Sohar Port launches first carbon capture project in major sustainability push
SUHAR: In a milestone moment for industrial sustainability in Oman, the Sohar Industrial Port formally launched its first carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) initiative — a project that underscores the Port's growing role in the nation's net-zero ambitions and signals a new era of industrial collaboration.
The agreement, signed during the Oman Water Week, between Sohar Energy and Investment LLC, Sohar Operation Services LLC, and landlord Sohar Industrial Port represents a pioneering step in the deployment of advanced carbon capture technology at the Sohar 4 Independent Water Project (IWP) Desalination Plant. The initiative is the first of its kind in the Port and sets a precedent for circular economy models in the region.
Under the agreement, local SME Sohar Energy and Investment will capture CO₂ emissions from industrial sources, refine them into food-grade quality, and supply this to Sohar Operation Services. The carbon dioxide will then be used in post-treatment processes at the Sohar 4 IWP Desalination Plant, owned by Myah Gulf Oman Desalination Company SAOC, to improve water quality and operational efficiency.
In an exclusive interview with Observer, Abdullah al Sadi, General Manager at Sohar Operation Services, described the project as a turning point not only for their operations but for sustainable industrial growth across the region.
'This agreement marks a transformative milestone for Sohar Operation Services and the Sohar 4 IWP Desalination Plant,' said al Sadi. 'By integrating advanced carbon capture technology, we are not only enhancing our operational efficiency but also setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices in Oman.' Al Sadi emphasised the tangible benefits of using food-grade CO₂ in the plant's processes: 'The food-grade CO₂ provided by Sohar Energy and Investment LLC will be utilised in our post-treatment operations to improve water quality and process efficiency. This integration allows for more precise control of water chemistry, resulting in higher quality desalinated water that meets stringent standards.' Beyond technical gains, the collaboration reflects broader goals of economic diversification and SME empowerment, key pillars of Oman Vision 2040.
'Partnering with Sohar Energy and Investment LLC, a local SME, underscores our dedication to Oman's economic diversification and SME empowerment objectives,' noted al Sadi. 'By working closely with innovative local enterprises, we help drive technological advancement, create new value chains, and support the growth of Oman's knowledge-based economy.' As the landlord and enabler, Sohar Industrial Port is playing a key role in supporting the infrastructure and policy framework to encourage such innovations. The initiative is aligned with Oman's ambitious Net Zero 2050 strategy, positioning Sohar as a model for other industrial zones in the region.
'As a key operator within the Sohar Industrial Port, we are committed to leading by example in sustainability and decarbonisation,' said Al Sadi.
'Our participation in this carbon capture initiative demonstrates our proactive approach to reducing emissions and fostering sustainable industrial collaboration.' The model could be replicated across other facilities in the Sultanate of Oman.
'This project directly supports Oman's Net Zero 2050 vision by capturing and utilising CO₂ emissions, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint of our operations,' he added. 'Given the success and innovation demonstrated here, we anticipate that similar initiatives will be adopted across other facilities, further advancing Oman's decarbonisation journey.'
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