Simak Factory Officially Inaugurated in Duqm Under Ministerial Patronage
The International Sea Food Company (SIMAK) marked a key milestone with the official opening of its state-of-the-art factory in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The inauguration took place under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, as part of the Sultanate of Oman’s 54th National Day celebrations.
The event was held in the presence of key dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders, and also served as an open house, allowing guests to experience firsthand the scale, innovation, and purpose behind Simak’s vision. The opening of the facility reflects Oman’s growing focus on strengthening its seafood industry, promoting local production, and fostering industrial excellence in the Duqm region.
A Strategic Step Forward for Oman’s Seafood Industry
Strategically located in Duqm, the Simak facility covers a total area of 85,000 square meters and represents a major advancement in Oman’s seafood processing sector. Equipped with advanced processing lines and built to meet international standards, the factory specializes in the production of premium canned tuna, sardine, and mackerel, catering to both regional and global markets.
Simak’s operations are currently designed to produce up to 100 million cans per year. The facility is future-ready, with built-in scalability that allows for an increase in production capacity to 150 million cans annually. This adaptability positions Simak as a leading contributor to Oman’s value-added seafood exports and an important player in global supply chains.
Driving Innovation and Quality at Every Stage
One of the key differentiators of Simak lies in its end-to-end quality control and commitment to sourcing responsibly. Raw fish and ingredients are procured through both local and international networks, with a large portion sourced from Simak’s sister company, Al Wusta. Al Wusta operates modern fishing vessels outfitted with on-board liquid brine freezing technology, ensuring the highest standards of freshness and quality right from the point of catch.
This level of innovation extends throughout Simak’s production pipeline. From stringent histamine-level checks to advanced automated canning systems, every step is optimized for quality assurance and food safety. Only raw materials that meet the company’s strict specifications are processed, helping Simak deliver consistently superior products to its customers.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is not just a value at Simak, it’s built into the foundation of its operations. The Duqm factory functions as a near-zero waste facility. The byproducts of the fish processing operations are used to produce fish meal and fish oil, both of which are valuable commodities in agriculture and aquaculture.
In addition, the facility is partially powered by renewable energy sources, with 20% of its energy needs met through solar power. Treated effluent water is reused for cleaning and irrigation, significantly reducing environmental impact. These practices reflect Simak’s ongoing commitment to minimizing its footprint and preserving marine ecosystems.
Simak also adopts responsible fishing practices. Vessels do not use fish aggregating devices (FADs), and all methods are aligned with international “dolphin-safe” protocols. By setting high standards for sustainability and traceability, Simak is helping to reshape the regional seafood industry with long-term environmental stewardship in mind.
A Vision Built for the Future
The opening of the Simak factory is more than a celebration of infrastructure, it’s a commitment to people, planet, and progress. The company’s long-term vision is to become one of the leaders in the region’s value-added seafood industry by adopting sustainable solutions that respect the oceans, empower fishing communities, and deliver consistent value to stakeholders.
Through innovation, efficiency, and a dedication to responsible practices, Simak aims to serve as a dependable partner for international buyers while strengthening Oman’s position in the global seafood landscape.
As the Duqm factory begins full operations, Simak looks forward to expanding its market reach, contributing to national economic diversification goals, and building a future where quality and sustainability go hand in hand.