New hydrogen import corridor to include Oman, Netherlands and Germany

A new joint development agreement (JDA) has been signed to establish the world’s first liquid hydrogen import corridor, connecting the Sultanate of Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany.

This corridor will link the port of Duqm in Oman, the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and key logistics hubs in Germany, including the port of Duisburg, to enable the commercial-scale import of renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO) compliant liquid hydrogen to Europe.

This supply chain will utilise proven technologies for the liquefaction, transport, storage, and distribution of RFNBO-compliant liquid hydrogen.

For instance, ECOLOG’s advanced vessel design will ensure net zero boil-off, eliminating cargo loss in marine transportation. The partners expect the design will significantly reduce unit freight costs.

The JDA comprises several key components vital to the corridor’s development. First, it calls for the development of a centralised liquefaction, storage, and export facility at the port of Duqm, which is one of the hubs for Omani-produced green hydrogen.

Discussions will also be held on the pricing and delivery of liquid hydrogen to offtakers located in the broader Amsterdam area, as well as offtakers located elsewhere in the Netherlands and Germany, with EnBW as the aggregator.

Finally, the agreement outlines the aligned development of dedicated infrastructure throughout the corridor, including export and import facilities in the ports of Duqm, Amsterdam and Duisburg, as well as for several distribution modalities for gaseous and liquid hydrogen, most notably gas pipeline networks, rail connections, and barge distribution via the Netherlands' extensive canal network.