Reaffirming its global position and role in securing a sustainable future for the ports industry

• Asyad Group presents the competitive advantages of Omani ports to top investors in the maritime sector and key logistics players
• SOHAR Port and Freezone showcases the best practices and solutions to deal with cyber threats and the importance of establishing an agile operational model to ensure business continuity
• Asyad Group is at the forefront of sustainability and decarbonization in the logistics industry

Asyad Group, Oman’s global integrated logistics provider, participated in the World Ports Conference 2023, organized by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 31^st of October to 2^nd November, bringing together major actors in the global maritime and shipping industry.

During the conference, Asyad Group promoted the competitive advantages of the Omani main ports of Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm, as well as medium and small ports, and Oman’s prominent capabilities in connecting shipping lines with global markets.

Asyad Group, represented by SOHAR Port and Freezone, showcased its expertise in maintaining seamless maritime operations amid digital transformation and strong cybersecurity measures through the “Cyber Threats to Ports” panel discussion. Bader Al Ghaithi, Sohar Port IT Manager, shed light on best practices and approaches to deal with cyber security threats and the importance of establishing an agile operational model to ensure business continuity. Al Ghaithi also highlighted key security measures, from advanced technologies to robust policies and procedures, aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the ports and free zones.

Developing the business model of ports to adapt to changing customer needs and keeping pace with the accelerating energy transition in maritime and the emerging race towards low-carbon energy hubs were all major themes of the World Ports Conference. Asyad Group has been at the forefront of adapting and proactively responding to evolving market needs, constantly adopting the latest technologies, and leveraging its integrated business model that creates synergies between its diverse assets and allows for seamless customer experiences.

To accommodate the future demand for green fuels in the Middle East, Asyad Group has been leading the way by building key partnerships and launching high-value projects that aim to develop the right clean-energy infrastructure in Oman’s main ports. Currently, the group’s freezones are hosting several international joint ventures to produce green hydrogen ammonia, such as SalalaH2 that target total production capacities of 430,000 tons per annum.

Taking the lead in scaling sustainability and moving toward clean logistics, Asyad Group is on a quest to transform the Sultanate’s ports into global hydrogen hubs that power shipping operations and meet the future needs of energy off-takers across the globe.

The conference included panel discussions and insights on the latest market trends and the drive to decarbonize maritime operations. The event’s sessions covered different subjects including energy transition and innovation in creating business models for the rapidly changing maritime logistics landscape.