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| Source: NFC. Vehicles on a ferry. |
The
National Ferries Company (NFC) of Oman has announced that ferry services now cover eight local ports through 69 journeys per week, in addition to providing access to several regional ports.
An update issued end-October 2017 shows that both passenger and vehicle volumes have risen. The number of passengers transported for 2017 as at the end of October was 198,622 passengers, compared to 183,354 in the same period last year, an increase of 8%. In contrast, 179,210 passengers had been served in 2017 as of end-September 2017, compared to 165,882 passengers during the same period in 2016.
The number of vehicles shipped on ferries for the same period reached 50,916 vehicles, compared to 44.431 in the same period last year, a rise of 15%. In addition to this, NFC shipped more than 27,000 tonnes of equipment and heavy goods. The number of the shipped vehicles on board of ferries as of end-September 2017 stood at 45,482 vehicles, compared to 39,667 vehicles year on year.
The company has a fleet of seven ferries to transport passengers, vehicles and light cargo, and a landing ship, Halaniyat, that transports equipment and heavy vehicles as well as livestock.
The company's efforts since the start of its operations have not only enhanced the maritime transport system, but have also helped Omanise various senior positions by recruiting Omani youth to work with the ferry crew and provide new job opportunities in the market. Today, Omani youth pilot the latest fast ferries.
