The Port of Salalah will commence sea-air freight services from Salalah Airport as it looks to take a share of the potentially lucrative market currently dominated by Dubai.
Typically consisting of freight from the Far East and South East Asia transferred from the port on to cargo planes for the final leg of its journey to Europe, sea-air services generally save around two and a half weeks on shipping times. The method is generally seen as a quicker and cost-effective alternative to shipping freight to the European markets.
Currently, Dubai is the regional leader in sea-air freight services, due to the large number of shipping lines calling at the emirate from South East Asia and the Far East, as well as streamlined customs procedures and seven dedicated sea-air truck docks at Dubai Airport's cargo facility, with a container turnaround time from quayside to airport apron of as little as six hours.
However, Port of Salalah CEO Peter Ford believes there is a market for sea-air services in Salalah, which is already a major global transshipment hub, with port officials in talks with one company to provide the sea-air service through Salalah airport.
He said, "The infrastructure for cargo at the airport already exists. It can take large planes, but the market for sea-air services has not been developed. We have just started with some sea-air contracts.
"We are talking to a customer now about doing an average of five containers a day, so over 150 containers a month in sea-air. If that comes through, it will be a good development for Salalah port and airport."
Ford added that to take on Jebel Ali port in the UAE, links will need to be improved between the port, Salalah Free Zone and the airport in order to make the proposition more attractive for prospective clients.
He said, "Of course, the improved infrastructure will raise the capacity. Our hope is to work together with customs and provide a truly seamless package."
© Muscat Daily 2011
