Port of Duqm and Shell Oman to build bunkering facilities at Omani port

The agreement will see bunkering terminals provide different grades of marine fuels and lubricants as well as other ancillary facilities to vessels calling at Duqm port, according to PDC, a 50-50 joint venture between Oman and Port of Antwerp Consortium.

Duqm port has a commercial quay capable of handling heavy lift project cargo, general cargo, dry bulk and containers, supported by a deep draught of 18 metres.

Dr Mohammed Mahmood Al Balushi, ceo of Shell Oman, said: “Due to the strategic and geopolitical location of the port on the international shipping lines, it is hoisted in the coming years to transform into a regional hub attracting large investments and projects while driving the diversification of the sultanate’s [Oman] economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.”

Reggy Vermeulen, chief executive of PDC, said the new agreement with Shell Oman underlines the ambition of PDC to become a future bunker hub serving the entire region.

“With new global bunker regulations coming into effect as from 2020, Port of Duqm plans to take full advantage of its prime location as well as the availability of the right fuel specs and offer prime bunker services accordingly,” Vermeulen noted.