Strengthening Energy Ties: How the Oman-Europe Hydrogen Link and Amsterdam Terminal Boost Business Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT, MARCH 21 — A significant initiative to create the first commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor connecting Oman with the Netherlands and Germany is progressing notably on the European side.
This week, Ecolog International, a leading global energy logistics company and a key partner in this transcontinental project, announced the selection of two prominent engineering firms to develop a terminal designed for storing and handling liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂) at the Port of Amsterdam. Mott MacDonald, a globally recognized engineering, management, and development consultancy, has been appointed as the Owner’s Engineer for the EcoLog Terminal Amsterdam. Meanwhile, U.S.-based engineering firm KBR has been tasked with delivering the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED).
This announcement comes nearly a year after Oman signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to establish the LH₂ corridor, reflecting its ambition to play a pivotal role in the global transition to green hydrogen-based energy. The agreement was formalized during a state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Netherlands.
The corridor is intended to facilitate the export of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO)-compliant liquid hydrogen from the Port of Duqm to Amsterdam and essential logistics hubs in Germany, such as the Port of Duisburg, ultimately extending to other European markets.
According to the agreement, the Port of Duqm will host the largest hydrogen liquefaction, storage, and export terminal in the world. Hydrom, responsible for coordinating Oman’s green hydrogen sector, will handle upstream production, while the integrated Omani energy group OQ will manage the liquefaction and export infrastructure. These facilities will utilize Duqm’s renewable hydrogen projects and its strategic location to advance Oman’s national hydrogen objectives and the transcontinental corridor.
On the European side, the EcoLog Terminal Amsterdam will operate as an open-access hub for large-scale hydrogen importation, storage, and distribution throughout Northwest Europe, linking production centers with industrial users.
The first phase of the EcoLog Terminal Amsterdam is projected to be completed by the end of 2030, with an initial capacity to handle 200,000 tonnes of LH₂ and 1.8 million tonnes of LCO₂ annually. This capacity may later be expanded to 600,000 tonnes and 4.25 million tonnes, respectively.
To facilitate large-scale LH₂ transportation, Ecolog is developing a new generation of purpose-built liquid hydrogen carriers specifically for the terminal.
An important focus of engineering efforts will be the capture and reuse of cold energy released during the regasification of LH₂, enabling the efficient liquefaction of CO₂ — an innovative approach that enhances sustainability and improves system performance.
Notably, the Joint Development Agreement signed last April united eleven public and private sector entities across Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany, including Hydrom, OQ, the Port of Amsterdam, the Port of Duisburg, Ecolog, EnBW, Tata Steel, Advanced Methanol Amsterdam (AMA), Hynetwork Services (HNS), and the Port of Duqm Company (PODC).
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The establishment of a commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor between Oman and Europe represents a transformative opportunity for businesses in Oman, positioning the country as a leader in the green hydrogen sector. This initiative not only opens avenues for sustainable export but also underscores the necessity for local companies to innovate and invest in renewable technologies to align with global energy transitions. Smart investors should consider strategic partnerships within the burgeoning hydrogen infrastructure and explore the potential of leveraging Oman’s renewable resources for enhanced competitive advantage in the international market.
