#YES_TO_OMAN

NFC ferries to boost tourism at Masirah Island

Hafidh had been ferrying to Masirah for several years for business purpose and always found it little tough to shuttle at ease from Muscat to Masirah Island. “If a passenger fails to get space for himself and his vehicle in the ferry, he has to wait for another four hours to avail the next possible ferry. I myself have faced such situations several times in past. It is really very tiring and hectic,” says a businessman.
But here comes good news for Hafidh and several other commuters to Masirah Island. With the world’s fastest ferry docked at Shana harbour, tourism in Masirah Island is expected to take a giant leap. The ferries hold a capacity of 24 vehicles, 4 trucks and 154 passengers, and a maximum speed of 15 knots per hour, two NFC ferries will start its operations from next month.

A surfer’s paradise, home to thousands of logger-head turtles and a perfect spot for birdwatchers — Masirah Island offers all that charismatic Oman holds in its nature treasure bag. A costal wetland flowing paralle to the rugged sandy terrain, Masirah Island is home to colourful migratory birds offering the best holidays during the winter. “We are sure that it will be huge bonus for the tourism,” says Vijay Handa, General Manager, Masirah Island Resort.
On a daily basis, passengers travel on ferries that are very old and lack safety equipment, often endangering the lives of citizens and residents.
The other areas of concern, according to residents, is that it is necessary to drive ‘like race course drivers’ to obtain a spot for their vehicles on crowded ferries.
“But with the NFC starting its service from the harbour the travel is sure to get smoother”, says Handa.

The two ferries of National Ferries Corporation (NFC) have already started trial run between Shana harbour and Masirah Island. “A lot of people used to avoid Masirah as there was no proper ferry service between the two places. Infact, I can remember that lot of people remain stranded for four to five hours at times to take a ferry,” Handa recalled.
The predicament of high and low tide and the ferry getting cancelled due to strong winds becomes a hindrance for the travellers. Ferry services available mostly from 4 am until 6 pm, comes about every hour and a half to two hours. With a petrol truck being transported from Muscat to Masirah, the wait becomes even longer, as with a petrol truck others are not allowed for safety reasons.
The fact that everyone rushes to get their car on board regardless of how long others have been waiting makes it a real gamble as to whether one can get on board or not has been a thing of concern for the visitors before they plan a trip.
Be it a business trip or a holiday planned amidst the nature’s bounty, visitors now will no longer have a hurdle.