{"id":10293,"date":"2026-03-30T13:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T09:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/noconflictrisktohbitimeline\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T17:58:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:58:30","slug":"noconflictrisktohbitimeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/noconflictrisktohbitimeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Conflict Poses No Risk to HBI Project Timeline: What This Means for Investors and Businesses in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>MUSCAT, MARCH 30 \u2013 The timeline for the first phase of Meranti Green Steel\u2019s low-carbon iron production project at the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is expected to remain unaffected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, highlighting international investors&#8217; confidence in Oman\u2019s stability.<\/p>\n<p>Responding to inquiries from Oman Observer, Meranti CEO Dr. Sebastian Langendorf stated, \u201cNo \u2014 not based on how we currently assess the situation.\u201d He confirmed that the project\u2019s commissioning is planned for mid-2029, with commercial operations beginning in early 2030, consistent with agreements made with offtakers.<\/p>\n<p>Singapore-based Meranti Green Steel is developing a major facility to produce 2.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of hot briquetted iron (HBI) at Duqm SEZ. This initiative is part of a broader cross-border strategy that separates ironmaking and steelmaking, with Oman focusing on producing low-carbon HBI for export and further steel production in Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>Originally, the Final Investment Decision (FID) was anticipated around mid-2026. However, this has been pushed to the third quarter of 2026 to allow Meranti\u2019s international partners sufficient time to assess the current regional conditions. Dr. Langendorf emphasized, \u201cOman \u2014 and Muscat in particular \u2014 remains a stable, orderly and peaceful business environment. This stability must be clearly communicated to international stakeholders, especially larger organizations with investment or credit committees, which requires time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The green iron facility will be developed on a 150-hectare site within a low-carbon steel mega hub planned by Brazilian mining company Vale in Duqm. The complex will supply green iron in the form of HBI for both regional and export markets.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Langendorf noted, \u201cWe are already in discussions to formalize the land lease. Being part of Duqm SEZ, the land is already designated. We are working closely with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and the Port of Duqm to complete all necessary documentation. Our site lies within the Vale mega hub, where we have prepared a layout and are integrating our engineering plans accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The project will initially source much of its feedstock from Vale\u2019s pelletizing plant in Sohar, with supplementary sources from other pelletizing partners if needed. Positioned about 2\u20133 kilometers from the Port of Duqm, the plant will utilize the existing commercial port and electric trucks operated in partnership with logistics providers to transport materials.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Langendorf attributed Meranti\u2019s success in securing offtake commitments to Oman\u2019s inherent advantages: \u201cOman is recognized as a stable and neutral production environment with excellent infrastructure, a perception unchanged by current geopolitical tensions. The country\u2019s blend of renewable energy and natural gas, supported by a pragmatic energy transition strategy, offers a flexible and competitive production platform, especially for the gradual integration of hydrogen. Additionally, Oman\u2019s strategic location facilitates efficient global transport, making it an ideal production hub.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added that Meranti\u2019s proven industry expertise and track record in delivering complex projects have further strengthened investor confidence. \u201cOur team has extensive experience managing large projects in challenging environments, and our competitive, pragmatic commercial terms have attracted significant interest in our product,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>Meranti Green Steel\u2019s commitment to its low-carbon iron project at Duqm SEZ underlines <strong>Oman&#8217;s stability and appeal as a reliable investment hub<\/strong> despite regional geopolitical tensions. This creates a <strong>strategic opportunity for businesses and investors<\/strong> to capitalize on Oman&#8217;s robust infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and favorable location in the emerging green steel value chain. Smart investors should consider <strong>leveraging Oman&#8217;s flexible production ecosystem<\/strong> and growing role in sustainable industrial projects to secure long-term growth in the green economy.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meranti Green Steel&#8217;s low-carbon iron project at Duqm SEZ in Oman is on track despite Iran&#8217;s war. Commissioning is planned for mid-2029 with commercial operations early 2030. Oman\u2019s stability, strategic location, and energy resources boost investor confidence and project success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":10294,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[4282,939,940],"class_list":["post-10293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-duqm-sez","tag-low-carbon-steel","tag-meranti-green-steel"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3336379.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10293"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10295,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10293\/revisions\/10295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}