Update: As of 31 March 2026, the port of Salalah will gradually resume operations, container shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk said Monday in its latest update. The impacted area is limited, and as operations resume, the port will undergo steps to bring full capacity back. However, some operational constraints might remain for some time, it added.
Tensions in the Middle East have taken a sharper, more dangerous turn as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States spills further into critical maritime zones, with fresh reports of drone attacks at a key Omani port, the port of Salalah. All Maersk crew were safe and accounted for, and no company cargo or vessels were affected.
In the early hours of Saturday 28 March 2026, a security incident occurred at the port of Salalah in Oman. It is understood that the incident involved drone activity and explosions were also reported.
“Following the incident in which a terminal crane sustained damage and a port worker suffered minor injuries, the port was immediately evacuated and operations across the facility were temporarily suspended,” Maersk reported on Saturday.
The government’s official news agency said on March 28 that an expatriate worker at the port had suffered moderate injuries. It confirmed limited damage to one crane within the port facilities.
Earlier on Monday
Earlier on Monday, the company said in a note to its customers that operations remain suspended with an expectation to be on hold for another up to 48 hours subject to change depending on guidance from port authorities.
The damage in the container terminal is still undergoing assessment, according to Maersk, which added that experts are inspecting the damaged crane and divers are marking obstructed underwater sections.
As such, the area impacted by the incident is limited, Maersk said in the note, and it is not expected to significantly hamper operations or capacity in the terminal.
Vessels currently en route to Salalah will continue to call the port; however, operational delays are expected as a result of the ongoing situation, it added.
