Netherlands Visit Boosts Oman’s Position as Global Green Hydrogen Hub

The agreements signed by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Netherlands mark a pivotal moment in consolidating Oman’s position as a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen, and as a strategic partner in enhancing global energy security.

The agreements, signed by OQ in collaboration with Hydrom, the Port of Duqm, and a number of prominent European partners, pave the way for the establishment of the world’s first commercial corridor dedicated to liquid hydrogen. This corridor will link the Port of Duqm with the ports of Amsterdam and Duisburg in Europe, representing a major turning point in the global flow of green hydrogen.

Dr Firas al Abduwani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, explained that cooperation between Oman and the Netherlands began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries’ energy ministries at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Eygpt in 2022.

“The cooperation focuses on several key areas, most notably the possibility of establishing hydrogen transport corridors between the two countries, with the Netherlands serving as a key gateway for supplying Western Europe with renewable energy. It also includes collaboration in areas critical to the development of the energy and hydrogen sectors,” he said in a statement to Oman News Agency.

He added, “The signing of an MoU to establish a commercial corridor for transporting hydrogen from the area under development at the Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam builds on the agreement signed at COP28, which launched a preliminary study into the economic and technical feasibility of a green hydrogen corridor. That was followed by a study conducted by a specialised consultancy, culminating in the agreement we witnessed in the Netherlands.”

Eng Abdulaziz al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), said that the hydrogen corridor represents a strategic step towards strengthening Oman’s position as a major global exporter of green hydrogen. He said it effectively translates Oman’s strategic goal of transforming its geographical location into a vital link between East and West in the clean energy market.

He further said, “The economic significance of the corridor lies in unlocking substantial investments across the entire value chain – from production and infrastructure to shipping and distribution. It will also stimulate the growth of related industries, create job opportunities, and enhance in-country value. Internationally, it serves as an integrated model for cross-border cooperation and strengthens confidence in Oman’s capacity to deliver safe and sustainable energy solutions.”

Shidhani emphasised that reaching this agreement at this particular time boosts global confidence in Oman’s green hydrogen ecosystem, led by Hydrom, and adds momentum to the third round of bidding for green hydrogen blocks. It also highlights Oman’s commitment to turning its announced plans into real, actionable partnerships and ongoing projects.

He noted that the timing sends a clear message to global markets that Oman is not passively waiting for change, but is actively working with partners to create a new reality grounded in investment clarity, institutional alignment, and national readiness.

Shidhani explained that the liquid hydrogen corridor between Oman and Europe provides demand clarity – a key factor in accelerating production. “When producers have a clear export route, committed operators, and known end-users, they are better positioned to fast-track investments and project development phases. The involvement of major international partners also eases access to financing and expedites the integration of local production with global markets.”

He stressed that the corridor would serve as a direct catalyst for project implementation, enabling Oman to meet its hydrogen production targets by 2030. According to the approved timeline, the first shipment of liquid hydrogen from Oman is expected to be dispatched to Europe by 2029. Engineering studies are currently underway, alongside the development of central facilities at the Port of Duqm and coordination with European partners to ensure infrastructure readiness along the corridor.

He stated that the timeline reflects the commitment of all parties to advancing the project and achieving a significant milestone in linking production with international demand through a fully integrated export route—one that is the first of its kind in the world.