The Ras Markaz Crude Oil Storage Park is a massive crude oil storage terminal in Oman designed to be a strategic global hub for storing crude and its derivatives. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz on Oman's Indian Ocean coast, the terminal offers a secure and flexible option for international oil companies.
The terminal is owned and operated by the Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO), a subsidiary of the Omani energy group OQ.
Location and strategic importance
Geographic location: The facility is situated on Oman's southeastern coast, approximately 70 kilometers south of the Port of Duqm in the Al Wusta governorate.
Indian Ocean access: Its position on the Indian Ocean coast provides direct maritime access to key markets in Africa and Asia, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, a major choke point for global oil transit.
Alternative export facility: It serves as an alternative to Oman's primary oil export terminal at Mina Al Fahal.
Storage capacity
Target capacity: The project is being developed in phases with a final projected storage capacity of up to 200 million barrels of crude oil.
Phased construction: The first phase was designed for an initial capacity of 26 million barrels. The terminal's capacity will increase in increments based on market demand.
Operational services
Storage flexibility: Provides long and short-term storage solutions for a variety of international clients.
Oil blending: Features the capacity to blend different types of crude oil.
Loading and unloading: Supports rapid and cost-effective loading and unloading of ships, including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), using floating terminals and offshore pipelines.
Logistical cost savings: Its capabilities are intended to help customers save on logistical costs.
Continuous operation: Operates 24/7 and offers value-added services like pump-overs.
Infrastructure and connectivity
Marine facilities: The terminal is equipped with floating platforms and piers, including a 7-kilometer subsea pipeline for receiving and exporting oil.
Landside connectivity: A pipeline connects Ras Markaz to the nearby Duqm Refinery.
Future expansion: Plans are in place to potentially connect the terminal with Oman's Main Oil Line in the country's interior.
Gravity feed system: The storage tanks are built on high ground, enabling crude oil to flow by gravity to the loading terminal, which improves operational efficiency.
The vision for the Ras Markaz crude oil storage facility is to be the region's preferred energy storage solution provider, leveraging Oman's strategic location. The mission is to maximize value in the energy supply chain for strategic partners by providing world-class storage infrastructure and exceptional service for regional and international clients, facilitating the seamless global flow of oil outside the Strait of Hormuz.
To safeguard and maximize the value of energy products: in the supply chain for partner companies. To ensure the global movement of oil: by providing secure and reliable storage facilities. To offer strategic storage solutions to meet the needs of producers, consumers, and traders . To serve as a key link in the Indian Ocean's maritime energy supply chain.
The project is a vital component of Oman's diversified energy infrastructure and contributes to the nation's goal of becoming a leading regional clean energy export hub.
The terminal features large storage tanks, floating platforms, pipelines, and a deepwater port capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).