Introduction:

Foundation:

The National Ferries Company was established in 2006. It is a significant investment for the maritime transport infrastructure completely owned by the government of the Sultanate of Oman. The exceptional challenges of the long coastlines of the Sultanate, which are more then 3000 km long, make this service necessary for people to save time and enjoy the pictures costs of the country. Now a days, both locals and tourists enjoy this service since its inauguration on 23rd July 2008. In addition to their speed, more than100km/h, the ferries Shinas and Hormuz sail on the longest local maritime lines (225 NM) for high-speed ferries around the world.

Objectives:

• Help improving maritime transport of passengers, and goods.
• Encourage internal trading
• Support tourism sector
• Provide job opportunities for national cadres.
• Help the government provides services to remote coastal areas
• Provide urgent aid services in case of natural disasters

Current and Future Fleet:

First: Shinas and Hormuz Ferries

• Shinas and Hormuz ferries are considered the fastest ferries. Hormuz recorded a maximum speed of 56,3 knots and Shinas recorded a maximum speed of 55.9 knots. The two ferries continue to be the best worldwide in terms of speed, luxury, and safety.
• Built in 2008 in Austal Ships yard, Australia.
• Shinas started its operations on 23-7-2008.
• Hormuz started its services on 1-10-2008.

Second: HSC Sawqrah, the Italien built High Speed Catamaran which started it service between Khasab and Lima in July 2011.

• Khasab- Lima

- The distances are as follow:

• Lima – Khasab: estimated distance is 49 NM

Third: Landing Craft (Halaniyat):

• The company also operates the landing craft Halaniyat.

Fourth: Two Ferries (Shannah line – Masirah):

• - The company announced in December 2010 a tender for building two ferries with technical specifications that suit the environment of Oman and the type of planned services. They should also meet the safety requirements. They are expected to be delivered by the end of 2012.

Current Operations of the Ferries:

Muscat to Khasab

Shinas or Hormuz currently provide transportation services between Muscat and Musandam with two trips a week (Wednesday and Friday) that can be increased according to the demand.

Sailing Schedule: Muscat-Khasab-Muscat

Trip Schedule	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Days
Muscat-Khasab	15:00	20:00	Sunday
Khasab-Muscat	15:00	20:00	Tuesday
Muscat-Khasab	15:00	20:00	Wednesday
Khasab-Muscat	15:00	20:00	Friday

During weekends and holdiays NFC is offering evening trips around the coastline of Muscat. Addtionally NFC offers on national holidays and Eids Exclusive Sailings for private and public institutions. These trips aim to promote the potentials of the ferries and support the local tourism.

Sailing Schedule: Khasab-Lima-Khasab

Trip Schedule	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Days
Khasab-Lima	15:00	17:00	Sunday
Lima-Khasab	07:00	09:00	Monday
Khasab-Lima	14:00	16:00	Monday
Lima Khasab	17:00	19:00	Monday
Khasab-Lima	14:00	16:00	Wednesday
Lima Khasab	17:00	19:00	Wednesday
Khasab-Lima	16:00	18:00	Friday
Lima-Khasab	06:00	08:00	Saturday

Salalah to Halyaniat

The landing craft Halaniyat currently operates between Salalah's port and Halaniyat islands in coordination with the office of the State Minister and Governor of Dhofar

Shinas to Khasab

The new sea route bewteen Shinas and Khasab was opened on the 9th of May 2012. The route will open big opportunities for the development.

Currently there are 4 trips per week:

Sailing Schedule: Shinas-Khasab-Shinas

Trip Schedule	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Days
Shinas-Khasab	09:00	12:00	Saturday
Khasab-Shinas	16:00	19:00	Monday
Shinas-Khasab	16:00	19:00	Wednesday
Khasab-Shinas	16:00	19:00	Friday

Car ramps for shipping Cars and Goods:

The company finished two car ramp for shipping cars and goods in Port Sultan Qaboos and Khasab in July 2010.

Social Responsibility:

The policies of National Ferries Company are based on the actual application of the concept of social responsibility and taking it into consideration when forming its policies and programs because the ferries are part of the achievements of the blessed renaissance. In line with its interaction with the local communities nationwide, the company sponsors many sports, arts, social, media, and scientific activities.

Operation Vision:

The National Ferries Company looks confidently and positively to the future through the vital development role it plays in the long-term development plan of the country (Oman 2020) especially with the completion of the basic preparations in all harbors that the ferries will operate from. The services of the high speed ferries are planned to cover more than 12 harbors nationwide that are overlooking the Oman Sea and Arabian Sea (Muscat- Khasab- Shinas- Salalah- Halaniyat- Duqum- A'Shwimiyah- Diba- Lima- Hasik- Duqum- Shannah- Masirah) in addition to international harbors in the region.

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