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APM Terminals' own service motto focuses on 'redefining terminal operations' through innovation, customer service, efficiency and productivity, and a commitment to excellence. When it comes to these factors, the Port of Salalah is already ticking all the boxes.

"We are at the forefront when it comes to innovation and port development in many areas," says Lemke proudly.

Earlier this year, the port was one of the first in the world to adopt the Cavotec Moormaster system, a vacuum-based approach to vessel mooring that negates the need for mooring lines.

"The port has worked closely with Cavotec on the installation of a new Moormaster system that eliminates vessel surge. This reduces loading and discharge time considerably, to both our customers' and our benefit," he explains.

The benefits of the system include faster berthing, vessel departure and cost savings in tugs, pilots and mooring lines.

The new system is also ecologically beneficial, as tugs alongside during surge conditions and vessel engines are not required.

Another important feature of the Moormaster system is the safety value it offers by not exposing long-shore workers to the dangers of snapped mooring lines.

Protecting the safety of its workers overall is a high priority for both the Port of Salalah and for Lemke personally as its head; the port confidently reported a 40% improvement to its safety records over the last year and Lemke himself takes a 'zero tolerance' approach to accidents.

"We have adopted the global safety programme of APM Terminals called ‘Safety for Life'," he says.

"All staff in our organisation are committed to safety and have each developed a personal safety plan containing personal action items which will enhance safety in our organisation.

In the port we have dedicated safety staff on site to constantly monitor and improve safety performance."

Last year saw the port participating in the APM Terminals ‘Global Safety Day', where port operations paused for 30 minutes to engage staff in discussions on ensuring safer operations.

Clearly, the investment in its workers has played an integral role in the port's success.

The Port of Salalah has been active in delivering training to its employees and partners on all aspects of effective operations.

"We have recently built a new training centre to reflect our aim to be a responsible corporation, merging the company's needs with the community's expectations," explains Lemke.

"We aspire to continuously develop and enhance the skills of our employees by providing own training programmes as well as those available through A P Moller-Maersk and APM Terminals."

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