SOHAR reveals 2014 throughput figures signs new deals at annual business reception

·       Container throughput up 58 percent after transfer of commercial shipping from Muscat ·       Dry bulk unchanged, while break bulk and roro saw respective 51 and 99 percent growth ·       Contract signed with Sohar Flour Mills ahead of construction of 500MT per day flour mill ·       Centre Point Logistics also sign deal, plan to use SOHAR for Oman expansion

SOHAR Port signed a leased contract with Sohar Flour Mills on Wednesday 28 January 2015, ahead of the planned construction of a new flour mill with a capacity of 500 MT per day. The signing took place at the SOHAR Port and Freezone annual business reception which drew participation from public and private sector dignitaries and representatives from key diplomatic missions based in Muscat. Contracts were signed and exchanged by HE Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Chairman of SOHAR Port and Freezone, and Mr. Khamis bin Abdullah Al Farsi, Chairman of Atyab Investments. A second contract was signed with Centre Point Logistics (CPL), who will take up the option of a plot at SOHAR Freezone for the expansion of its logistics, warehousing, and storage facilities. Contracts were signed and exchanged by HE Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Chairman of SOHAR Port and Freezone, and Mr. Saleh Said Lootah, Chairman of CPL Dubai.  Centre Point Logistics represent one of the leading companies in the logistics and industrial sector from their main office in JAFZA, Dubai. SOHAR Port and Freezone has revealed throughput figures for 2014 at a press conference held before its annual business reception at the Chedi Hotel in Muscat. Speaking at the conference, CEO Andre Toet said that container throughput grew 58 percent, with cars and break bulk also performing well. The rise in container traffic can be attributed to the relocation of commercial traffic from Muscat. Break bulk cargo increased by 51 percent, while the number of cars handled by SOHAR grew 99 percent, to 122,000. This followed a deal to create a regional distribution hub, and together with existing throughput, this figure will grow to 200,000. The reception also provided the backdrop for the launch of the 2015 SOHAR Annual Magazine.