The Sultanate of Oman is advancing efforts to establish the world’s first fully integrated maritime resilience framework, aiming to enhance the security and continuity of global shipping supply chains amid increasing operational and commercial challenges. This initiative, led by the ASYAD Group—the country’s flagship logistics provider—was introduced at the Muscat Maritime Resilience Forum 2026, which commenced on Tuesday in the Omani capital.
The forum brought together international maritime leaders, industry practitioners, and government representatives to discuss strategies for bolstering maritime networks, improving crisis preparedness, and fostering collaboration across the sector. The event operates under the patronage of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and was organized in partnership with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Oman Investment Authority.
A study by ASYAD revealed a 137% variation in the total cost of maritime voyages between India and Suhar, Oman, highlighting the volatility and complexity of contemporary maritime trade economics. These findings underscored the critical need for enhanced cooperation among shipping companies, port authorities, logistics providers, and other stakeholders to stabilize costs and ensure commercial continuity.
Abdulrahman bin Salim al Hatmi, CEO of ASYAD Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing resilience measures that address operational efficiencies and economic competitiveness. He noted that while infrastructure and digital capabilities are essential, sustained resilience ultimately depends on effective partnerships across businesses, markets, and institutions.
“The changes reshaping trade patterns, supply chain dynamics, technological advances, and environmental priorities require a coordinated response,” al Hatmi stated. He stressed that preparedness must involve proactive investment in infrastructure, operational readiness, and the sharing of practical knowledge before crises occur.
Working sessions at the forum are focusing on identifying actionable priorities that reflect the needs of various maritime sector participants, aiming to create a shared industry reference that supports adaptation to evolving market conditions and deepens commercial cooperation. ASYAD plans to leverage its expertise across ports, shipping, and logistics to facilitate the translation of operational insights into concrete measures for improving maritime connectivity and efficiency.
Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, highlighted that the forum strengthens Oman’s positioning as a key player in international maritime transport. He noted that hosting such high-level discussions underscores the country’s strategic location along major global shipping routes and its growing appeal as a hub for maritime sector dialogue.
Ambassador Shaikh Humaid bin Ali al Maani, Head of the Diplomatic Academy at the Foreign Ministry, remarked that the forum exemplifies how Omani diplomacy supports international trade and fosters partnerships that benefit both national and regional economic development. The Muscat Maritime Resilience Forum 2026 thus marks a significant step by Oman to lead collaborative efforts in enhancing the resilience of global maritime trade.