Japan’s NYK to Boost Duqm’s Global Energy Connectivity: Key Opportunities for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this week between Japanese shipping leader Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and the Port of Duqm Company (PODC) is set to bolster Duqm’s role as a vital hub in the evolving global logistics and energy sectors.
The agreement commits both parties to collaborate on the development and connectivity of the Port of Duqm. It targets forward-looking areas such as green steel supply chains, the transportation of green hydrogen and ammonia, and finished vehicle logistics across the Middle East.
The MoU was signed by Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm Company SAOC, and Yuji Otsuka, General Manager of the Dry Bulk & Energy Business Coordination Group at NYK Line, during the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 held on Tuesday, October 28, in Al Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate.
Vermeulen described the MoU as “a testament to the strong alignment of vision between NYK and PODC,” emphasizing their joint commitment to unlocking new growth opportunities and establishing Duqm as a strategic maritime hub. He expressed confidence that this partnership would significantly advance the economic development of Al Duqm and the Sultanate of Oman.
Otsuka highlighted the agreement as “a new phase in our collaborative relationship,” building on prior discussions. He stated, “We will engage in concrete discussions with PODC to build a better supply chain, leveraging the geographical advantages of the Port of Duqm and its potential for hydrogen and ammonia production powered by renewable energy.”
This MoU reflects growing international interest in Oman’s vast renewable energy potential, particularly in green hydrogen. Duqm is strategically positioning itself as a center for producing and exporting hydrogen, ammonia, and direct reduced iron (DRI)—a low-carbon steel feedstock—by capitalizing on the region’s abundant wind and solar energy.
NYK has developed specialized expertise in the safe and efficient transportation of DRI, a form of green steel produced using hydrogen rather than coke, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions. The company has also introduced proprietary technology designed to mitigate risks of overheating, fire, and explosion during DRI shipments.
The agreement further expands NYK’s significant presence in Omani ports. As a major operator in the transportation of cars and trucks, NYK runs roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services at SOHAR Port and Freezone. NYK has long been a Japanese partner in Omani maritime ventures; some of the earliest vessels in the majority Omani-owned Asyad Shipping fleet originated from joint ventures between Oman and Japanese companies, including NYK Line.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The MoU between NYK Line and the Port of Duqm Company positions Duqm as a strategic hub for green energy and sustainable logistics, opening significant opportunities in green hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon steel supply chains. For businesses, this partnership signals a transformative shift toward renewable energy-driven industries, while smart investors should consider the rising value in sustainable maritime infrastructure and clean energy logistics in Oman’s evolving market.
