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Major seaweed cultivation project proposed off Duqm

Mariculture wealth: Port of Duqm and DEME Concessions (Belgian) make headway in techno-feasibility study to support implementation of OMAR Seaweed Farm off SEZ, in collaboration with SQU
(Picture courtesy: Port of Duqm)
(Picture courtesy: Port of Duqm)
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@conradprabhu -


Omani coastal waters off the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Duqm are tipped to host a large-scale seaweed cultivation project which, together with a host of other such investments, could herald the Sultanate of Oman’s entry into the global multibillion dollar mariculture industry.


The proposed offshore seaweed project is a collaborative venture between Port of Duqm and DEME Concessions (a Belgian-based global provider of dredging, marine infrastructure and offshore energy solutions) with the support of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).


In a recent post affirming its role in the project, Port of Duqm stated: “In collaboration with DEME, Port of Duqm is participating in the ‘Seaweed Aquaculture Project’ through conducting weekly seawater measurements and sampling in the seaport to examine the potential for seaweed aquaculture in the concession area of the seaport.”


Globally, seaweed farming is estimated to generate in excess of $10 billion in annual revenues to investors. Seaweeds – part of the algae family – are processed into a variety of compounds that find application in the health foods, pharmaceutical, animal feed, cosmetics, industrial gums, chemicals and fertiliser production sectors.


As part of its concession with the Omani government, Port of Duqm oversees the operation and management of the maritime gateway, as well as sizable swathes of land within the SEZ for industrial and warehousing purposes. Also included in its remit are large offshore stretches overlooking the port area.


Last May, DEME Concessions signed a cooperation agreement with SQU to explore the feasibility of developing a seaweed farming project off Duqm, among other locations in the country. Dubbed ‘OMAR’, coined from Offshore Mariculture in Oman, the site of the seaweed farm has since been the subject of a techno-economic study involving, among other things, the collection and study of native seaweed species, monitoring of marine and environmental conditions and other offshore tests.


“Our mission is to develop a large-scale offshore seaweed farm that involves local stakeholders in the entire value chain: from research & development, design and engineering, construction, ocean farming up to processing and sales for local markets and/or export purposes. A step-by-step approach will lead to a gradual build-up of the seaweed farm that meets the market demands,” the project team affirmed on its website.


The offshore waters of the Duqm SEZ, according to the project team, are known for their abundance of “fish resources, biodiversity and high level of nutritional building blocks”. This coastal stretch is thus qualified as “one of the most appropriate and exceptional locations for the development of logistics marine hubs and mariculture businesses that will help to diversify the economy in Oman”, the website noted. The start-up phase of the OMAR Seaweed Farm is envisioned in 2023.


Given the economic benefits associated with seaweed cultivation, a number of private and public sector entities are keenly pursuing opportunities to invest in this promising sector. Subsidiaries of Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), wholly owned by Oman Investment Authority (OIA), are also weighing prospects in mariculture ventures.


UK-based SuSeWi (formerly Feed Algae) says it plans to develop a 100,000-tonnes per annum capacity micro algae farming project with an estimated investment of around $430 million in the Sultanate of Oman.


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