In a region where infrastructure faces constant exposure to salt, heat, and humidity, Oman is carving out a leadership role in the fight against corrosion. Once considered a behind-the-scenes maintenance issue, corrosion protection is now at the forefront of the Sultanate’s industrial innovation—driven by sustainability goals, economic diversification, and the need to safeguard billions of rials worth of assets.
As industries seek longer-lasting, eco-friendly solutions, anti-corrosion strategies are becoming increasingly critical across infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
The urgency is real. Corrosion costs the global economy an estimated $2.5 trillion annually, or about 3.4% of global GDP, according to the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP, 2023). Experts estimate that 15% to 35% of these losses—ranging from $375 billion to $875 billion—could be avoided through proper corrosion management strategies (AMPP, 2023). For Oman, which is home to critical oil and gas infrastructure, desalination plants, seaports, and industrial zones, corrosion control is both an economic and environmental imperative.
Oman has a strategic opportunity to lead in corrosion prevention across multiple high-risk industries. In the oil and gas sector, advanced coatings, cathodic protection systems, and corrosion-resistant alloys can significantly extend the lifespan of pipelines and offshore platforms. Water infrastructure and desalination plants stand to benefit from the integration of smart corrosion monitoring and anti-fouling materials tailored to high-salinity environments. At the nation’s bustling seaports, marine-grade protective systems can reduce maintenance costs and enhance operational safety. Meanwhile, Oman’s growing renewable energy sector—particularly wind and solar installations along coastal zones—presents a forward-looking opportunity to apply corrosion-proof technologies that align with the country’s sustainability goals. By investing in innovation, local manufacturing, and technical training, Oman can position itself as a regional hub for corrosion control solutions.
Several companies in Oman are engaged in corrosion protection and infrastructure integrity. Advanced Oilfield Technology Company (AOTC) provides services such as thermal spray coatings and pipeline integrity management for clients including PDO and Oman LNG. Amran CPSS focuses on cathodic protection systems for oil and gas and marine infrastructure. SGS Oman offers corrosion monitoring and assessment services. Channels Business & Construction and GL International are also involved in the delivery of corrosion control systems across industrial sectors.
On the manufacturing front, companies such as MIS Group and Muscat Chemical supply industrial coatings suited to Oman’s environmental conditions and infrastructure demands. These coatings are commonly used in sectors including offshore oil and gas, water treatment, and construction.
Another key step toward strengthening corrosion control in Oman is the growing emphasis on locally driven, sustainable solutions. Under the country’s In-Country Value (ICV) strategy, there is increased support for homegrown innovation and research. One example is Cerbal, a university-based initiative exploring anti-corrosion coatings derived from natural Omani rocks—reflecting a broader shift toward environmentally conscious materials tailored to local conditions.
This innovation aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy, which calls for technological advancement, industrial efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As mega-projects unfold across sectors—from ports to renewables—the demand for durable, high-performance coatings is only expected to grow.
With a combination of private sector leadership, academic collaboration, and an eye toward sustainability, Oman is positioning itself as a serious player in the Gulf’s evolving anti-corrosion landscape—where protecting infrastructure is not just smart engineering, but a strategic necessity.
The writer is a Media and Communication Master’s graduate skilled in diverse writing formats, specialising in storytelling, branding, and in-depth journalism
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