Hutchison Ports Sohar, which operates the Oman International Container Terminal (OICT) at the Port of Sohar, has announced a commitment to prioritize Omani import and export cargo—referred to as gateway cargo—amid shipping disruptions arising from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
This initiative, disclosed on March 18, 2026, is part of a series of operational measures designed to manage the flow of cargo in and out of the terminal, particularly as Sohar Port positions itself as an alternative hub for vessels and cargo affected by the conflict.Additionally, the operator has indicated its capability to handle ‘landbridge’ shipments—cargo delivered by sea and subsequently transported overland by truck to or from Oman.
“Given the wider regional circumstances, we expect new bookings accepted by carriers will include cargo sourced from various international locations via landbridge. We are confident that carriers will continue to prioritize Oman’s local gateway cargo for both import and export activities,” the company stated in a customer advisory.
Key measures implemented include enhanced booking visibility requirements, which mandate detailed forecasts up to 21 days in advance and impose a limit of 3,000 TEUs per vessel call to effectively manage terminal capacity.The terminal will now operate on a flexible berthing system instead of fixed schedules, handling vessels on a first-come, first-served basis. Export cargo will be accepted only within a five-day window preceding vessel arrival, with strict cut-off times enforced.
Furthermore, the terminal has reduced the free storage period for imports to five days and established stricter controls on the flow of empty containers, approvals for hazardous and oversized cargo, and reefer handling, with some ancillary services being temporarily suspended.
Hutchison Ports Sohar has also warned that if congestion increases, more immediate restrictions may be implemented. This could involve limiting cargo acceptance or adjusting vessel operations, emphasizing the growing operational strain on regional ports and the vital role of Sohar as a key gateway amid ongoing maritime disruptions.
“Market demand for gateway cargo is expected to rise significantly, especially if multiple regional ports remain unable to accommodate vessels. As a result, the terminal may take immediate actions without prior notice, potentially affecting previously agreed container volumes if handling or storage capacities are reached. These actions could include revising the acceptance of export containers, retaining reefers onboard, restricting the discharge of import containers, executing cut-and-run operations for vessels, and any other necessary measures,” the operator added.
Hutchison Ports Sohar is a joint venture involving Hutchison Ports, the world’s leading port investor, developer, and operator; Rakiza (Oman Infrastructure Investment Management); and other Omani investors.
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