The Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat was the venue last night for the official signing of a new contract between Phaeros Group and SOHAR Port and Freezone. Andre Toet, SOHAR CEO, and Stan De Smet, Phaeros Group General Manager, were on hand to sign this latest agreement at SOHAR Port and Freezone.



Phaeros Group will supply an advanced Port Management System that will allow SOHAR to gather information on vessels planning to call at the Port, track vessel movements, and even to generate invoices for the services provided. Ships will be able to request Port services online, while suppliers in the Port community will be able to access the system directly to better plan their own resources.

The Phaeros designed applications, “Harbour View Plus” and “BillSys” will further enhance SOHAR Port and Freezone’s credentials, enabling the Gulf’s new gateway to streamline additional vessel calls and operations in a safe and efficient manner. Ahead of the relocation of all commercial traffic from Muscat to SOHAR, the improvements are a timely addition to what is already one of the world’s most modern ports.



The signing came as part of a Belgian Economic Mission that saw a delegation, including Her Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium visit Saudi Arabia and Oman in a bid to foster closer commercial ties. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Phaeros’ General Manager Stan De Smet said: “We are extremely pleased that SOHAR has selected Phaeros as the outcome of a competitive bidding process; we will ensure the project is a success that benefits not only SOHAR Port, but also members of the Port community and the country of Oman as a whole.”



This latest announcement comes on the back of an unparalleled period of growth for SOHAR Port and Freezone. SOHAR now ranks as one of the world’s largest port and free zone developments with investments totaling over US$21 Billion.

SOHAR Port and Freezone Chief Executives Andre Toet and Jamal Aziz, were both in agreement last night; Andre Toet said: “Investment and growth go hand in hand at SOHAR Port and Freezone.

We’re delighted to be working with Phaeros Group as this will allow SOHAR to offer vessels calling at the Port the latest advancements in technology.” Jamal Aziz continued: “We’re now ready for anything as we move to the next phase of development and long term double digit growth.’