Britain is intending to form a joint venture company between the British defence contractor Babcock International and the Oman Drydock Company that would develop the Omani Duqm Port to support naval vessels.
During a visit to Oman, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the multi-million pound undertaking would allow the Duqm Port complex to host the world’s naval vessels, including the UK’s new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.
Michael Fallon said: “This partnership will bring British engineering expertise to help develop Duqm as a strategic port for the Middle East on the Indian Ocean, benefiting the Royal Navy and others.”
The project would allow UK to have a more permanent presence in the region and to cater for its wider maritime needs in the area.
During his visit, the Defence Secretary reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the UK and Oman by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding which allows the countries to continue conducting exercises and training together.