Muscat
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources today signed a coalition contract with Kimji Ramdas Contracting Company and Archimedes Marine Engineering Company for the implementation of the multi-purpose fishing port project in the Wilayat of Masirah, with a total cost of approximately 28 million Omani Rials.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, and on behalf of Kimji Ramdas Contracting Company by Harit Kimji, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah.
The development project for the fishing port in the Wilayat of Masirah includes four main components to serve the fisheries sector, facilities for the tourism and commercial sectors, as well as the Royal Oman Police, alongside many service facilities for port users. The project will involve the construction of wave breakers extending 4,172 meters, increasing the depth of the port basin by 5 meters, a sandy beach stretching 1,100 meters, and 13 floating berths.
His Excellency Engineer Yaqub bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources for Fisheries, stated that the signing of these agreements is part of the ministry’s efforts to develop and enhance the fisheries sector in the Wilayat of Masirah, contributing to the development of fishing ports to meet social and economic needs in line with government plans for economic diversification over an area of 1.8 million square meters. This initiative aims to increase the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP and maximize investments, which will help increase non-oil revenue and enhance maritime and logistical transport between the Wilayat of Masirah and other regions, thereby stimulating tourism in the Wilayat and creating an attractive environment for Omani fishermen by providing the necessary requirements for fish landing and marketing, as well as for the maintenance of ships and boats.
The total fish production in the Wilayat of Masirah for 2023 reached approximately 25,000 tons, with a total value of 23.2 million Omani Rials. According to statistics for 2023, the number of fishermen was around 2,345, and the number of fishing boats reached approximately 804, in addition to 38 artisanal fishing vessels.
The ministry also signed a usufruct contract for the establishment of a white-legged shrimp aquaculture project in the Wilayat of Shinas in the North Al Batinah Governorate with Al Anqa National Company, covering an area of 15 hectares. This project is part of national efforts to enhance food security and diversify income sources within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to promote investments in non-oil sectors.
