A boat carrying 25 passengers capsized, resulting in three fatalities and 22 survivors, all French nationals. Emergency medical teams evaluated the scene, while authorities launched an investigation into the incident’s causes. This tragedy has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, prompting a commitment to transparency and future safety measures.
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed its historic maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat on January 14, 2026. This journey underscores India’s maritime heritage and its enduring ties with Oman. Union Minister Sonowal described it as a vital step in reviving India’s maritime legacy and future aspirations.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 17, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost investment. This collaboration focuses on job creation and supply-chain resilience while enhancing maritime cooperation, energy initiatives like green hydrogen, and defense measures. Seven agreements were signed, highlighting diverse cooperative areas.
InvestCorp has secured a $550 million investment to expand the port of Duqm in Oman, enhancing regional infrastructure. The project, under Investcorp Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners, will include marine upgrades and a new quay wall for green steel production, supporting Oman’s economic diversification and decarbonization goals.
Oman is set to establish the Middle East’s first LNG bunkering facility at the Port of Sohar, following the groundbreaking of the $1.6 billion Marsa LNG plant. This project, a collaboration between TotalEnergies and OQEP, aims to position Oman as a key LNG hub, with operations expected to begin in early 2028.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Muscat is seeking maritime artefacts from citizens to preserve Oman’s seafaring legacy. They are looking for traditional ships, photographs, maps, and more related to Oman’s maritime history. The collected items will enhance the upcoming Maritime History Museum in Sur, showcasing Oman’s rich heritage and boosting tourism.
In a significant move to boost Oman’s maritime sector, Minister of Social Development, H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, has established the Oman Maritime Association. The decision aims to enhance collaboration, develop expertise, and promote sustainable growth within the industry, with a focus on increasing youth participation for long-term sector development.
The crew of a capsized Comoros-flagged oil tanker off Oman is still missing, according to the country’s maritime security center. The 16-member crew of the “Prestige Falcon” included 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans. The tanker, en route to Aden, capsized near Duqm. Rescue efforts are underway.
Muscat: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi met with Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf. They discussed bilateral cooperation in maritime security, technical, economic, and cultural fields. They emphasized supporting GCC-EU trade liberalization and mutual visa cancellation. They also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire and lifting the blockade.
V.Group has opened a new office in Oman to expand its presence in the Middle East, focusing on crew management and offering technical and crew services to customers in the region. The move supports Omanisation plans by recruiting Omani seafarers and strengthens partnerships with influential shipping companies like Asyad Shipping.
Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Advisor of India, visited the Maritime Security Centre (MSC) with his delegation. Commodore Adil Hamoud Al Busaidi greeted them and briefed them on the centre’s tactical roles in the Omani maritime environment. The delegation also toured the facilities and viewed the latest equipment and technologies.
The luxury cruise ship Silver Moon has diverted away from the southern Red Sea, altering its current cruise itinerary and canceling upcoming cruises. The decision was made due to the changing situation in the region, with the ship now heading north to Egypt and potentially facing the cancellation of five months of scheduled cruises.
