The Shinas-Khasab sea route linking the governorates of North Al Batinah and Musandam has been launched.

The launching ceremony at the Wilayat of Shinas was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, minister of transport and communications, in the presence of shaikhs, dignitaries and citizens.

Dr Al Futaisi stressed the importance of launching the route between Shinas and Khasab as it provides a new means to the already many ways of transportation available in the Sultanate to link the governorates of North Al Batinah and Musandam.

It is also a great opportunity for social networking and the development of economic and commercial movement between the two governorates and other governorates in the Sultanate.

Celebrations surrounding the launch of the new route in Oman

Dr Al Futaisi pointed out that the fast ferry port is part of the major development of Shinas commercial port, and there is a bigger network of projects that will be implemented in the future, adding that this project is part of the development of Shinas port, and that the final touches are being put on the detailed design stage for the expansion of the port.

On the other hand, Mehdi bin Mohammed al Abdwani, chairman of the National Ferries Company (NFC) Board highlighted the importance of this maritime line which comes in translation of the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to convert Shinas Port into a commercial port.

Al Abdwani added the shipping system is of a particular interest in taking advantage of the strategic location of the Sultanate since the establishment of the NFC as a national carrier to serve the long-term development objectives through the implementation of maritime transport strategy, which aims at linking the Omani mainland with islands and coastal areas with the highest standards and specifications of international safety and security in a bid to serve citizens first and to achieve the objectives of development in the Sultanate in general.

National Ferries Company picked up the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award 2012 at the World Travel Awards in Dubai earlier this year.