Muscat: The deal—spearheaded by OQ Group during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said’s state visit—cements Oman’s role as a strategic player in the global energy transition and green hydrogen export.
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, has entered a pivotal agreement with Hydrom, the Port of Duqm, and leading European partners to launch a commercial hydrogen corridor connecting Duqm with the ports of Amsterdam and Duisburg. This corridor is the first of its kind globally and is set to redefine the future flow of clean energy from East to West.
Dr. Firas Al-Abdouani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, noted that this milestone builds on early cooperation with the Netherlands initiated at COP27. The hydrogen transport corridor follows a series of feasibility studies and a memorandum signed at COP28. It will include infrastructure from liquefaction plants in Duqm to distribution networks in Europe.
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He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the face of global energy challenges and highlighted the corridor as a practical application of Oman’s renewable energy strategy, moving from hydrogen production to a direct export model.
Eng. Abdulaziz bin Saeed Al Shidhani, General Manager of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), stated that the corridor enhances Oman’s position as a global clean energy hub. It opens avenues for investment across the hydrogen value chain, from production and shipping to distribution, while boosting job creation and local economic growth.
According to Al Shidhani, the first shipment of liquid hydrogen is expected to leave Oman by 2029, backed by ongoing engineering and infrastructure development. This timeline signals the seriousness of Oman’s clean energy goals and commitment to global sustainability.
Ashraf bin Hamad Al Mamari, CEO of OQ Group, described the agreement as a turning point—not only diplomatically, but strategically. He said the collaboration strengthens OQ’s international partnerships and supports Oman Vision 2040 by fostering a flexible, future-ready energy system.
As part of the agreement, OQ Gas Networks has partnered with Dutch energy firm Gasunie to explore hydrogen infrastructure within Oman and boost cooperation in carbon capture and storage technologies. This alliance is seen as crucial in reinforcing Oman’s role in the energy transition while advancing shared climate goals with the European Union.
Engineer Mansour bin Ali Al-Abdali, CEO of OQ Gas Networks, stated that the agreement underlines Oman’s commitment to global collaboration and innovation in the green energy sector. “Together, OQ Gas Networks and Gasoni will assess, enable, and implement the key requirements for developing this strategic initiative. This partnership will also enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s role in the global energy transition and support innovation in carbon capture, storage, and utilization initiatives, which are essential to achieving international climate goals and promoting long-term sustainability,” he said.
