Major firms join Oman-Europe Liquid H2 Corridor project
MUSCAT: Leading European businesses, notably Tata Steel Nederland, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), Port of Duisburg, and Hynetwork are among a conglomerate of companies that are now part of a historic bid to establish the world's first Liquid Hydrogen Corridor linking Oman and Europe.
A Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed earlier this week in conjunction with the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to The Netherlands, saw a total of 11 organisations committing to working collaboratively to enable the transportation of Omani green hydrogen to markets in the Europe.
Representing Oman in the consortium are Hydrom (Oman's national green hydrogen orchestrator), OQ (Oman's global integrated energy group), and Port of Duqm Company. Together with their European partners, they will be leveraging their respective strengths in rolling out a supply chain encompassing the liquefaction, transport, storage, and distribution of liquid hydrogen.
Tata Steel Nederland, one of Europe's largest steel producers, has signed up to secure its green hydrogen requirements when it begins a transition to low-carbon steel production starting by 2030.
Hans van den Berg - CEO Tata Steel Nederland, commented: "In our role as a large potential buyer, we can contribute to the development of a sustainable economy based on green hydrogen in our region. In this way, we not only make our own production process more sustainable, but we also help to build a new ecosystem together with other companies."
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a leading operator of seaport terminals and transport hubs in Europe, says it will leverage the Europe-wide intermodal network of its rail subsidiary Metrans to ensure the efficient onward distribution of hydrogen.
"For HHLA, hydrogen is an important element of the journey towards climate neutrality by 2040," emphasised Annette Walter, Chief Financial Officer of HHLA. "Liquid hydrogen plays a key role here, as it can be transported independently of pipelines - which is ideal for mobility and logistics, the aviation industry, and small and medium-sized industrial and chemical companies. With our European logistics network, we want to efficiently transport hydrogen from the import ports to end consumers in Germany and Europe."
Also set to play a key role is Hynetwork, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dutch gas transportation company Gasunie. Hynetwork is currently building a 1,200km Dutch hydrogen network of hydrogen pipelines to connect industrial sites to each other, to foreign countries and to import and storage sites.
'In addition to the construction of the national hydrogen network, we are actively working on the infrastructure for the large-scale transport and storage of hydrogen, so that the hydrogen can be transported from the Netherlands to the industrial regions in the hinterland,' said Hynetwork in a post.
Linking the proposed Liquid Corridor to Germany is the Port of Duisburg (Duisport), also a signatory to the landmark JDA. 'As the largest inland port in the world, Duisport plays an important role in the energy transition: this agreement reaffirms the port's position as a central hub for the industrial supply of green hydrogen,' the Port authority said in a post.
Alexander Garbar, Head of Corporate Development at Duisport, stated: "We are bringing green hydrogen to where it is needed – to the industrial centres of NRW. Together with Hydrom, ECOLOG, the Port of Amsterdam and other partners, we are creating the infrastructure for a reliable, international supply chain.'
Other signatories of the JDA are Port of Amsterdam, ECOLOG, EnBW and Advanced Methanol Amsterdam. All 11 partners are targeting the flow of Omani liquid green hydrogen to Europe by 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Germany 'eager' to host Indian students amid US visa pause, sees 35 per cent surge in university applications
New Delhi: Amid growing uncertainty around student visa processes in several Western countries, Germany is positioning itself as a stable and reliable "alternative" for Indian students, saying, "we are not erratic and volatile," and promising a secure academic environment. The German Embassy in India reported a 35 per cent surge in applications to German universities from India over the past months, reflecting growing interest in the country's higher education system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, "In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months." Currently, around 50,000 Indian students are studying in Germany, making it one of the top five study destinations for Indians after the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In what appeared to be a subtle remark of growing scrutiny in other nations, Ambassador Ackermann assured Indian students of Germany's transparent and stable system. "We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don't check your social media before you arrive," he said. The ambassador also highlighted that most state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. When they do, the fees are nominal compared to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. "We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity," he said. The ambassador's remarks come amidst the backdrop of a crackdown on foreign students in the US. US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Regional Office in New Delhi, was also present at the press interaction. German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a funding organisation that supports international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in Germany. She emphasised that Indian students should avoid using commercial agents, noting that applications can be submitted independently through university websites. "Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India," Dr Lasch said. DAAD also highlighted that Germany offers over 2,300 English-language programs, including opportunities for international students to pursue PhDs, with strong career support and pathways into the labour market. Germany is facing a significant demand for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. "We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students--those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students," Ambassador Ackermann said. Post-graduation, students are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for employment, and once placed, they can easily extend their residence permits. Officials stressed Germany's commitment to being a reliable, non-volatile partner in international education, especially as students face delays and unpredictability in countries like the US. "Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system," Ackermann concluded.
Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India's story - in 30 years from $270 billion to $4 trillion: Piyush Goyal
Bern: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday highlighted India's remarkable economic performance, stating that the country has surged from a $270 billion economy to $4 trillion in just three decades. Addressing the Swissmem Industry Day in Switzerland, Goyal said India aspires to be a USD 30-35 trillion economy by the time the country marks 100 years of independence. He said this provides "largest ever economic opportunity in the world". "I bring a story of a country that in the last 30 years has grown from a 270 billion dollar economy to a 4 trillion dollar economy today. As we work towards celebrating India's 100 years of independence, it aspires to grow from a 4 trillion dollar economy to a 30-35 trillion dollar economy," the Minister said. "That's the largest ever economic opportunity... Our average age is only 28.4 years. For the next 30 years, India will continue to be a young country. This talent, skillset and desire for a better future drive India as the fastest-growing large economy today," he added. Goyal also spoke about the significant opportunity for businesses of Switzerland in India, emphasising the supportive environment in the country. "I believe a new era of partnership, friendship and togetherness between the four (European Free Trade Association) EFTA nations - Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland, and India is going to begin in is officially called the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, but I look upon this as the Trust and Efficiency Partnership Agreement," he said. "We draw a lot of inspiration from your journey. We believe it is a very natural partnership... We can add huge value to the future of members of Swissmem and the business community. I leave it to the Swiss companies to decide. I have requested the president of Swissmem and also the government of Switzerland to engage with their industry and identify where they would like us to look at a Swiss enclave if they are decided so far," he added. Goyal also talked of India's growing ties with the United States. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump met in February 2025 and the two countries have decided to enter into a bilateral trade agreement that will be mutually beneficial for both the economies. The minister began his Switzerland visit with a lunch interaction with CEOs of select Swiss companies and prospective investors who are exploring investment possibilities in India. Goyal held extensive engagements with Swiss industry leaders yesterday in Bern, Switzerland, aimed at deepening economic cooperation and exploring new avenues under the recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association.
Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Jaishankar congratulates Portuguese FM on their national day, eyes stronger ties
New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on their National Day and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Sharing a post on X, he wrote, "Congratulations to FM @PauloRangel_pt, the Government and people of Portugal on their National Day. Will continue efforts to strengthen our bilateral partnership and EU engagements." Currently, Jaishankar is on an official visit to France, the European Union (EU), and Belgium from June 8 to 14, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Vice President Kaja Kallas held the first EU-India Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where he expressed India's support for concluding an "ambitious and balanced" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union. During Tuesday's joint press conference with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar called India and the EU "two important forces of that emerging reality" and stressed the powerful case for forging deeper ties. He said, "It's a great pleasure to be back in Brussels and join High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas for the first strategic dialogue between India and the European Union. I believe we've had a very open and productive meeting today, and it is still continuing." Jaishankar's visit to Brussels comes three months after Princess Astrid of Belgium led a 300-member economic mission to India. The recent visit by Princess Astrid, who met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar, discussed key areas such as labour migration, pharmaceuticals, defence, diamonds, space exploration, and green energy Interestingly, Jaishankar's visit coincides with the detention of fugitive Indian diamantaire Mehul Choksi in a Belgian jail. Choksi, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,850 crore, was arrested in mid-April on India's extradition request. India has an extradition treaty with Belgium, and the government is likely to pursue Choksi's extradition during the EAM's visit.
