Design of a new fishery harbour in Masirah Island, Oman

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Sultanate of Oman (MOAF) financed the design and construction of a new multipurpose harbour on the island of Masirah in the Arabian Sea. The port aims to provide modern berths sheltered from seasonal monsoon waves and occasional destructive tropical cyclones for a large varied fishery fleet, catamarans and landing craft ferries, ROP (Royal Oman Police) patrol vessels and yachts in order to consolidate and increase the local economy and security. The project should account for future expansion due to increased traffic and fishing activities. The new structures are located at the southern edge of the main village and existing old port facilities on the North-West tip of the island. The local tidal range is about 3 m and the nearshore bathymetry is particularly complex with reefs and shoals and a main natural channel parallel to the North-South coastline in depths of 6-8 m CD. Prevailing South-West monsoon winds on rather limited fetches generate short small waves. Detailed meteoceanographical studies included various advanced numerical modelling of wave propagation and penetration at different tidal levels, tropical cyclone effects and current patterns, and were also validated by temporary local wave measurements. The design port masterplan layout was selected after a detailed check-list analysis of a dozen different schemes in order to fulfil the multiple targets of the project with the greatest safety and functionality, and the minimum dredging costs and environmental impacts, yet looking for geometrical harmony and potential for future expansion. The final optimized harbour layout shows a quite large (1.8 Mm2) nearly circular basin surrounded by two curved rock armoured breakwaters with an opening to the North at the deep natural channel and with multiple berths located on the opposite side.