In its latest move, marking a major step forward in the global shift towards clean energy, Oman has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to create the world’s first commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor connecting the Sultanate with the Netherlands and Germany. The agreement was finalised during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to the Netherlands.
This pioneering corridor will enable the large-scale export of renewable, RFNBO-compliant liquid hydrogen from Oman’s strategically located Port of Duqm to key European ports, Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Duisburg in Germany, with distribution extending to other parts of Europe.
At the project's core lies the development of the world’s largest hydrogen liquefaction and export terminal in Duqm. This centralised facility, supported by Oman’s national energy transition enablers, will be instrumental in delivering the country’s hydrogen production goals and integrating green hydrogen into its broader economic and infrastructure plans.
The project will draw on Oman’s growing portfolio of renewable hydrogen initiatives, particularly within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, taking advantage of the port’s strategic position on international maritime routes. The terminal will handle hydrogen produced using solar and wind power, liquefy it, and store it for export via next-generation maritime vessels developed by ECOLOG. These vessels are designed to transport liquid hydrogen with zero boil-off, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal product loss during transit.
Once in Europe, the hydrogen will be received at regasification terminals in Amsterdam and fed into an extensive distribution network. From there, it will be delivered to industrial off-takers in the Netherlands and Germany via pipelines, rail freight, and barge transport through the Dutch canal system. This integrated logistics chain is designed to ensure a reliable and scalable supply of green hydrogen for key industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The collaboration involves eleven public and private sector entities from Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany. Key partners include Oman’s Hydrom and OQ, the Port of Duqm Company, the Port of Amsterdam, the Port of Duisport, ECOLOG, EnBW, Tata Steel, Advanced Methanol Amsterdam (AMA), and Hynetwork Services (HNS).
This milestone agreement follows a series of joint feasibility studies undertaken in 2024 and builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Oman and the Netherlands at COP27, which set out ambitions for green energy collaboration.
Oman’s green hydrogen sector, coordinated by Hydrom, is rapidly emerging as one of the most structured and investment-ready markets in the world. Already, major projects involving 22 international companies are underway in Duqm and Dhofar. Hydrom is also preparing to launch a third land allocation round focused on mid-scale projects to further align upstream production with downstream industry demand.
This liquid hydrogen corridor is more than just a supply route; it is a bold, future-oriented initiative to establish Oman as a global green hydrogen hub. Through this venture, the Sultanate is driving forward its clean energy ambitions, attracting international investment, and securing its position in the emerging global hydrogen economy.
