GAC: Omans Port to Issue Clearance to Qatar-Going Vessels

Google Maps Omans port of Khasab has agreed to issue port clearance to vessels having difficulties going to and coming out of Qatari ports, according to Gulf Agency Company (GAC). The port opted for the move after a number of Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain, cut diplomatic ties and transport links with Qatar on June 5. As a result, Qatari-flagged and owned vessels have been banned from UAE and Saudi ports. Certain ports in the UAE and Bahrain have also banned any vessel travelling from or to Qatar from entering, including Khor al Fakkan and Fujairah. GAC informed that under normal circumstances, issuance of a port clearance at Khasab for vessels calling only for the purpose of obtaining clearance is not permitted. The Omani port added that certain conditions need to be fulfilled, including that clearance issued at last port must show next port as Khasab, Oman. The port, which has a 300-meter quay with a maximum draft of 8.5 meters, said that if a berth is available, clearance can be done alongside and if not, it can be done at anchorage.