Oman to Launch Middle East’s First Green Ship Recycling Hub

Oman is setting a major milestone in maritime sustainability by developing the Middle East’s first green ship recycling hub. This initiative, backed by the country’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), aims to position Oman as a regional leader in environmentally responsible ship dismantling and metal recycling.

The project will be located near Khatmat Malaha in the North Al Batinah Governorate, and will be executed in partnership with Green Wheel Recycling Middle East. A formal concession agreement is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, paving the way for construction to begin.

Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to safely dismantle and recycle more than 70 ships each year, using green, regulated processes that align with international environmental standards. This will not only address the often hazardous practices seen in traditional shipbreaking but also contribute to global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life vessels.

In its first phase, the hub is expected to produce up to 2 million tonnes of low-carbon steel annually, offering a significant boost to Oman’s local steel industry while reducing reliance on carbon-intensive imports. The project also aligns with Oman’s national goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, making it a key pillar in the country’s long-term sustainability plans.

Economically, the facility is set to be a game-changer. It is projected to create around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, with further potential in supporting industries such as eco-friendly container manufacturing and recycled steel production. This fits within Oman’s broader vision of diversifying its economy beyond oil and investing in green industrial development.

Additionally, the hub will serve shipping companies looking for compliant, environmentally sound solutions for decommissioning vessels, especially in light of growing global regulations like the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong International Convention.