Maersk Announces Gradual Resumption of Operations at Oman’s Port of Salalah

Danish shipping giant Maersk announced on Monday that Oman's Port of Salalah will gradually resume operations starting March 31, following a period of disruption that had forced the rerouting of vessels and raised concerns across the Gulf's maritime logistics network.

The resumption comes after the port, one of the largest transhipment hubs on the Arabian Sea, faced operational challenges linked to regional security tensions and heightened risks along key shipping lanes. Maersk, which operates a major terminal at Salalah through its APM Terminals subsidiary, confirmed that services would be restored in phases to ensure safety and operational integrity.

"We are working closely with the port authorities and our partners to ensure a smooth and safe resumption of operations," a Maersk spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the company would continue to monitor the security situation and adjust its plans accordingly.

The Port of Salalah, located on Oman's southern coast near the Gulf of Aden, serves as a critical waypoint for container traffic moving between Asia, Europe and East Africa. Its strategic position has made it a key node in global supply chains, particularly for goods transiting through the Suez Canal corridor and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Disruptions at Salalah have had ripple effects across the region, impacting shipping schedules and adding pressure to already strained supply chains. Several major carriers had diverted vessels to alternative ports, including Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar's Hamad Port, which has seen increased traffic as regional operators sought reliable alternatives.

For Qatar, the development underscores the importance of its ongoing investments in port infrastructure and maritime logistics. Hamad Port, which opened in 2017, has rapidly expanded its capacity and established itself as a major transhipment hub in the Gulf. The facility played a vital role during the 2017 blockade, when Qatar was forced to develop independent supply routes, and has since continued to grow as a pillar of the country's economic diversification strategy.

Industry analysts noted that the gradual nature of the Salalah resumption suggests that full operational capacity may take weeks to restore. Shipping rates along Gulf routes had risen during the disruption, and market watchers will be monitoring whether the phased reopening helps stabilize costs for importers and exporters across the region.

Oman's government has not issued a detailed public statement on the circumstances that led to the port's reduced operations, though officials have previously emphasized their commitment to maintaining the country's reputation as a neutral and reliable maritime partner.

Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping line, has been navigating a complex operating environment across the Middle East, with security concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden prompting repeated route adjustments over the past year. The company reported earlier this quarter that diversions around the Cape of Good Hope had added significant costs and transit times to its operations.

The resumption at Salalah is expected to provide some relief to regional trade flows, though analysts cautioned that the broader security landscape in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula remains unpredictable.