The Category C Council at the International Maritime Organization(IMO)
The Sultanate of Oman has officially submitted its candidacy for the Category C Council at the International Maritime Organization(IMO).
The Sultanate of Oman is a leading voice for maritime safety, innovation, and sustainability in the region—positioning itself as a strategic partner in advancing the IMO’s global mandate. With our strong record of operational excellence, regulatory alignment, and future-ready port infrastructure, Oman is uniquely placed to contribute meaningfully as an IMO Council member.
Greener & Safer Ecosystem
Leading the way to a sustainable maritime future, Oman’s ports set new benchmarks in green innovation and maritime safety, crafting a cleaner and safer marine environment.
Green & Blue Hydrogen Projects
5 Large scale green hydrogen & derivatives projects
1 Blue hydrogen project in the design and engineering stage
August 2023: Visit from Japanese ship ‘Suiso Frontier’ - the first liquefied hydrogen tanker in the world, at Sultan Qaboos Port.
June 2025: World’s first green hydrogen import corridor -joint development agreement signed between 11 partner.
- Oman is leading charge by developing the world’s first green hydrogen import corridor - enabling commercial scale import of liquid hydrogen compliant with Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) into Europe.
- Corridor will utilize liquid hydrogen, more energy-dense and easier to transport than gaseous hydrogen
- Corridor to connect Port of Duqm, Port of Amsterdam, and logistics hubs in Germany
- First shipments are expected to be dispatched by 2029
Rotor Sails & wind propulsion tech
Asyad Shipping’s Sohar Max, a 400,000 dwt class vessel Ore Carrier, is fitted with 5 rotor sails that harness wind power to reduce fuel consumption by 6% and cut CO₂ emissions by 3,000 tonnes per year. It is the largest bulk carrier to date to adopt wind-assisted propulsion technology.
Security and Emergency
Response Coordination
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre works with the Royal Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, police, and civilian agencies to coordinate threat response and rescue operations. This collaboration is strengthened through annual exercises, incident management training, and international partnerships with India and the EU Naval Force
Oil Spill
Response Training
In February 2024, the Port of Duqm conducted a large-scale Oil Spill Response training programme and Tier II mock drill, bringing together key stakeholders including SEZAD, OTTCO, Asyad Drydock, and Lamor. The exercise invovled deploying advanced containment booms, skimmers, and oil-water separation units.
Green Energy Oman
Green Energy Oman is developing a multi-phase green hydrogen project with 4 GW of renewables in its first phase, scaling to 25 GW. The land agreement was signed in 2024, and operations expected in early 2030.
MARSA LNG
A $1.6 billion joint venture, Marsa LNG is the Middle East’s first LNG bunkering hub. The project targets less than 3 kg CO₂e/boe emissions, 90% below global LNG plant averages, and will begin operation in Q1 2028.
Maritime Capabilities Hup
As a thriving hub of maritime excellence, Oman cultivates world-class talent, cutting-edge maritime training, and advanced ship management, shaping tomorrow’s maritime leaders
International Maritime College OmaN (IMCO)
IMCO provides Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certified training for Omani and international seafarers.
Seafarers Training Program
In partnership with IMCO, Asyad Shipping supports the training of Omani and International cadets by providing full sea-time placements for 120 cadets annually, covering travel, allowances, and onboard training.
Tamkeen Talent Programme
Tamkeen Talent Program is a prestigious 8-month certified initiative by Port of Salalah, fast-tracking high-potential Omani talent through advanced training in leadership, strategy, and port operations excellence.
promotion of Gender parity
From the 45% female representation in our National Hydrographic Office to Asyad’s active training and employment of female cadets and officers on ships, Oman is continuously advancing our diversity and inclusion agenda
Omani Crew Management Companies
Asyad plays a significant role in raising the standard of Omani Seafarers and has incubated two local crew management companies to absorb surplus cadets and place Omani seafarers on third-party ships.
Life at Sea & Life Below Water
Committed to the well-being of our seafarers and the health of our oceans, Oman champions marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, and unmatched crew welfare
Sustainable Fishing Governance
Oman’s Ministry of Fisheries leads a sustainable fishing governance programme with strict controls on fishing licences, gear, and catch volumes to preserve marine biodiversity. Oman also participates in the tuna traceability via the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
Integrated Waste Recovery From Ships
Sohar Port partners with Oman Maritime Waste Treatment, a MARPOL-compliant facility that collects ship and industrial waste both offshore and onshore, treats up to 150m3 of wastewater daily, recycles recovered oil and plastics and returns treated water to the environment.
Arabian Sea Humpback
Whale Conservation
Oman is contributing to the development of a regional conservation and monitoring programme for the Arabian Sea humpback whale, including designating a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in Oman’s Southern waters.
Sea Turtle Management
Oman’s Environment Authority protects sea turtles through tagging, satellite tracking, and youth volunteer programmes in Daymaniyat Islands
Crew Welfare
Compliance with Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards, providing crew welfare with private internet, healthcare, training, and cultural accommodations onboard vessels.
Mangrove Habitat Management
Oman’s Blue Carbon Program aims to plant over 100 million mangrove trees to capture 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the course of 27 years
Oman 3165
Backed by Asyad, Oman 3165 is a kayaking expedition marking World Maritime Day, aligned with the IMO theme: ‘Our Oceans – Our Obligations – Our Opportunities’. An Asyad- sponsored explorer will embark on a 60-day trip along Oman’s 3165km coastline to collect marine biodiversity and acoustic data.
Coral Reef Management
Oman’s Environment Authority conducts reef cleanings, biodiversity assessments, and plans underwater museums to restore coral reefs and raise awareness
Political Neutrality & Maritime Support
Positioned as a trusted, diplomatic partner, Oman fosters international maritime collaboration through neutrality and active engagement
Strait of Hormuz Mediation
Building on its legacy of neutrality, Oman continues to serve as a trusted intermediary in the Strait of Hormuz, supporting de-escalation efforts and maritime security through discreet dialogue and regional engagement.
US-Yemen
ceasefire
In June 2025, Oman brokered a ceasefire between the U.S. and Yemen, specifically focused on halting attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait
IMO-Aligned Seafarer Welfare & Evacuation
During global maritime disruptions (e.g., COVID-19), Oman enabled safe anchorage, crew changes, and medical evacuations, in line with ILO/IMO humanitarian practices.
Galaxy Leader Hostage Mediation
In January 2025, Oman facilitated the release of 25 crew held aboard the Galaxy Leader, acting as a neutral intermediary and reinforcing its
maritime diplomacy credentials
