Sohar Port and Freezone Pioneers Oman’s Path to Carbon Neutrality with SOHAR Net Zero Alliance

Sohar Port and Freezone (SOHAR), a key player in Oman’s thriving industrial landscape, has taken a meaningful step towards accelerating the nation’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. In a groundbreaking move, SOHAR has officially introduced the SOHAR Net Zero Alliance, a collaborative initiative that brings together its industrial tenants to pursue a sustainable, carbon-neutral future collectively. This move not only aligns with the global commitment to reduce carbon emissions but also underscores Oman’s ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The SOHAR Net Zero Alliance is a remarkable coalition comprising industrial giants such as OQ, Vale Oman Pelletizing Company, Sohar Aluminium Company, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel, Al Tamman Indsil Ferrochrome, Shinas Generating Company, Sohar International Urea & Chemical Industries, Al Batinah Power, and Air Liquide Sohar Industrial Gases. This diverse group of industrial tenants at SOHAR has joined forces to pave the way for Oman’s carbon-neutral journey.

In a press statement, Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port, emphasized the significance of this alliance, stating, “SOHAR Net Zero Alliance signifies our steadfast commitment to spearheading Oman’s journey toward carbon neutrality. Together, we are setting a bold course towards a sustainable and carbon-free future, leaving no stone unturned.”

The alliance has been established on the principles of partnership, transparency, commitment, and inclusiveness. It serves as a collaborative platform for stakeholders to share insights, strategies, and requirements, thus propelling the region’s path toward sustainability. Together, they aim to be the change-makers in Oman’s transition to a carbon-neutral society.

This initiative is not just a declaration of intent but a concrete action plan. The SOHAR Net Zero Alliance has set specific goals in line with Oman’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. These goals include securing a substantial volume of alternative energy, green power, and hydrogen. Additionally, the alliance will actively work towards establishing a third-party Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) facility and services at the Sohar Port and Freezone. This critical step is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions by capturing and storing CO2 generated by various industries.

The SOHAR Net Zero Alliance is poised to drive the use of alternative energy sources and sustainable practices among its industrial tenants. It will encourage the adoption of green technologies and cleaner production methods across various sectors. Moreover, the alliance aims to promote exchanging knowledge and expertise to ensure a unified voice in discussions with the government and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach will result in implementing a shared plan designed to advance the transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Sohar Port and Freezone, situated strategically, is one of the fastest-growing ports in the world. It is the gateway for import and export in Oman, directly contributing 2.1% of the country’s GDP and generating almost 26,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. With a strong focus on sustainable development and cutting-edge technology, SOHAR continues to lead the development and modernization of Oman’s logistics infrastructure. It supports the economic diversification objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.

As SOHAR Port and Freezone’s industrial tenants unite under the banner of the SOHAR Net Zero Alliance, their collective efforts are set to transform Oman’s industrial landscape. The alliance’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality paves the way for a cleaner, greener future, contributing not only to Oman’s climate goals but also to global efforts to combat climate change.