Oman and the Netherlands sign key energy agreements

The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed three agreements today. The first concerns the field of liquefied hydrogen. The second is a partnership agreement to study the development of infrastructure for transporting hydrogen and carbon dioxide via pipelines. The third is a partnership agreement 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 establish the world’s first commercial export route for liquefied hydrogen, linking Oman, the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany. Oman was represented in the agreement by Hydrom, OQ and the Port of Duqm.

This agreement is a key step in establishing Oman as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, and as a strategic partner in enhancing global energy security.

Once completed, the corridor will provide a direct export route for liquefied hydrogen from the Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam. From there, the hydrogen will be transported to strategic logistics hubs in Germany, including the Port of Duisburg, to supply other European markets. The project is designed to meet EU standards for renewable fuels (RFNBO).

According to the agreement, Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), as the national coordinator for implementing Oman’s green hydrogen strategy, will be responsible for aligning production with national plans and ensuring the project’s integration with infrastructure and sector-wide strategy.

OQ will develop the liquefied hydrogen plant and associated facilities, including storage and export infrastructure. The rapid growth of green hydrogen projects in Duqm will enhance the corridor’s readiness and contribute to achieving national targets. It will also leverage the integrated infrastructure of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and the port’s strategic location.

The agreement also provides for the use of specialised vessels with advanced technology developed by Ecolog to transport liquefied hydrogen efficiently. On the European side, the corridor will include facilities at the Port of Amsterdam to convert the hydrogen back into gas. It will then be distributed to industrial sectors in the Netherlands and Germany via gas pipelines, railways and waterways.

Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, who is also Chairman of Hydrom, stated that this international cooperation represents a strategic step in Oman’s transition to a green hydrogen-based economy. It connects Oman’s production capabilities to global markets and enhances its preparedness to lead in this sector.

He noted that the significance of this agreement lies not only in establishing a hydrogen export corridor from Oman to Europe but also in reaffirming Oman’s confidence in implementing its ambitious green hydrogen strategy. He highlighted the involvement of eleven companies from three countries, covering the entire value chain—from production and liquefaction to transport, storage and regasification—underscoring the confidence Hydrom has earned in building strategic partnerships within Oman and abroad. These efforts support a comprehensive national ecosystem and sustainable economic opportunities, including industrial development, infrastructure growth and local talent recruitment and training.

Sophie Hermans, Minister for Climate and Green Growth of the Netherlands, said the agreement marks a milestone in clean energy cooperation between Oman and the Netherlands. It links Omani green hydrogen production to European markets and supports strategic efforts to diversify and secure long-term energy supplies.

She added that Oman’s green hydrogen sector is progressing on a sound regulatory foundation, making it increasingly attractive for global investment and partnerships.

Hermans also noted that contracts have been awarded to global consortia comprising 22 companies to implement green hydrogen projects in Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates in Oman.

She stated that Hydrom is moving ahead with its green hydrogen strategy and is preparing to launch the third round of public bidding for green hydrogen project sites. This round will focus on medium-scale projects to align early-stage production with downstream industries and promote integration within the national green hydrogen ecosystem, including shared infrastructure, supply chains and related industries.

The agreements were signed by representatives from eleven public and private entities from Oman, the Netherlands and Germany.

The two other agreements—the partnership to study the development of pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen and carbon dioxide transport, and the agreement between OQ and Royal Vopak—mark a significant step towards shaping a new future for the energy sector in Oman.

The agreement between OQ and Royal Vopak stipulates that OQ will develop the Duqm area into a leading integrated centre for storing and handling hydrocarbons, chemicals and low-carbon products.

This partnership paves the way for new investments to build a comprehensive and advanced infrastructure ecosystem that supports the energy sector and accelerates the transition to a sustainable energy future in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

These agreements are expected to contribute to broader economic growth, job creation, and the development of advanced storage solutions to support future projects in Duqm.

Ashraf bin Hamad Al Mamari, CEO of OQ Group, stated that this partnership marks the beginning of efforts to position Duqm as a globally competitive energy hub. He noted that Vopak’s global expertise will open new strategic investment opportunities in infrastructure, reinforcing Oman’s position on the global energy map and driving sustainable benefits for Oman’s economy and future generations.

Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, expressed his pleasure at the strategic partnership with OQ Group in Duqm.

He said that combining their strengths in infrastructure development will pave the way to establish a leading regional energy and chemicals hub, serving a wide range of industrial stakeholders.

He added that this strategic partnership will build trust, attract international talent and expertise, facilitate global financing and align investments with strategic goals, while making it easier to access and engage with global talent.

The agreements were signed on behalf of Oman by Ashraf bin Hamad Al Mamari, CEO of OQ Group, and Mansour bin Ali Al Abri, CEO of OQ Gas Networks. On the Dutch side, Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, signed the agreements.