Scania trucks supplied by the Swedish manufacturer’s dealer SATA are being deployed by the Royal Navy of Oman to help ferry fuel supplies between the port of Sohar and Musandam, on the peninsula coast in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bulk cargo and oil and gas specialist DATE Transport, whose clients include Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) and Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company, has been tasked with the vital role.
Scania Middle East’s Hans Wising explained that the closing of borders to contain the spread of the virus means the fuel has to be transported by sea.
“They face the challenge of delivering fuel from Oman to Musandam. Normally they could go through the UAE but trucks will get stuck at the border.”
The regional sales director added: “Now, the trucks go on the boat from Sohar to Khasab in Musandam – offload and go back again.”
Scania is involved in a number of initiatives to help fight the virus, including lending purchasing and logistics help to the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm; aiding the acquisition of protective equipment for healthcare workers working to save those suffering from COVID-19. At the same time, trailers from Scania are being converted to mobile testing stations.
Wising told T&FME that the firm is also determined to help support its customers as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to disrupt business in the region.
He confirmed that, with sectors such as oil and gas and construction continuing in parts of the region, customers can still access workshops and fleet support.
“Trucks are a part of a society’s lifeline; keeping goods and medical supplies moving. The focus at Scania is to keep our customers running and keep our workshops open and keep spare parts available.”
