The Port of Salalah, one of the largest multi-purpose ports in the Middle East, achieved a new record in 2022, handling 18.5 million metric tons of general cargo. In January this year, the trend continued with the Port handling 1.9 million metric tons of general cargo, the highest volume in any month since the terminal became operational.
After being ranked as the 2nd most efficient container port in the world in 2021, the Port of Salalah has continued to drive its Container Terminal performance. In the first quarter of 2023, it consistently broke previous Port Moves Per Hour (PMPH) records and regularly exceeded 200 PMPH. Higher efficiency leads to reduced Port stays for shipping lines, saving time, reducing environmental impact, and lowering costs.
Additionally, bunkering at anchorage is gathering momentum with more than 12 vessels being bunkered in Q1 2023 - raising the profile of Salalah as a bunkering hub in the region.
Leaning up
The port’s focus on Lean methodologies to increase efficiency are being recognised by customers. Five Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) events were held last quarter and two Kaikaku Kaizens, which are used to identify more radical improvements. Employees from across the company joined to map processes and identify improvements that increase quality while eliminating waste. Among other things, the events focussed on improving crane productivity, mobile ship loader operations and safety enhancements.
Efficiency was also positively impacted by further investment. To improve dry bulk productivity, mobile harbour crane idle time has been reduced to a minimum due to an additional 21m3 grabber. This enables the immediate replacement of any grabber that breaks down during dry bulk vessels ops.
Shored up investment
The company also invested in four shore tensioners for use with larger liquid and dry bulk vessels. During the monsoon season these reduce vessel movement by up to 90% compared with conventional moorings and result in safer and more efficient operations.
In March this year, the Port of Salalah participated in the ASYAD Group’s Ports & Freezone Roadshow. The event conducted in three major Indian cities (New Delhi, Ahmadabad and Mumbai) was attended by a high-profile business delegation, including more than 180 potential investors and generated a robust pipeline of opportunities for Oman and the Port.