Hong Kong-based port and terminal operator Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH) plans to invest further USD 120 million into Oman International Container Terminal (OICT) by 2019, HPH’s Managing Director Eric Ip said during the GCC Supply Chain & Logistics Conference 2015 in Sohar.
The project which should increase OICT’s annual throughput to 6 million TEUs includes the fast-tracking development at Terminal C, plans for Terminal D and expansion of hinterland connections.
The construction of Terminal D will synchronise with the overall development plan of Sohar Port and may start as early as 2018/19.
”OICT is the gateway to Oman and HPH has achieved its mission to consolidate Muscat and Sohar cargo and to develop Sohar Port into a modern and efficient gateway port for the North Batinah region and the Sohar Freezone,” Ip said.
“We are committed to Sohar Port and to the Sultanate of Oman. We will continue the development of facilities at the port to capture the growing trade activities in the Middle East and the potential to serve the latest class of 20,000 TEU mega-vessels. We are building for the future.”
HPH already invested USD 183.5 million in OICT as of the end of 2014.