The complex, which includes five fuel oil tanks with a capacity of 88,000 metric tons and a 5,000 metric-ton gas oil tank, will double the size of BPs existing storage capacity at the port. BP Marine chief executive officer (CEO) Kevin James, who inaugurated the store, said Salalah port is well positioned to become one of the worlds leading trans-shipment centres. “With its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and ability to handle the next generation of super container vessels, Salalah will play a key role in the regions economic growth.” Tiemen Meester, CEO of the Port of Salalah, said at the opening ceremony, “The new tank farm will upgrade the existing bunker operation to a state-of-the-art, high-speed facility. “This type of bunker facility is rare in the region and will provide vessels that travel along the east-west trade lane with competitively priced fuel available at only a minimum deviation.” Salalah recently announced plans to spend $94 million on new infrastructure, as well as a government investment of $262 million to build two more berths and a 2.85 kilometre breakwater. The expansion drive will allow the port to handle up to eight container ships at a time and take its total capacity to about four million TEUs from its current 2.4 million TEUs. The port is strategically located for bunker fuel sales. PIN/ITP BUSINESS