Oman’s Shinas port plans to start offering marine fuels to shippers

Oman's northernmost port, Shinas, is set to begin providing marine fuel supplies to ship owners, following a rise in the need for alternative bunkering services amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The port, primarily utilized by fishing vessels and for boat maintenance, has earmarked an initial capacity of 200,000 metric tons per month, translating to a yearly capacity of 2 million metric tons, according to reports from the Oman Observer based on information from the country's transport ministry.

No immediate response could be obtained from Shinas Port authorities. Bilfinger, a German company, has entered into an agreement with Shinas Marine Fuels & Oil Terminals SPC to deliver the first phase of the project, though the company declined to comment on the matter when contacted. The UAE's Port of Fujairah, situated north of Shinas, traditionally holds the distinction of being the most frequented Middle Eastern port for bunkering, yet its sales have dwindled due to extensive shipping disturbances sparked by the Iran conflict in late February.

In 2025, its sales reached a total of 7.38 million metric tons, with a sharp decline to approximately 88,000 metric tons in June, before experiencing a recovery.

Oman's transportation ministry inked a 39-year contract with QS Maritime LLC, an Oman-based firm, in early September to manage, operate, and develop the Shinas port, a move that came into effect in January 2024, as revealed by the Oman Observer.