APMT port in Oman attacked by drone, port shut down for 48 hours

Security incident disrupts port operations in Oman

The Port of Salalah port has been temporarily shut down following a security incident believed to involve a drone. Operator APM Terminals, part of Maersk, suspended operations for 48 hours. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, and was accompanied by multiple explosions.

Direct impact on port operations

During the attack, a terminal crane was hit and an employee suffered minor injuries. As a precaution, the port was immediately evacuated. According to Maersk, all employees have been secured and no damage to ships or cargo has been reported. Nevertheless, it was decided to temporarily shut down operations completely to assess the situation and ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure.

Strategic location and geopolitical context

The Port of Salalah is located on the Arabian Sea and plays an important role as a transshipment point between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Despite its distance from the Strait of Hormuz, the incident shows that tensions in the region can have a broader impact on logistics corridors and port operations.

Implications for supply chains and planning

The temporary closure could lead to delays in container handling and vessel rerouting. For companies, it means that transit times could increase and schedules could be put under pressure. In particular, shipments to Europe may be delayed when carriers have to use alternative ports or wait times arise when operations resume.

In addition, additional costs may arise from demurrage, detour and possible congestion in surrounding ports. This requires quick coordination between logistics partners and flexibility in the chain.

Targeted approach and support by Neele-Vat

For customers with shipments through this region, Neele-Vat actively monitors the situation around Salalah and the impact on shipping schedules. Where necessary, direct contact is made with shipping companies and terminals to identify alternative ports of call or modified routes.

Specifically, Neele-Vat:

• Proactively provides insight into delays and changed ETAs
• Considers rebookings to other hubs in Middle East or Asia
• Supports in reducing additional costs through timely intervention
• Alternative modes explored for time-critical shipments

This focused approach allows customers to respond more quickly to disruptions and keeps the impact on the supply chain as manageable as possible.

Want to know what this situation means for your ongoing shipments or future transport planning? Get in touch with your contact at Neele-Vat for up-to-date and practical advice.