CMA CGM launches direct service at Port of Duqm
DUQM : Asyad Ports and Freezones, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, has launched regular shipping services operated by the French global carrier CMA CGM to the Asyad Container Terminal at the Port of Duqm. The inaugural voyage marked a significant milestone in advancing Duqm’s role in international maritime trade.
This direct shipping connection notably enhances Duqm’s standing as a strategic logistics gateway on Oman’s Indian Ocean coast. It broadens the global connectivity network developed by Asyad Group, thereby supporting integrated logistics solutions and strengthening the Port of Duqm’s position within major global trade corridors.
By integrating Duqm into CMA CGM’s extensive global network, the shipping company is expanding its reach across the Middle East and Africa. Concurrently, this development aligns with Oman’s ambition to establish itself as a competitive regional logistics hub serving diverse international markets.
Situated within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, the Asyad Container Terminal is emerging as a pivotal hub for trade and industry. Connecting the port to one of the world’s largest maritime networks boosts Oman’s influence in the regional logistics sector and opens new doors for local industries to efficiently and cost-effectively access global markets. This service is expected to offer significant benefits for dry and refrigerated cargo, which are vital to contemporary supply chains.
Omar bin Mahmoud al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports and Freezones, described the partnership with CMA CGM as a crucial step toward integrating the Asyad Container Terminal into global shipping routes. He emphasized that the choice of Duqm by a leading international carrier reflects strong confidence in the port’s operational excellence and service standards.
Al Mahrizi added that the new service will increase Duqm’s prominence on the global maritime map, expand opportunities for both exporters and importers, and support the development of key economic sectors. He affirmed that these enhancements will further cement the Port of Duqm’s emerging status as a major hub on the Indian Ocean.
Tyashin Govinder, General Manager of CMA CGM in Oman, characterized the service launch as a significant advancement in providing sophisticated logistics solutions, particularly benefiting the fisheries and marine resources sector. He highlighted CMA CGM’s collaboration with Ocean Fisheries and the operation of the Ocean Fresh vessel as proof of the company’s commitment to connecting emerging markets with reliable, high-quality transport services.
Sulaiman bin Shatit al Ghannami, CEO of Ocean Fish Company, underscored Duqm’s rising importance as a logistics centre for the fisheries industry. He pointed out that the port’s proximity to key fishing areas and reduced turnaround times offer a clear competitive edge, enabling faster deliveries and more frequent voyages.
The new service further reinforces the Port of Duqm’s strategic function in linking Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Equipped with modern infrastructure—including gantry cranes, rubber-tyred cranes, container handling equipment, and advanced refrigerated facilities—the Asyad Container Terminal is well equipped to support growing import and export activities and serve the needs of industrial and commercial clients throughout the region. — ONA