HYTRA, Sohar Port explore hydrogen partnership

MUSCAT: Hydrogen infrastructure company HYTRA has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sohar Port and Freezone to explore collaboration in clean hydrogen logistics, liquid hydrogen export infrastructure and the development of international clean-energy corridors from Oman.
The agreement provides a framework for the two parties to assess opportunities across the liquid hydrogen value chain, including hydrogen handling, liquefaction, cryogenic storage, maritime transportation and potential export corridors through Sohar Port.
The collaboration comes as Oman accelerates efforts to establish itself as a major producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives, with the development of supporting logistics and export infrastructure emerging as a critical component of the country's strategy.
Under the MoU, HYTRA and Sohar Port and Freezone will examine the technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements associated with liquid hydrogen logistics. The assessment will cover potential infrastructure interfaces, including land, utilities, marine access, safety systems, storage facilities and port services.
The parties will also explore the potential role of Sohar Port as a platform for future hydrogen trade, leveraging its integrated port-industrial ecosystem and access to international maritime routes.
The MoU is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and a joint assessment of potential opportunities, including the preparation of a high-level opportunity assessment and roadmap setting out possible next steps and areas for further cooperation.
Paul Louis Kiesow, CEO and Co-Founder of HYTRA, said the development of international hydrogen supply chains would require close collaboration across the energy, logistics and maritime sectors.
“Through this MoU with Sohar Port and Freezone, we look forward to exploring how SOHAR could support future liquid hydrogen logistics and international export opportunities,” he said.
HYTRA specialises in infrastructure for the large-scale maritime transportation of liquid hydrogen (LH₂), rather than hydrogen production itself. Its focus includes purpose-built LH₂ carriers, cryogenic storage and associated infrastructure aimed at enabling the movement of renewable hydrogen between production hubs and distant industrial markets.
The company is developing a pathway towards a 60,000-cubic-metre LH₂ carrier and is also focused on helping develop and de-risk international hydrogen trade corridors through feasibility assessments, certification, commercial structuring and coordination among producers, buyers and infrastructure providers.
For Oman, the potential collaboration could add a maritime logistics dimension to the Sultanate’s expanding hydrogen ecosystem. It could complement the role of Hydrom, the national orchestrator of Oman’s hydrogen sector, as the country develops production projects alongside shared infrastructure and export networks.
The MoU remains exploratory, with any future investment, project development, land allocation, infrastructure commitment or commercial arrangement subject to separate agreements, regulatory approvals, technical due diligence and commercial feasibility