The number of passengers using fast ferries operated by the National Ferries Company in Oman has increased by 104 per cent during the first half of 2012 when compared to the same period last year.

The data, issued by the Communications & Booking Office, revealed the gross number of passengers on board 13,930 during the period, up from 6,826 in 2011.

The statistics also show a total of 2,168 vehicles were welcomed onboard.

During the period, the operator also celebrated the launch of journeys between Shinas Port in the northern Al-Batinah governorate and Khasab Port in Musandam governorate.

Some 2,931 passengers and 634 vehicles were transported on this route during the first half of the year.

National Ferries Company also realised several national objectives, concerning the nationalisation of the technical and administrative maritime activity.

The company also improved its social responsibility programmes during the six months, met the demands of maritime preservation in Oman, boosted regional development by enabling services to reach small coastal residential complexes, provided several job opportunities to Omani youth, and realised the Omanisation percentage in all the administrative and technical jobs.

Figures from the brand also confirmed the National Ferries Company managed to fulfil the operational safety standards during sailing.

Ghazi bin Abdullah Al-Zadjali, head of marketing, National Ferries Company, expressed his happiness at the increase in passenger numbers.

“This is affirmation to the nationals’, residents’ and tourists’ confidence in the quality services being availed by the company during the journeys,” he said.

National Ferries Company recently won the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Awards.