The Minerals Development Oman (MDO) which is the Sultanate of Oman’s state-backed mining flagship, has invited suitably qualified companies to bid for a contract covering the development of a new bulk minerals seaport on Oman’s southeastern coast, the Al Shuwaymiyah Port.
The Al Shuwaymiyah Port overlooks the Arabian Sea in Dhofar Governorate’s Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands. It is envisioned as a greenfield deepwater facility designed primarily to handle exports of gypsum, limestone and dolomite. These minerals are from vast mineral deposits located in its hinterland. The operations on the seaport are targeted for the first half of 2029. It will position Oman as a world-scale supplier of industrial minerals to global markets.
Proposals Submission Deadline
Interested local and international marine contractors have until September 6, 2026 to submit proposals. The proposals will be for the ‘Design & Build’ package floated by MDO for the development of the bulk minerals seaport at Al Shuwaymiyah.
Announcing the tender, Mattar bin Salim al Badi, CEO of MDO, stated in a post: “Al Shuwaymiyah Port is set to become a landmark infrastructure addition to Oman’s southern coast. Also, it will be a new maritime gateway to the Sultanate of Oman. Minerals Development Oman SAOC (MDO) is proud to be driving this project forwards”.
Project Partners
Moreover, last November, MDO announced a partnership with Indian ports operator JSW Infrastructure, via its subsidiary JSW Overseas FZE, to invest in the development and operation of the dedicated minerals export terminal.
Under a Share Subscription and Purchase Agreement signed at the time, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) named South Minerals Port Company SAOC which is also referred to as Al Shuwaymiyah Port Company SAOC was established, with equity stakes of 51 per cent for JSW and 49 per cent for MDO. Total project capital expenditure was estimated at $409 million for the development of a minerals port. The port will have a handling capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum.
Significance of the Seaport
Additionally, part of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) says the seaport project will help unlock and commercialise the vast mineral potential of three concessions. The concessions cover a total area of 1,500 sq km in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands. Furthermore, these concessions are believed to contain an estimated 520 million tonnes of gypsum, 1.3 billion tonnes of dolomite and 2.5 billion tonnes of limestone. Limestone is a key industrial minerals used primarily in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, environmental management and heavy industrial sectors.
Significantly, the new minerals seaport will create a dedicated export gateway for Oman’s industrial minerals sector. This will be achieved by reducing reliance on northern ports while strengthening Dhofar’s role as a mining and logistics hub. Also, the port alongside others will cement Oman’s position as a key maritime logistics hub in Middle East.
Anchoring what is anticipated to be one of Oman’s largest mining ventures, the new port is also expected to catalyse investments in downstream industries, logistics services and job creation.
Al Shuwaymiyah Port Project Factsheet
Project Name: Al Shuwaymiyah Port (also referenced as the South Minerals Port)
Location: Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands, Dhofar Governorate, Oman (Southeastern coast, overlooking the Arabian Sea)
Project Type: Greenfield Deepwater Bulk Minerals Seaport
Primary Function: Dedicated export terminal for industrial minerals (Gypsum, Limestone, and Dolomite)
Target Commercial Operations: First Half of 2029 (H1 2029)
Total Estimated Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): $409 million to $419 million
Planned Cargo Handling Capacity: 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
Construction Timeline: 36 months following the contract award
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