The Port of Duqm, which last month (February 2022) celebrated its official launch, is set to play a key role in supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s economic diversification and long-term prosperity. This vital strategic project, for which Khatib & Alami (K&A) was the main consultant for onshore facilities including buildings, roads and infrastructure, is part of the ambitious 2,000 km² SEZAD project (Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm).

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of H.H Sayyid Asad bin Tarik Al Said, representing his Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Sultanate of Oman, Phillippe Leopold Louis Marie, King of the Belgians, and Mathilde Marie Christine Ghislaine d’Udekem d’Acoz, Queen of the Belgians.

The Port of Duqm is one of the largest ports in Oman and an attractive destination for commercial shipping routes between Asian, European and Middle Eastern ports. It comprises three main berths, including commercial, government, and liquid materials berths. Its 18-meter basin depth and 19-meter depth of approach channel qualify it to receive and handle the world’s largest container ships and very large crude carriers.

K&A was appointed to the project by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) in Oman, along with a joint venture partner, Royal Haskoning DHV. The K&A consultancy team was responsible for planning, design and supervision of the infrastructure, buildings and road network for the entire Port of Duqm project.

The master planning and design for the development was based on the need to accommodate 73 million tons of cargo passing through the Port of Duqm each year. The marine works involved the construction of 43 berths (containers, liquid, naval, shipyard, general, and others) spanning approximately 12 kilometers. Onshore facilities include a container yard, 100,000 m2 of heavy-duty pavement, 37 km of roads (equivalent to 159 km of single-lane roads), infrastructure works, and other works spread throughout an area of more than 60 km2.

K&A also designed and oversaw the development of a truck parking facility, which can hold more than 150 vehicles. It includes amenities such as a truck driver's transaction hall pass office, X-ray bays, a one-stop-station administration building, and external and internal bus terminals.

Mostafa Sayed, Director – Oman for K&A, says: “We’re proud to play a main role in this strategic project for the future of Oman. Port of Duqm is an exceptional, world-class facility which will become a valued economic hub for the region, spurring further growth and investment.”