This allows SIPC to develop, manage and operate SOHAR Port and Freezone (Royal Decree 80/2002). This concession entitles SIPC to charge port dues for vessels entering the port area of SOHAR.

The port dues are assessed, except on exempted vessels entering the port area of SOHAR for the purpose of discharging or loading of cargo or passengers, or any other purposes. Charges are based on Gross Registered Tonage (GRT) of the vessel as found in the Lloyd`s register of shipping or any other recognised register. The agent of the vessel is obliged to prove the GRT of a vessel to SIPC by showing the original certificate of the GRT of the vessel. In the case of dual GRTs, the higher GRT will be applied.

Effectively from 1st July, 2011, Indexation is applicable for all port tariffs and is subject to the average CPI of Oman and Unites States for each financial year.

Payment

Port dues shall be paid in US Dollar (US$) or Omani Rial (OMR) by the agents of the vessel. Payment of the port dues must take place before the departure of the vessel or the agents of the vessel must have given a bank guarantee for the payable port dues. Payment of the port dues will take place in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman at

• Oman Arab Bank, Ruwi Main Branch
• Account number 3101-007970-500

Please mention the invoice number (vessel call number) when payment is made.

Project Cargo Surcharge

The project cargo surcharge is US$1.14 per freight ton (w/M) on project cargoes destined for projects inside SOHAR Port and Freezone concession area.

The surcharge will be levied via the shipping agent. Project Cargoes are defined as all material and equipment that will be used for the construction of projects inside SOHAR Port and Freezone concession area. Pipes and related equipment for pipelines outside SOHAR Port and Freezone concession area will not be affected by the surcharge. Cargoes for receivers/shippers outside SOHAR Port and Freezone concession area will also not be affected by the surcharge.

Procedure

Shipping agents should adhere to the following:

• Submit a certified copy of the vessels` cargo manifest to SIPC SOHAR Office marking it for the attention of the harbour master. This should be done at least 72 hours prior to ETA.
• A letter from the agent on the company letterhead should accompany the cargo manifest. This should state the freight tons and full consignee/receiver details.
• If the agent is in doubt whether the cargo is subject to a surcharge, then the commercial manager of SOHAR Port and Freezone should be contacted in writing only at least 72 hours prior to ETA. Full details of the consignee and/or notifying party must be provided.
• All invoices are payable prior to the vessel`s departure, but a deposit arrangement can be discussed.

Structure of Costs

SOHAR Port and Freezone is managed according to the landlord port model.

Visiting vessels should consider the following:

• Marine services (tugs, pilots) are provided by Svitzer and these are charged by SIPC.
• AMNAS (Arabian Maritime and Navigation Aids Services LLC) levies for navigational aids.
• Linesmen are charged by SIPC on behalf of Al Batina International.
• Every stevedoring company charges separately for its activities.
• Every vessel is obliged to pay AMNAS (Arabian Maritime and Navigation Aids Services LLC) a fee for navigational aids in the territorial waters of Oman (Royal Decree 81/2003; Ministerial Circulation No 218/2003). These will be levied in the first port of call in Oman.

Environmental Ship Index

SOHAR Port and Freezone gives a rebate of 5% of Port dues for participating ships inside the Port basin, with an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) score of 20 points and above. The maximum annual rebate is limited to 1% of the total Port charges paid during the previously completed financial year. 

Green Award Certificate

SOHAR Port and Freezone gives a rebate of 5% of Port dues for participating ships inside the port basin, for ships with a valid Green Award Certificate issued by the Bureau Green Award. 

SOHAR Port Tariffs

Click below to review current port tariffs.