Sohar Freezone expansion to move into second phase 

Oman, December 18, 2014 (STAT):-The first phase of the Sohar Freezone is filling up fast and the second phase expansion plans are being assessed technically and financially, according to Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager, Sohar Port and Freezone.

“The first phase of the Freezone is filling up fast – at 46 per cent. Currently, 227 hectares are occupied with a further 158 committed, representing 80 per cent of the first phase.” The first phase (500 hectares) and the second phase are a part of a master plan to develop around 4,500 hectares in different phases. The process of assessing the technical and financial requirements of the second phase is underway.

The Port’s three major clusters – logistics, petrochemicals and metals – will soon be joined by Oman’s first ever terminal to be dedicated to the handling of agricultural bulk. This new addition will manage the nation’s strategic food reserves and joins independent terminals operated by world-class leading companies that include C. Steinweg Oman for general cargo, a joint venture between Oiltanking and Odfjell for liquid cargo, and Hong-Kong based Hutchison Whampoa for containers.