Oman’s energy minister visits world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier in Muscat

Muscat: In the presence of notable figures such as, H.E. Mohsen bin Hamad Al-Hadrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and H.E. Jutta Yamamoto, Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate of Oman, alongside several officials within the hydrogen, transport, and logistics sector, H.E. Eng. Salem bin Nasser Al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier Ship “Soso Frontier”. This visit occurred at Sultan Qaboos Port as part of the tanker’s broader regional tour within the Middle East region.

During this visit, these esteemed individuals have been briefed on the ship’s public facilities. A notable highlight was the hydrogen transfer control room, which was notably augmented with cutting-edge reality technology. This innovative feature displayed the scenario of transporting liquefied hydrogen on a commercial scale, besides the economic feasibility of transport projects.

The Carrier Ship, known as “Soso Frontier”, stands as the world’s first liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carrier ship. Manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and meticulously operated by “Shell” Japan, this ship undertakes the transportation of liquefied hydrogen according to specific technical standards, with temperatures up to minus 253 degrees Celsius.

In February 2022, the “Soso Frontier” has ferried the inaugural consignment of liquefied hydrogen from the shores of Australia to Japan. This ship has, thus, solidified its position as a significant experimental station, notably catalyzing research and development in the hydrogen domain. “Soso Frontier” ferries substantial hydrogen volumes, with cargo capacity reaching 1250 cubic meters. The financial expenditure in the construction of this ship has been appraised at approximately three hundred and fifty-nine million US dollars. Japan stands as a pivotal strategic partner to the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the energy domain.

This strategic alignment was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in early January 2023. This collaboration encompasses a spectrum of sectors, including hydrogen, ammonia fuel, carbon recycling, and contemporary methodologies of methane production. Notably, the Sultanate of Oman has strengthened its position in green hydrogen projects.

This is underscored by its engagement in various projects aimed at producing an annual yield of 750 thousand tons of green hydrogen, with an investment value estimated at $30 billion in the initial bidding phase. Furthermore, these efforts have inaugurated three concession areas within the Dhofar Governorate, as per the second auction phase, anticipated to conclude by the end of the first quarter in 2024. The Sultanate’s future ambitions encompassing the production of over one million tons by 2030, and 8 million tons by the year 2050.