Oman has initiated the tender process for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase of the Ras Markaz Crude Oil Park expansion, inviting both Omani and international contractors to prequalify for participation in one of the country’s largest oil storage infrastructure projects. This development is part of a strategic effort to enhance Oman’s capacity in global crude oil storage and trading, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2040 economic diversification goals.
The Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO), a subsidiary of the OQ Group, opened an expression of interest (EOI) process aimed at identifying companies with the necessary technical expertise, financial strength, and experience in executing EPC contracts within the oil and gas sector. Prospective bidders are required to demonstrate a solid history of completing projects related to crude oil storage terminals, tank farms, and other large-scale petroleum infrastructure. Omani firms must also be registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is August 4, 2026, after which detailed prequalification criteria will be provided.
The upcoming EPC contract covers infrastructure development to support the continuing expansion of the Ras Markaz Crude Oil Park located within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Situated on a 40-square-kilometer site near Duqm Port, the facility is strategically positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz, providing oil producers, traders, and refiners with direct access to major shipping routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. This location offers enhanced flexibility and security for storing and transporting crude oil.
At full capacity, the expanded oil park is expected to hold up to 200 million barrels of crude oil. Currently, the terminal includes eight storage tanks with a combined capacity of 5.2 million barrels, along with integrated marine loading and unloading facilities, subsea pipeline networks, and onshore systems designed for handling crude oil imports, exports, and blending. Additional features include produced water treatment plants, advanced operational control systems, power infrastructure, and security installations built to international standards, enabling the handling of various crude oil grades and supporting large-scale commercial operations.
The expansion is poised to bolster Duqm’s status as a growing energy and industrial hub, complementing existing investments in refining, petrochemicals, ports, and logistics infrastructure. It aims to attract international energy companies and traders, contributing to Oman’s broader strategy of developing its downstream and energy logistics sectors. This initiative supports the country’s objectives to diversify its economy and strengthen its competitiveness as a regional center for crude oil storage, blending, and export.
Participation in the EPC tender is expected to create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, alongside international engineering firms, fostering in-country value while integrating global expertise into the project’s execution.