06 March 2016
Muscat - Its cargo operations severely truncated by the planned transformation of Muscat's Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) into a cruise and leisure destination, Port Services Corporation (PSC) -- which operates and manages the gateway -- says it has approved an organisational revamp pending the rollout of new business initiatives to sustain its operations. PSC Chief Executive Officer Saud bin Ahmed al Nahari said the restructuring is based on the recommendations of a consultant appointed by the Board of Directors to guide this process. "In line with the transition of cargo operations from PSQ and reduction in staff strength based on the requirements, the Board has temporarily approved a revised organisational structure during the year. This structure will be effective until new lines of business are identified and approved for implementation," the CEO stated in a management report on the corporation's 2015 performance.
PSC has long been weighing a number of initiatives that, if given the government's green-light, would see it play a leading role in, among other things, the operation and management of Port Khasab and a proposed dry port envisaged as part of the South Al Batinah Logistics Area (SABLA).
In particular, PSC is working to secure a "pivotal role" in the PSQ Waterfront Project which envisions the conversion of the harbour into a mixed use waterfront facility, said Al Nahari. While the Corporation has been assured "a definitive and integral role" by the government in the project, that role has yet to be clearly articulated, he noted.
"Unless the Corporation is considered as an integral part of the project and the development company and not merely as a service provider, it will be difficult to ensure the success or viability of the future operations at PSQ as a service provider," he warned.
Also in PSC's sights is a plan for the operation and management of Port Khasab, the final nod for which is still awaited from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Al Nahari said. Following a commercial offer submitted by PSC along with its strategic partner, Kaveh Port and Marine Services of Iran, the Ministry had responded by proposing an initial concession agreement with PSC covering Port Khasab, he explained. "The Corporation's Board of Directors has agreed to this proposal of (the Ministry) and awaits (the Ministry's) final approval," the CEO said.
Another venture keenly eyed by PSC is the operation and management (O&M) of the proposed dry port at SABLA, a Request for Proposals (RfP) for which is due next month, according to the CEO. A consortium headed by PSC, and including Salalah Port Services SAOG and Borusan Makhazen (under formation), is among a number of local and international groups shortlisted to participate in the competitive tender for the O&M contract, he noted.
Muscat - Its cargo operations severely truncated by the planned transformation of Muscat's Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) into a cruise and leisure destination, Port Services Corporation (PSC) -- which operates and manages the gateway -- says it has approved an organisational revamp pending the rollout of new business initiatives to sustain its operations. PSC Chief Executive Officer Saud bin Ahmed al Nahari said the restructuring is based on the recommendations of a consultant appointed by the Board of Directors to guide this process. "In line with the transition of cargo operations from PSQ and reduction in staff strength based on the requirements, the Board has temporarily approved a revised organisational structure during the year. This structure will be effective until new lines of business are identified and approved for implementation," the CEO stated in a management report on the corporation's 2015 performance.
PSC has long been weighing a number of initiatives that, if given the government's green-light, would see it play a leading role in, among other things, the operation and management of Port Khasab and a proposed dry port envisaged as part of the South Al Batinah Logistics Area (SABLA).
In particular, PSC is working to secure a "pivotal role" in the PSQ Waterfront Project which envisions the conversion of the harbour into a mixed use waterfront facility, said Al Nahari. While the Corporation has been assured "a definitive and integral role" by the government in the project, that role has yet to be clearly articulated, he noted.
"Unless the Corporation is considered as an integral part of the project and the development company and not merely as a service provider, it will be difficult to ensure the success or viability of the future operations at PSQ as a service provider," he warned.
Also in PSC's sights is a plan for the operation and management of Port Khasab, the final nod for which is still awaited from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Al Nahari said. Following a commercial offer submitted by PSC along with its strategic partner, Kaveh Port and Marine Services of Iran, the Ministry had responded by proposing an initial concession agreement with PSC covering Port Khasab, he explained. "The Corporation's Board of Directors has agreed to this proposal of (the Ministry) and awaits (the Ministry's) final approval," the CEO said.
Another venture keenly eyed by PSC is the operation and management (O&M) of the proposed dry port at SABLA, a Request for Proposals (RfP) for which is due next month, according to the CEO. A consortium headed by PSC, and including Salalah Port Services SAOG and Borusan Makhazen (under formation), is among a number of local and international groups shortlisted to participate in the competitive tender for the O&M contract, he noted.
© Oman Daily Observer 2016
