Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Signs Three Agreements in Roads, Ports, and Maritime Services

Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Signs Three Agreements in Roads, Ports, and Maritime Services

• Agreement for the Dualization of the Izki–Nizwa Road Project

• Framework Agreement for Investment in the Design, Construction, Management, and Operation of a Quarry Products Port in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands

• Framework Agreement for Investment in the Development of Ship Services and Crew Change Operations at Sultan Qaboos Port

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of road infrastructure, develop ports, and improve maritime services, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology signed today three strategic agreements. The first agreement covers the dualization of the Izki–Nizwa Road in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The second agreement establishes an investment framework for the design, construction, management, and operation of a quarry products port in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands. The third agreement sets a framework for investment in the operation, management, and development of ship services and crew change operations at Sultan Qaboos Port.

 

The agreements were signed by His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shammakhi, Undersecretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.

 

Dualization of the Izki–Nizwa Road

 

The first agreement, signed between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and Galfar Engineering & Contracting, involves the dualization of the Izki–Nizwa Road in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The project covers approximately 30 kilometers, starting from the existing roundabout near Qaroot South in the Wilayat of Izki, passing through Birkat Al Mouz and Hay Al Turath, and extending to the entrance of Nizwa at the Firq area.

 

The project aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and support economic and social development in the areas it serves. It also includes the construction of service roads totaling 3.167 kilometers on both sides of the dual carriageway in selected locations. Additionally, a 1.163-kilometer dualized road will connect the project to the Sanaw Bridge on Sultan Thuwayni

 bin Said Road, strengthening links between existing roads and key areas.

 

Furthermore, the project will include the construction of a vehicle underpass in the Twai Al Nisf area of Izki to connect both sides of the road, as well as a road leading to Jabal Al Akhdar, stretching 0.877 kilometers.

 

Port in the Mangi area

The second agreement, a framework agreement between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and Minji International Ports, aims to boost the ports sector by investing in the design, construction, management, and operation of a quarry products port in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands. The project will be implemented over 18 months in two interlinked phases.

 

In the first phase, the company will provide the ministry with the financial requirements and obligations associated with the project. The second phase involves obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant authorities in preparation for signing a long-term concession agreement.

 

The port is expected to enhance the mining sector by providing a direct export route for extracted minerals, facilitating the export of Omani quarry products, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the competitiveness of Omani products in global markets. This will contribute to the national economy by strengthening the role of both the mining and ports sectors.

 

Development of Sultan Qaboos Port

 

The third agreement, signed between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and the Omani Integrated Logistics Services Company, is a framework investment agreement aimed at supporting the ministry’s plans to develop Omani ports and enhance the competitiveness of Sultan Qaboos Port. The agreement seeks to accelerate the port’s development by attracting commercial activities aligned with its primary function as a tourism hub.

 

The framework agreement covers the operation, management, and development of ship services and crew change operations at the port for two years. It also includes the preparation of a development and marketing plan for maritime services, which will involve analyzing local and global markets, identifying potential opportunities for new or improved maritime services, and establishing an effective marketing strategy with performance indicators for measuring service efficiency.

 

The project will be implemented in four interconnected phases. It will begin with an analysis of the local and global markets to assess ship service needs and identify service gaps. This will be followed by a phase dedicated to exploring investment opportunities through the introduction of new maritime services or improvements to existing ones based on international standards.

 

Subsequently, a comprehensive marketing plan will be developed to enhance the port’s position in the market and attract more shipping companies. In the final phase, precise performance indicators will be established to measure the quality and efficiency of services, ensuring continuous improvement and development.

 

The project aims to enhance the port’s appeal for commercial and maritime service activities while aligning with its role as a key tourism port. It also seeks to expand the range of logistics and maritime services available to ships.

 

Advancing Oman Vision 2040

 

These agreements reflect the commitment of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology to developing vital sectors in the Sultanate of Oman by strengthening infrastructure, encouraging investment in ports, and expanding maritime services. These initiatives mark a significant step toward achieving Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify income sources and enhance the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy.