The ultra-large container vessel MSC Loreto made its maiden call at the Hutchison Ports Sohar container terminal on July 30, marking a significant milestone for the Omani port’s development as a key maritime hub. Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and flagged under Liberia, MSC Loreto is among the world’s largest container ships, with a capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and a length of nearly 400 meters.

This visit underscores Sohar Port’s growing strategic importance amid shifting global trade patterns and geopolitical tensions that continue to influence shipping routes. The MSC Loreto’s call is part of the MSC Shikra Service, which connects Sohar directly to major ports across Asia and the Middle East, including locations in China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. The service enhances Oman’s connectivity with prominent manufacturing and trading centers worldwide.

Anacin Kum, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports Sohar, highlighted the port’s evolution in handling increasingly larger vessels. She noted that Sohar has expanded its capacity from servicing ships below 10,000 TEUs to today accommodating some of the world’s largest container vessels, such as the MSC Loreto. This growth signifies the port's rising stature as a regional transshipment and logistics center.

The port’s expanding role in international supply chains has been further accelerated by recent geopolitical developments that have diverted cargo flows. This shift has driven an increase in vessel calls and cargo throughput, reinforcing Sohar’s role in supporting resilient supply chains throughout the region.

To handle ultra-large vessels like MSC Loreto, Hutchison Ports Sohar has invested significantly in upgrading its infrastructure. The terminal boasts modern quay cranes and specialized facilities capable of managing the operational demands of mega containerships. These physical enhancements are complemented by the deployment of Hutchison Ports’ proprietary terminal operating system, Veronica, which improves operational planning, yard management, and vessel turnaround times, thereby boosting terminal efficiency.

The MSC Loreto’s maiden call at Sohar thus reflects both the port’s rising capacity and its strategic positioning in regional and international maritime trade.