THE APM Terminals-operated Port of Salalah has completed a US$300 million expansion project, doubling its container handling capacity.

The investment has increased the port's capacity from 4.5 million to 6.5 million TEU, according to APM Terminals' release. The project included upgrades to all six existing berths, an expansion of the container yard, and the acquisition of new equipment.

The expansion is designed to support the port's role as a key hub in the Gemini network, a collaboration between AP Moller-Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, reports St Petersburg Port News.

The first Gemini vessel arrived at Salalah on February 18.

New equipment includes 10 Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes capable of handling ultra-large container vessels, 12 hybrid rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, reach stackers, empty container handlers, and terminal trucks. The project also included a new access road, a new electrical power substation, electrical network upgrades, and a reefer expansion of 2,000 plugs.

The Port of Salalah has consistently ranked high in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), and these upgrades are expected to further improve efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times.