Ship chandlers & ship supply at Muscat OMMCT

Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) lies in Muttrah on the Gulf of Oman, about 350 km south of the Strait of Hormuz. Asyad Ports has operated and managed it since 1 January 2018 and presents it as Oman’s primary tourism gateway and leading cruise destination, while still calling it a multi-purpose port with cargo-handling equipment.^[1]

—It stopped being Muscat’s main cargo port after most commercial traffic was moved to Sohar; that is what opened the harbour to cruise liners and to the planned waterfront redevelopment.^[5]

—What still moves across the quay, per Asyad’s port page (2022 version): about 500,000 dwt of raw grain a year for the neighbouring Oman Flour Mills, edible oil and bitumen (PSQ is the main Omani import port for both), dhow cargo — live animals, general cargo, fruit and vegetables — and regular foreign navy calls.^[2]

—Cruise: in 2024 Sultan Qaboos, Khasab and Salalah ports together received around 114 cruise ships carrying more than 416,000 visitors. On 7 November 2025 PSQ received TUI’s Mein Schiff 4 (2,386 passengers) as part of the 2025–2026 season, and it was expected to receive 41 cruise ships over the season.^[6,8,9]

—Changes under way: in March 2025 the Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT signed a two-year framework agreement with Omani Integrated Logistics Services Company to run and develop ship services and crew-change operations at the port, adding commercial activity alongside the cruise role. Separately, OMRAN Group is redeveloping the Port Sultan Qaboos Waterfront into a mixed-use tourism destination on the Oman Investment Authority’s direction.^[6,7,10]

Ships passing through the Gulf of Oman stop at the PSQ anchorage for crew changes, bunkering, provisioning and similar services, according to Asyad Ports.^[2]

—Every such service needs a port permission. Asyad’s service-request form (revised December 2021) is filed by the service provider with the vessel’s name, agent and ETA, and lists what is charged: lubricating oil and stores/ship chandling per ton; crew exchange, technicians, minor underwater repairs, surveys, hull and tank cleaning, garbage disposal, slop and bilge collection and sample courier per permission.^[4]

—Cargo may be worked at the anchorage, with the port’s permission, when no berth is free or when the cargo is better handled to or from barges and lighters.^[3]

—Bunkering inside port limits follows the port rules: the master tells the port authority beforehand who the responsible officer is, scuppers are sealed, tank vents carry overflow protection, and only hoses tested within the last 12 months are used.^[3]

—Alongside, nothing may be discharged onto the wharf from a ship’s discharge pipes or toilets; garbage disposal, slop and bilge collection are separate permitted services booked through a provider.^[3,4]

—Notice: the owner or agent gives the port authority written notice of the ETA at least 24 hours ahead, and the same lead time for cargo particulars before loading or discharging.^[3]

—Radio and entry: initial contact with PSQ Port Control on VHF 16, then VHF 14 or as directed; ships may approach without a pilot and anchor as Port Control instructs, but need permission to pass the port entrance.^[3]

—Pilotage is compulsory under way inside port limits (warships are exempt but need permission to enter); pilots normally board seaward of the approach buoy, or where the ship lies if it has already anchored.^[3]

—Oman-wide in 2026: vessels calling at any Omani port must send an official letter stating they carry no dangerous goods — or specify the cargo in detail and await Ministry approval before entering Omani waters (Inchcape advisory, updated 3 August 2026). Tankers for the separate Mina Al Fahal crude terminal west of Muscat must have a working Doppler log because of GPS interference.^[11]

—Provisions, stores and fresh water at the anchorage or alongside: post a requirement and suppliers serving Muscat answer with sealed bids; the vessel’s name stays hidden until award. Chandlers holding a PSQ service permission: be the first supplier in.