22 August 2011
MUSCAT -- CMA-CGM, one of the world's biggest container shipping lines, has launched a feeder service from Sohar Port's Oman International Container Terminal (OICT).
Significantly, the French-headquartered giant is the first major shipping line to ramp up operations from Sohar Port since last month's landmark decision by the Omani government to reposition Muscat Port Sultan Qaboos from a commercial port to a cruise tourism hub and relocate import and export cargo operations to Sohar port.
MV CMA-CGM Impala, a feeder vessel operated by CMA-CGM -- billed as the world's third largest container line -- called OICT yesterday on a maiden visit that underscores the container terminal's growing regional and international appeal to shipping.
Part of CMA-CGM's 'FAS' Service, the 1,726 TEU-capacity MV CMA-CGM Impala together with MV Delmas Swala (capacity 1,107 TEU) will call Sohar in a weekly service through the line's main hub port at Khor Fakkan (UAE) for global connectivity with it main line services. Importantly, the service also has a direct connection with Intra Gulf ports in Kuwait and Iraq.
Sohar's inclusion in the service not only provides enhanced connectivity with CMA-CGM's global network, but also with one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East, where reconstruction and economic development is fuelling a boom in demand for goods.
According to industry observers, CMA-CGM's decision to augment services from Sohar is in significant measure driven by Sohar's enhanced importance as a maritime gateway in light of Muscat's new role as a cruise tourism port.
French-headquartered CMA-CGM joins a growing portfolio of major international shipping lines, including APL, Maersk Line, UASC, and Fruitex Shipping (a specialised refrigerated vessel service), that are currently operating from Sohar Port. These companies offer regular container liner services for general cargoes, international-class reefer services, and so on, while also providing importers and exporters of Oman with a wider choice of schedules and destinations. A significant number of prominent NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers) also operate out of Sohar.
In Oman, CMA-CGM is represented by Al Fayha Shipping Agencies, which has offices in Muscat and Sohar.
MUSCAT -- CMA-CGM, one of the world's biggest container shipping lines, has launched a feeder service from Sohar Port's Oman International Container Terminal (OICT).
Significantly, the French-headquartered giant is the first major shipping line to ramp up operations from Sohar Port since last month's landmark decision by the Omani government to reposition Muscat Port Sultan Qaboos from a commercial port to a cruise tourism hub and relocate import and export cargo operations to Sohar port.
MV CMA-CGM Impala, a feeder vessel operated by CMA-CGM -- billed as the world's third largest container line -- called OICT yesterday on a maiden visit that underscores the container terminal's growing regional and international appeal to shipping.
Part of CMA-CGM's 'FAS' Service, the 1,726 TEU-capacity MV CMA-CGM Impala together with MV Delmas Swala (capacity 1,107 TEU) will call Sohar in a weekly service through the line's main hub port at Khor Fakkan (UAE) for global connectivity with it main line services. Importantly, the service also has a direct connection with Intra Gulf ports in Kuwait and Iraq.
Sohar's inclusion in the service not only provides enhanced connectivity with CMA-CGM's global network, but also with one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East, where reconstruction and economic development is fuelling a boom in demand for goods.
According to industry observers, CMA-CGM's decision to augment services from Sohar is in significant measure driven by Sohar's enhanced importance as a maritime gateway in light of Muscat's new role as a cruise tourism port.
French-headquartered CMA-CGM joins a growing portfolio of major international shipping lines, including APL, Maersk Line, UASC, and Fruitex Shipping (a specialised refrigerated vessel service), that are currently operating from Sohar Port. These companies offer regular container liner services for general cargoes, international-class reefer services, and so on, while also providing importers and exporters of Oman with a wider choice of schedules and destinations. A significant number of prominent NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers) also operate out of Sohar.
In Oman, CMA-CGM is represented by Al Fayha Shipping Agencies, which has offices in Muscat and Sohar.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
