APMT port Oman shut down after drone attack

APMT port in Oman is at a standstill after the Salalah port was hit by a suspected drone attack. The incident brought operations to an immediate halt and the terminal was completely evacuated. The attack again underlines how vulnerable logistics hubs are in a region where tensions continue to rise.

According to operator APM Terminals and parent company Maersk, the incident took place in the early morning of Saturday 28 March 2026. Explosions were heard and a terminal crane was damaged. One employee sustained minor injuries.

APMT port shut down immediately after incident

Following the attack, the APMT port was immediately evacuated. All employees were brought to safety and there were no reports of damage to ships or cargo. Nevertheless, it was decided to completely shut down operations for at least 48 hours.

This measure was taken as a precaution and to ensure the safety of staff and infrastructure. In a region where tensions can escalate quickly, port operators are increasingly opting for immediate shutdown in the event of incidents.

The port of Salalah is strategically located on the Arabian Sea and plays an important role in international container flows. Although the location is far from the Strait of Hormuz, this incident shows that the impact of the unrest extends over a much wider area.

APMT port important for global supply chains

The temporary closure of the APMT port could affect global logistics chains. Salalah serves as an important transhipment point for containers between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Any disruption directly causes delays and possible congestion at other ports.

For logistics parties, this means that routes have to be reconsidered. Alternative ports and transit points face more pressure, while schedules have to be adjusted to the changing situation.

Although the damage to infrastructure seems limited, the impact on transport planning and reliability is significant. Especially combined with the turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz, this is causing a chain reaction within the industry.

Companies dependent on international transport flows would do well to remain flexible and have several scenarios in reserve. You can read more about how logistics processes are set up on the container handling page.

It is expected that the APMT port will be operational again after the 48 hours, safety conditions permitting. Until then, the situation remains uncertain and the industry is closely monitoring developments.

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