Duqm Is Not Just a Port — It’s a Platform for the Future

Roundup Sunday 05/October/2025 10:51 AM
By: Times News Service
Duqm Is Not Just a Port — It’s a Platform for the Future

A conversation with Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm
As Oman prepares to host the Duqm Economic Forum (DEF 2025 – 27th & 28th of October 2025), global attention is turning once again to the country’s largest development zone. The Port of Duqm — once an untouched stretch of coastline — is now a deep-water facility linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, and serving as a cornerstone of Oman’s diversification agenda under Vision 2040.


Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm since 2015, spoke with us about the port’s momentum, its international partnerships, and how it is positioning itself for the energy transition.

Q: DEF 2025 is approaching. How does Port of Duqm want to be seen on that stage?

A: At DEF 2025, we want Port of Duqm to be seen not just as a port, but as a strategic enabler of Oman’s economic transformation. This forum is a pivotal moment to showcase how far Duqm has evolved from a concept on the map to a fully operational industrial and logistics hub with global relevance.Last year, we saw a 152% increase in cargo volumes, showing that Port of Duqm is actively supporting the development of the wider Duqm project and proving its role as a key driver of growth. DEF 2025 brings together global experts and investors, and it is the right platform for us to signal where Duqm is heading next. I won’t pre-empt announcements, but I can say that Duqm’s role as an industrial and logistics gateway will only deepen.

Q: Geography has always been Duqm’s Majoradvantage. Why is it especially relevant now?

A: Geography doesn’t change, and in Duqm’s case that is a strength. We are on the Arabian Sea, facing the Indian Ocean, and crucially outside the Strait of Hormuz. For shipping companies, insurers, and even governments, that means direct access to east–west trade lanes without the exposure of narrow chokepoints. In a world where resilience matters as much as efficiency, Duqm’s location is one of its most valuable assets.

Q: The port’s growth figures are impressive. What is driving that momentum?

A: Our momentum comes from a combination of factors Duqm’s unique strategic location outside the Strait of Hormuz, world-class infrastructure, and strong integration with the Special Economic Zone. We’re seeing growth not only in traditional cargo but also in new sectors like fisheries, green hydrogen, and energy projects. Add to that the government’s support, investor confidence, and our focus on operational efficiency and you have a port that is becoming a true gateway for global trade.

Q: Global investors are watching Oman closely. Why should they consider Port of Duqm?

A: Investors want evidence of delivery, not promises. Port of Duqm is a gateway built for the future and designed for the world’s largest vessels, and fully integrated with the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Investors benefit from world-class infrastructure, efficient operations, and access to fast-growing sectors like energy, green hydrogen, and logistics. It’s a secure, future-ready platform for long-term growth.” That predictability is what serious investors look for.

Q: Partnerships seem central to Duqm’s progress. How do you view them?

A: Partnerships are at the heart of Port of Duqm’s success. We believe in building long-term, win–win collaborations whether with global investors, or local SMEs. These partnerships bring investment and innovationto the port, while we provide the infrastructure, efficiency, and connectivity to help them grow. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem that drives Duqm’s transformation into a global logistics and energy hub.

Duqm Is Not Just a Port — It’s a Platform for the Future

A conversation with Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm
As Oman prepares to host the Duqm Economic Forum (DEF 2025 – 27th & 28th of October 2025), global attention is turning once again to the country’s largest development zone. The Port of Duqm — once an untouched stretch of coastline — is now a deep-water facility linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, and serving as a cornerstone of Oman’s diversification agenda under Vision 2040.

Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of Port of Duqm since 2015, spoke with us about the port’s momentum, its international partnerships, and how it is positioning itself for the energy transition.

Q: DEF 2025 is approaching. How does Port of Duqm want to be seen on that stage?

A: At DEF 2025, we want Port of Duqm to be seen not just as a port, but as a strategic enabler of Oman’s economic transformation. This forum is a pivotal moment to showcase how far Duqm has evolved from a concept on the map to a fully operational industrial and logistics hub with global relevance.Last year, we saw a 152% increase in cargo volumes, showing that Port of Duqm is actively supporting the development of the wider Duqm project and proving its role as a key driver of growth. DEF 2025 brings together global experts and investors, and it is the right platform for us to signal where Duqm is heading next. I won’t pre-empt announcements, but I can say that Duqm’s role as an industrial and logistics gateway will only deepen.

Q: Geography has always been Duqm’s Majoradvantage. Why is it especially relevant now?

A: Geography doesn’t change, and in Duqm’s case that is a strength. We are on the Arabian Sea, facing the Indian Ocean, and crucially outside the Strait of Hormuz. For shipping companies, insurers, and even governments, that means direct access to east–west trade lanes without the exposure of narrow chokepoints. In a world where resilience matters as much as efficiency, Duqm’s location is one of its most valuable assets.

Q: The port’s growth figures are impressive. What is driving that momentum?

A: Our momentum comes from a combination of factors Duqm’s unique strategic location outside the Strait of Hormuz, world-class infrastructure, and strong integration with the Special Economic Zone. We’re seeing growth not only in traditional cargo but also in new sectors like fisheries, green hydrogen, and energy projects. Add to that the government’s support, investor confidence, and our focus on operational efficiency and you have a port that is becoming a true gateway for global trade.

Q: Global investors are watching Oman closely. Why should they consider Port of Duqm?

A: Investors want evidence of delivery, not promises. Port of Duqm is a gateway built for the future and designed for the world’s largest vessels, and fully integrated with the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Investors benefit from world-class infrastructure, efficient operations, and access to fast-growing sectors like energy, green hydrogen, and logistics. It’s a secure, future-ready platform for long-term growth.” That predictability is what serious investors look for.

Q: Partnerships seem central to Duqm’s progress. How do you view them?

A: Partnerships are at the heart of Port of Duqm’s success. We believe in building long-term, win–win collaborations whether with global investors, or local SMEs. These partnerships bring investment and innovationto the port, while we provide the infrastructure, efficiency, and connectivity to help them grow. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem that drives Duqm’s transformation into a global logistics and energy hub.

Q: DEF 2025’s theme is “Leading Change, Together.” Sustainability is a big part of that. How are you preparing for the green transition?

A: The world is moving irrevocablytoward cleaner supply chains, and we want Duqm to be part of that shift. We are putting in place the infrastructure to handle hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon steel. It’s not only about national ambition — our buyers in Asia and Europe are asking for it. If you want to remain relevant in global trade, you need to provide the logistics backbone for the energy transition. At DEF 2025, I expect the green agenda will be a major point of discussion, and Duqm intends to show it is ready to play its part.

Q: Local talent has been highlighted as a strength. What role do Omanis play in the port’s success?

A: Over 83 percent of the people working at the Port of Duqm are Omanis. They are not just present in numbers — they are running operations, managing teams, and shaping the way the port grows. For us, that means pride as well as stability. You can build infrastructure quickly, but developing a skilled workforce that can sustain and expand it is what secures long-term success.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Port of Duqm in the next decade?

A: In ten years, I believe Duqm will be recognized as one of the most reliable industrial ports on the Indian Ocean — a place where energy, manufacturing, and trade converge. Our ambition is to remain a hub that offers stability to global partners, growth opportunities for investors, and prosperity for Oman. DEF 2025 is an important step on that journey — a moment to show not just what Duqm has achieved, but the scale of what comes next.

About Reggy Vermeulen

Reggy Vermeulen has been CEO of Port of Duqm since 2015, leading its transformation from a development site into a fully operational international port.

Curated by the One Only Oman team at Make The Change, in collaboration with leading publications.

We are putting in place the infrastructure to handle hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon steel. It’s not only about national ambition — our buyers in Asia and Europe are asking for it. If you want to remain relevant in global trade, you need to provide the logistics backbone for the energy transition. At DEF 2025, I expect the green agenda will be a major point of discussion, and Duqm intends to show it is ready to play its part.

Q: Local talent has been highlighted as a strength. What role do Omanis play in the port’s success?

A: Over 83 percent of the people working at the Port of Duqm are Omanis. They are not just present in numbers — they are running operations, managing teams, and shaping the way the port grows. For us, that means pride as well as stability. You can build infrastructure quickly, but developing a skilled workforce that can sustain and expand it is what secures long-term success.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Port of Duqm in the next decade?

A: In ten years, I believe Duqm will be recognized as one of the most reliable industrial ports on the Indian Ocean — a place where energy, manufacturing, and trade converge.

Our ambition is to remain a hub that offers stability to global partners, growth opportunities for investors, and prosperity for Oman. DEF 2025 is an important step on that journey — a moment to show not just what Duqm has achieved, but the scale of what comes next.