Port of Salalah suspends operations following security incident

Damage assessment continues as experts inspect a terminal crane and underwater areas, with operations expected to remain paused for up to 48 hours

Port of Salalah suspends operations following security incident

A security incident occurred at the Port of Salalah in Oman on Saturday, 28 March 2026. The event involved drone activity, and explosions were reported at the port.

 

As a result of the incident, a terminal crane sustained damage, and a port worker suffered minor injuries. In response, the port was immediately evacuated, and all operations across the facility were temporarily suspended.

 

Maersk reports that the container terminal remains under assessment as of 30 March. Technical specialists are examining the damaged crane, while divers are surveying and marking obstructed sections below the waterline.

 

The area directly affected by the incident has been described as limited. Based on current evaluations, the situation is not expected to significantly affect terminal operations or overall capacity once activities resume.

 

Despite this assessment, operations at the port are still suspended. The pause is expected to continue for up to a further 48 hours, although this timeframe remains subject to change in line with guidance from port authorities.

 

The liner mentioned that its vessels, currently sailing towards Salalah, will continue to make their scheduled port calls. However, delays to operations are anticipated while the situation remains unresolved.

 

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.

Source: Maersk
containers in harbor

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