Oman and and Netherlands have signed three significant agreements. The first focuses on liquefied hydrogen, the second establishes a partnership to explore the development of infrastructure for transporting hydrogen and carbon dioxide via pipelines, and the third is a partnership agreement with Dutch company “Royal Vopak.” This signing occurred during the “state visit” of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Oman News Agency reported.
Establishing a commercial export corridor for hydrogen
The Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the liquefied hydrogen corridor aims to establish the world’s first commercial export corridor for liquefied hydrogen, connecting the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Federal Republic of Germany. Oman was represented in this agreement by Hydrom, OQ, and the Port of Duqm.
This agreement marks a crucial milestone in solidifying Oman’s status as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, while also serving as a strategic partner in enhancing global energy security. Once fully operational, the corridor will provide a direct export route for liquefied hydrogen that complies with the EU’s Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards, facilitating transport from the Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam, and subsequently to strategic logistics centers in Germany, such as the Port of Duisburg, for further distribution across European markets.
Hydrogen Oman takes the lead in green hydrogen strategy
Under the agreement, Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) will act as the national coordinator for implementing Oman’s green hydrogen strategy. This role entails overseeing production alignment with national plans and ensuring the project’s integration with the sector’s infrastructure and broader strategic goals.
In parallel, OQ Group will take charge of developing the liquefied hydrogen terminal and associated facilities, which include storage and export infrastructure. The rapid expansion of green hydrogen projects in Duqm will enhance the corridor’s readiness and capacity to meet national targets, leveraging the integrated infrastructure of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) and its strategically advantageous location.
Read more: Oman sees 1 percent inflation increase in February 2025
Advanced technologies for efficient hydrogen transport
The Joint Development Agreement envisions that maritime transport within this corridor will utilize specialized vessels equipped with advanced technologies developed by “Ecolog” to ensure highly efficient liquefied hydrogen transportation. On the European side, the focus will be on establishing liquefied hydrogen regasification terminals at the Port of Amsterdam. From there, industrial sectors in the Netherlands and Germany will be supplied with hydrogen through gas pipelines, rail networks, and waterways.
Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman’s minister of Energy and Minerals and chairman of Hydrom’s Board of Directors, stated: “This international cooperation is a strategic step in Oman’s journey toward building a green hydrogen-based economy, linking our production capabilities to global markets and reinforcing Oman’s readiness to lead the sector.” He further noted, “The significance of this agreement extends beyond paving the way for a green hydrogen export corridor from Oman to Europe—it reaffirms Oman’s confident progress in implementing its ambitious green hydrogen strategy.”
Moreover, Sophie Hermans, minister of Climate and Green Growth of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, remarked that this agreement marks a key milestone in Oman-Netherlands cooperation in clean energy. She emphasized that the project will connect Omani green hydrogen production to European markets, supporting long-term strategic efforts to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security.
Future prospects for Oman’s energy sector
The agreement was further signed by representatives from eleven public and private entities from Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany. The two additional agreements—a partnership to study hydrogen and carbon dioxide pipeline transport infrastructure and a partnership between OQ and Royal Vopak—represent ambitious steps toward reshaping Oman’s energy sector.
Additionally, as per the partnership agreement between OQ and Royal Vopak, OQ will lead the development of Duqm in Oman as a premier integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products. This collaboration aims to unlock future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure, as well as sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD.
Collaborative efforts to drive economic growth
Furthermore, Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, group CEO of OQ, highlighted the significant impact of this partnership, stating: “This partnership is a catalyst for Duqm’s emergence as a globally competitive energy hub. By aligning with Vopak’s international expertise, we are unlocking a new era of strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens Oman’s position in global energy flows, accelerates the energy transition, and delivers long-term value for our economy and future generations.”
Also, Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, welcomed this partnership, saying: “Vopak is excited to collaborate with OQ Group on this strategic partnership in Duqm. Our combined strengths in infrastructure development will be instrumental in creating a leading energy and chemical hub serving multiple industrial customers concurrently. We are excited to support Oman’s Vision 2040.”
Shaping a sustainable energy future
This strategic partnership is poised to boost confidence and international interest, attract world-class expertise and financing, align strategic goals and investments, and provide access and networking opportunities to global talent. The agreements were signed on behalf of Oman by Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, group CEO of OQ, and Mansour bin Ali Al Abdali, CEO of OQ Gas Networks, while the Dutch side was represented by Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak.
