H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology delivered the keynote opening address at the Millennium Resort Salalah, underscoring Oman’s pivotal role in shaping the future of regional connectivity. Mohammed al Mashani, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the Port of Salalah, emphasised the imperative of digitalisation, automation and environmental sustainability, pointing to their combined potential to enhance efficiency and secure economic growth for future generations.
Presentations and papers—more than 30 in total—explored major developments in smart ports, digital supply chains and maritime safety and maintenance technologies. Experts highlighted how smart-port systems, predictive analytics and AI-powered maintenance tools are rapidly redefining operational resilience across the Middle East and Africa.
The conference, renowned as the region’s largest annual event in ports and logistics, ran alongside an exhibition featuring some 50 leading companies. The showcase gave industry professionals a platform to engage with cutting-edge technologies and establish vital connections with decision-makers in maritime transport and logistics.
A technical site visit to the Port of Salalah granted delegates unparalleled access to one of the world’s most efficient container terminals. The port, managed by a joint venture including the government and APM Terminals, has earned global recognition—securing second-place status in efficiency rankings. It operates at vital crossroads, linking markets across East Africa, the Red Sea, the Indian subcontinent and the Gulf, and forms an integral node in the Maritime Silk Road connecting China through Suez to Europe.
Leaders from across the region offered insight into strategic developments. Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of the Port of Duqm, reflected on Duqm’s evolution into a versatile logistics hub supporting Oman’s economic diversification. From Morocco, Nasser Tlassellal of Tanger Med Engineering discussed leveraging infrastructure to unlock trade across North Africa. Saudi Arabia’s experts, including Karim Omran from Red Sea Gateway Terminal, contributed perspectives on how intermodal logistics networks can enhance GCC connectivity.
Sessions also addressed the port sector’s green agenda. Panel discussions on adopting zero-emission terminal models featured speakers such as Jaroslaw Warzecha from Germany’s VAHLE Group and Suraj Mishra from TMEIC in Spain, who outlined pathways for integrating renewable energy into port operations. Global port strategists from La Réunion and Somalia further shared sustainability frameworks and best practices.
Technical innovation featured prominently in talks by technology leaders. Maksim Deberdeev of SOLVO showcased automation solutions driving operational optimisation across terminals. Rodrigo Garro from Camco Technologies in Spain introduced advanced recognition systems aimed at streamlining terminal workflows. Delegates also heard from OS platforms, with case studies on AI-driven automation boosting container handling efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
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