM said the terminal would strengthen its port and logistics activities in the Gulf and provide more reliable inland access to regional trade corridors.
Key Details of the Terminal Investment
The multipurpose terminal will be developed as a joint effort between CMA CGM, a French liner and logistics giant, and Asyad Group, the Omani state-owned logistics conglomerate. The $400m investment is expected to enhance Sohar's role as a gateway for cargo flows across the Gulf region.
Sohar Port and Freezone is a joint venture between Asyad and the Port of Rotterdam. The port currently handles more than 3,000 vessel calls per year and approximately 75m tonnes of cargo, with a container terminal capacity of 2.46m TEU, according to the source.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual vessel calls | 3,000+ |
| Annual cargo throughput | ~75m tonnes |
| Container terminal capacity | 2.46m TEU |
Statements from Executives
Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of CMA CGM, said the Sohar project would improve regional connectivity and supply chain resilience for the group's customers. "This partnership with Asyad Group marks an important step in the development of our logistics and port activities in the Gulf," Saadé stated.
Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, group chief executive officer of Asyad Group, said the agreement is part of the Omani logistics group's push to attract more trade flows and investment into ports, free zones and economic zones.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
For freight forwarders, ocean carriers, and 3PL operators active in the Gulf region, this terminal adds multipurpose capacity at a strategic port hub. Sohar's existing infrastructure — handling 75m tonnes of cargo and over 3,000 vessel calls annually — combined with the new investment, will likely improve berth availability and reduce congestion risk on key Middle East trade lanes. Shippers using the Gulf corridor can expect enhanced connectivity to global shipping networks and more reliable inland access to regional markets. Logistics managers should monitor construction timelines and terminal operating milestones to adjust routing and capacity planning accordingly.
Watch List
- Construction timeline and commissioning date of the new multipurpose terminal.
- Potential increases in vessel call frequencies and cargo volumes at Sohar as the terminal becomes operational.
- Further investments or partnerships between CMA CGM and Asyad in other Omani ports or free zones.
- Impact on competitive dynamics at other Gulf ports such as Jebel Ali, Salalah, and Khor Fakkan.
Sources:
