Amsterdam: On Tuesday, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands formalized three agreements. The first pertains to liquefied hydrogen, the second establishes a partnership to explore the development of infrastructure for transporting hydrogen and carbon dioxide through pipelines, and the third is a collaboration with the Dutch company “Royal Vopak.”
These agreements were signed during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Netherlands. The Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the liquefied hydrogen corridor aims to create the world’s first commercial export route for liquefied hydrogen, connecting Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany. Oman was represented in this agreement by Hydrom, OQ, and the Port of Duqm.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in establishing Oman as a key player in the global green hydrogen production and export market, while also enhancing global energy security. Once fully operational, the corridor will provide a direct export pathway for liquefied hydrogen that meets 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 major logistics hubs in Germany, such as the Port of Duisburg, for distribution to other European markets.
As part of the agreement, Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) will act as the national coordinator for the implementation of Oman’s green hydrogen strategy, ensuring that production aligns with national objectives and that the project integrates seamlessly with the sector's infrastructure and overall strategy.
OQ Group is set to construct a liquefied hydrogen terminal along with the necessary facilities, which will include storage and export infrastructure. The swift expansion of green hydrogen initiatives in Duqm will bolster the corridor's preparedness and its capacity to meet national objectives, utilizing the integrated infrastructure of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) and the advantageous location of the port.
The Joint Development Agreement envisions that maritime transport within this corridor will utilize specialized vessels featuring advanced technologies developed by “Ecolog,” ensuring efficient transportation of liquefied hydrogen. In Europe, the focus will be on creating liquefied hydrogen regasification terminals at the Port of Amsterdam, facilitating the supply of hydrogen to industrial sectors in the Netherlands and Germany through gas pipelines, rail systems, and waterways.
Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom’s Board of Directors, remarked: “This international collaboration represents a strategic milestone in Oman’s efforts to establish a green hydrogen economy, connecting our production capabilities to global markets and enhancing Oman’s position as a leader in this sector.”
He remarked that the importance of this agreement goes beyond establishing a green hydrogen export corridor from Oman to Europe; it also reinforces Oman’s steady advancement in executing its ambitious green hydrogen strategy. The participation of eleven companies from three different countries across the entire value chain—ranging from hydrogen production and liquefaction to transportation, storage, and regasification—illustrates the confidence Hydrom has built in creating impactful strategic partnerships, both domestically and internationally. This initiative will aid in forming a cohesive national ecosystem and generating sustainable economic and developmental prospects, whether through industry-related sectors, infrastructure projects, or the training and employment of local talent.
Sophie Hermans, the Minister of Climate and Green Growth of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, expressed that this agreement represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between Oman and the Netherlands in the realm of clean energy. She highlighted that the project will connect Omani green hydrogen production with European markets, bolstering long-term strategic initiatives aimed at diversifying energy sources and improving energy security.
The minister underscored that Oman’s green hydrogen sector is making remarkable strides within a robust framework, positioning it as one of the most appealing regulatory environments for global investments and partnerships. She noted that contracts for green hydrogen initiatives have been awarded to consortia made up of 22 international companies, which have already commenced development activities in Oman’s Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates.
She stated that Hydrom is making significant progress in advancing Oman’s green hydrogen strategy and is in the process of launching the third round of public auctions for green hydrogen project sites, with a focus on mid-scale initiatives. This effort is designed to synchronize early-stage production with downstream industries and enhance the integration of Oman’s green hydrogen ecosystem, which includes shared infrastructure, supply chains, and related sectors.
The agreement was formalized by representatives from eleven public and private organizations from Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Additionally, two other agreements—the collaboration to explore hydrogen and carbon dioxide pipeline transport infrastructure and the partnership between OQ and Royal Vopak—mark significant strides toward transforming Oman’s energy landscape.
Under the partnership agreement with Royal Vopak, OQ will lead the development of Duqm in Oman as a leading integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products. This initiative represents a crucial step in a strategic alliance aimed at unlocking future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure, as well as sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD. By leveraging Vopak’s established expertise in developing and managing large-scale infrastructure projects, this partnership is poised to stimulate economic growth, attract international clients, create new job opportunities, and effectively support all new projects requiring storage solutions in Duqm.
Emphasizing the profound influence of this collaboration, Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, stated: “This partnership serves as a catalyst for Duqm’s development into a globally competitive energy hub. By leveraging Vopak’s international expertise, we are ushering in a new phase of strategic infrastructure investment that enhances Oman’s role in global energy dynamics, accelerates the energy transition, and provides lasting benefits for our economy and future generations.”
Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, remarking: “Vopak is thrilled to join forces with OQ Group in this strategic initiative in Duqm. Our combined capabilities in infrastructure development will play a crucial role in establishing a premier energy and chemical hub that caters to various industrial clients simultaneously. We are eager to contribute to Oman’s Vision 2040.”
This strategic alliance is poised to enhance confidence and attract international interest, draw in top-tier expertise and funding, align strategic objectives and investments, and create access and networking opportunities for global talent.
The agreements were signed on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman by Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, and Mansour bin Ali Al Abdali, CEO of OQ Gas Networks, while Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, represented the Dutch side.
