The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have signed three strategic agreements aimed at advancing cooperation in the energy sector.
The deals include a memorandum on liquefied hydrogen, a partnership to explore infrastructure development for transporting hydrogen and carbon dioxide via pipelines, and a separate partnership agreement with Dutch company, Royal Vopak.
Oman-Netherlands JDA
The Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the liquefied hydrogen corridor entails the establishment of the world’s first commercial export corridor for liquefied hydrogen, linking the Sultanate, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Federal Republic of Germany. The Sultanate of Oman was represented in the agreement by Hydrom, OQ, and the Port of Duqm.
This agreement is a pivotal step in cementing the Sultanate’s position as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, as well as a strategic partner in enhancing global energy security.
Once fully developed, the corridor will serve as a direct export route for liquefied hydrogen compliant with the EU’s Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards—from the Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam, and onward to strategic logistics centers in Germany, including the Port of Duisburg, for further distribution to other European markets.
Under the agreement, Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), as the national coordinator for implementing the Sultanate’s green hydrogen strategy, will oversee production alignment with national plans and ensure the project’s integration with the sector’s infrastructure and overarching strategy.
Meanwhile, OQ Group will develop the liquefied hydrogen terminal and associated facilities, including storage and export infrastructure. The rapid growth of green hydrogen projects in Duqm will enhance the corridor’s readiness and its ability to contribute to national targets, leveraging the integrated infrastructure of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) and the port’s strategic location.
The Joint Development Agreement aims for maritime transport within this corridor to rely on specialized vessels equipped with advanced technologies developed by ‘Ecolog’ to ensure highly efficient liquefied hydrogen transportation.
On the European side, the corridor will focus on establishing liquefied hydrogen regasification terminals at the Port of Amsterdam, after which industrial sectors in the Netherlands and Germany will be supplied with hydrogen via gas pipelines, rail networks, and waterways.
HE Eng Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi Oman Minister of Energy and Minerals Chairman – Hydrom
“This international cooperation is a strategic step in the Sultanate’s journey toward building a green hydrogen-based economy, linking our production capabilities to global markets and reinforcing the Sultanate’s readiness to lead the sector. The significance of this agreement extends beyond paving the way for a green hydrogen export corridor from Oman to Europe—it reaffirms the Sultanate’s confident progress in implementing its ambitious green hydrogen strategy. The involvement of eleven companies from three countries across the entire value chain—from hydrogen production and liquefaction to transport, storage, and regasification—demonstrates the trust Hydrom has gained in forming high-impact strategic partnerships, both within Oman and abroad. This will contribute to establishing an integrated national ecosystem and creating sustainable economic and developmental opportunities, whether through sector-related industries, infrastructure development, or the training and employment of local talent.”
For her part, Sophie Hermans, Minister of Climate and Green Growth of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, stated that this agreement marks a key milestone in Oman-Netherlands cooperation in clean energy. The minister noted that the project will link Omani green hydrogen production to European markets, supporting long-term strategic efforts to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security.
Partnerships focus on Hydrogen and CO₂ Transport
Meanwhile, the two additional agreements, the partnership to study hydrogen and carbon dioxide pipeline transport infrastructure and the partnership between OQ and Royal Vopak, represent ambitious steps toward shaping a new future for the Sultanate’s energy sector.
As per the partnership agreement between OQ and Royal Vopak, OQ will spearhead the development of Duqm in Oman as a premier integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products. This is a significant step for a strategic alliance that aims to unlock future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure and sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD.
Leveraging Vopak’s proven expertise to develop and operate large-scale infrastructure projects, this partnership holds high prospects to drive economic growth, attract international customers, create new employment opportunities, and effectively serve all new projects requiring storage solutions in Duqm.
