Oman's Salalah Port Experiences Drop in Container Volumes Due to Red Sea Crisis

Oman's Salalah port reported a 16% decline in container volumes in the first half of the year as ships reroute around the southern tip of Africa to avoid missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea.

The port, Oman's closest to the border with Yemen, handled 1.679 million containers from January to June, compared to 1.999 million in the same period last year, according to Salalah Port Services Co.

Shipping lines are bypassing the Red Sea area due to the conflict, explained Dean Davison, head of maritime advisory for Infrata. The missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, primarily by Yemen's Houthi militants since October, have led many ocean freight companies to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal, opting instead for the Cape of Good Hope.

Salalah port anticipates a continued decline in container volumes for the remainder of the year if the situation persists. Despite these challenges, the port's general cargo terminal saw a 4% rise in volumes to 11.655 million tons, driven by increased demand for gypsum and limestone exports.

Read More: Impact of Red Sea Crisis on Ocean Freight Shipping More Rapid than Covid-19