Regular Shipping Services Launched to Asyad Container Terminal in Duqm
Duqm, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Asyad Ports and Freezones, a member of the Asyad Group, has officially announced the launch of regular shipping services by the French global shipping giant CMA CGM to the Asyad Container Terminal in Duqm. The service has formally commenced with the arrival of the first vessel under this new line at the Port of Duqm.
This direct maritime connection strengthens Duqm’s position as a strategic logistics gateway on Oman’s coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. It represents a significant addition to the international connectivity framework led by the Asyad Group, supporting the integration of logistics services and solidifying Duqm’s presence within global trade networks. The inclusion of the Port of Duqm in the CMA CGM network marks a major step in expanding the company's operations across the Middle East and Africa, while further establishing the Sultanate of Oman as a regional logistics hub.
Connecting Duqm to one of the world's largest shipping networks underscores the status of the Asyad Container Terminal, located at the heart of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). It highlights its growing potential as a future platform for trade and industry. This development is expected to enhance Oman's visibility in the regional logistics landscape and open broad horizons for local industries to reach global markets with high efficiency and competitive costs, particularly for dry and refrigerated cargo, which are central elements of modern trade.
Omar bin Mahmoud Al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports and Freezones, emphasized the importance of the partnership with CMA CGM. He stated that adding Duqm to their service network is a pivotal step in the port's evolution as a promising industrial and logistics platform. He noted that the global company's choice of Duqm confirms their confidence in the terminal's operational efficiency and service quality. In a statement to Oman News Agency, Al Mahrizi added that this move will boost Duqm's profile on the international port map, provide wider opportunities for exporters and importers, and support the growth of vital economic sectors.
From the shipping line's perspective, Thiashen Govender, Managing Director of CMA CGM in Oman, confirmed that the launch of this service represents a qualitative leap in developing advanced logistics solutions specifically designed for the fisheries sector. He noted that the partnership with the Ocean Fish Company, alongside the operation of the Ocean Fresh vessel, demonstrates the company's commitment to linking emerging markets with reliable, high-standard transport services.
Sulaiman bin Shatait Al Ghanammi, CEO of Ocean Fish Company, highlighted Duqm’s growing role as a logistics center for the fisheries industry. He explained that the Port of Duqm provides a clear competitive advantage due to its proximity to major fishing grounds, which reduces the time vessels spend in port during loading and unloading operations. This efficiency enables more frequent trips and faster delivery of products to markets, especially with the port being a main stop within the global CMA CGM network.
This development further highlights the pivotal role of the Port of Duqm as a strategic gateway connecting Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Middle East. The Asyad Container Terminal is fully equipped with world-class machinery and systems, including gantry cranes, rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, container trucks, and specialized infrastructure for refrigerated containers. These capabilities enhance the terminal's ability to support the export of all types of dry and chilled cargo through fast and reliable access to global markets. Furthermore, the new service expands import and export options and provides superior coverage for industrial and commercial customers in the region.
---Ends/AG
