Maersk Line will discontinue all service to and from Muscat, effective June 1, 2014. The operations will shift from Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ), Muscat to Oman International Container Terminal (OICT), Sohar, the company said in its press release.
The change is due to Port Sultan Qaboos converting into a tourism port by January 2015, as well as the Sultanate’s strategy to develop and improve the port and marine transport sector in Oman. All of the commercial activities will be transferred to the Sohar Industrial Port Complex.
Vessel Traffic:
The last vessel to call Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat is expected to be OCL Eagle v.1421, ETA May 29, 2014.
The first vessel call to Oman International Container Terminal, Sohar is expected to be OCL Eagle v.1421, ETA June 1, 2014.
Container acceptance/release at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat:
Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat will be closed for acceptance of both export and import cargo for and on behalf of Maersk Line on any of our vessels effective May 31, 2014 at 11:59pm.
Furthermore, all empty containers must be returned to Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat by June 30, 2014.