28 April - 30 April
The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman
This important event will give maritime stakeholders a unique chance to see how Oman’s maritime-related industries are responding to the many opportunities created by changing global trade flows, technological change, global regulation, and the energy transition.
Oman25 Forum
The inaugural Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum will showcase the Sultanate’s ports, energy, shipping, maritime logistics and bunkering sectors. In doing so, it will highlight how Oman’s maritime-related industries are responding to the opportunities and challenges created by changing global trade flows, regional and global regulation, technological innovation, digitalisation, and the production and supply infrastructure for new energy sources.
In profiling the resources and expertise available in Oman – and the wider Middle East region – the Forum will allow stakeholders from outside the region to see the potential and scope for business opportunities, engage with relevant companies and organisations, and begin all-important commercial discussions.
Programme details are updated regularly and are subject to change as new speakers are confirmed and themes developed.
Conference Registration
Conference welcome and VIP introductions
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes
Welcome addresses by VIPs
Muhanna Moosa Baqer, Director General of Ports and Marine Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology
H.E. Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman
Omar Al Mahrizi, CEO, Asyad Ports and Free Zones
Emile Hoogsteden, CEO, Port of Sohar
CEO
Asyad Ports and Free Zones
Omar ben Mahmood Al Mahrizi is a dynamic and enthusiastic C-level professional with over 20 years of experience in leading enterprises across various sectors. With a particular focus on financial performance, complex business and technology change projects, and large-scale mergers, Omar brings a solid foundation in multiple business disciplines.
Having held senior positions in different industries, Omar has gained invaluable insights and expertise across diverse sectors. His experience spans industries such as logistics, insurance, petrochemicals, and education, which has equipped him with a unique perspective on business operations and strategies.
His extensive leadership experience is complemented by expertise in financial management, governance, and delivery-focused program and project management. Omar has a proven track record in successfully navigating large-scale mergers and new setups while driving strategic growth initiatives.
Omar currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Asyad Ports and Freezones playing a vital role in driving the growth and development of these key entities. In addition, he serves as the Chairman of Mwaslat and as a board member of Nama Holding in Oman, further showcasing his commitment to contributing to the growth and success of Oman’s business landscape.
Prior to his current roles, Omar served as the Chief Corporate Development at ASYAD, driving long-term strategic initiatives and ensuring sustainable growth for the organization. He has also held leadership positions in organizations such as ALAHLIA Insurance, Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Company (ORPC), and Majan University College.
With a strong academic background, Omar holds a Graduate Certificate in International Management from the University of Melbourne, a Postgraduate Diploma in Database Systems from the University of Westminster, and a BSc Honours in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Manchester.
CEO
Port of Sohar
Emile Hoogsteden is an entrepreneurial executive with experience of over thirty years in developing global business partnerships in commercial shipping, ports, and the logistics industry. He will lead SOHAR Port into the next stage of expansion, robust business growth and energy transition towards becoming a fully integrated industrial port and logistics hub.
Results-driven with a focus on global trading and shipping lanes, the industry veteran will aim to accomplish SOHAR Port and Freezone’s potential as an engine for economic diversification, sustainability, and investment to meet Oman’s development goals. He boasts a strong track-record in the Senior Management Teams at P&O Nedlloyd B.V, APM Terminals International B.V and most recently the Port of Rotterdam where he was Vice President Commercial.
In conjunction with a commercially orientated mindset, as well as experience in dealing with international governmental authorities, Emile also possesses considerable expertise in defining and executing Commercial Digitalization strategies. During his career, Emile has been i.a. Member of the Board of the Sohar Industrial Port Company, Sohar International Development Company, Rotterdam Port Promotion Council, International Logistics Promotion Council, Greenport Venlo and Blocklab (Rotterdam Blockchain Fieldlab).
Emile holds a Master’s degree of Corporate Law from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and a host of diplomas in management and leadership.
Market dynamics – the outlook for Middle East oil and gas sectors
Dr Iman Nasseri, Managing Director, Middle East, Facts Global Energy
Introduced by: Lesley Bankes-Hughes
Managing Director - Middle East Research
FGE NexantECA
Dr Iman Nasseri, Managing Director – Middle East, is based in Dubai. He received his PhD in Economics in the United States, focusing on energy economics, in 2013.
In FGE, he is primarily focused on downstream oil and NGLs. Iman is responsible for Middle East oil research; he also works closely with the refining team and has been involved with FGE’s Annual World Refining Outlook since 2014.
Since Jan 2018, as MD of Middle East, Iman has been in charge of the FGE analysis and coverage of the Middle East for oil, NGLs, and power.
Iman holds a Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He previously worked for Iran’s Institute for International Energy Studies (IIES), the research arm of the Ministry of Petroleum.
Before relocating to FGE-London in 2014 as a full-time consultant, Iman joined FGE’s Hawaii office in 2009 on a part time basis, where he was involved with several refining and gas-related projects.
Managing Director
ship.energy
Lesley Bankes-Hughes is a highly experienced editor, news journalist and features writer. After a number of years as business editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly, she worked for the International Stock Exchange and Euromoney Publications. She also established a specialist newsletter covering European corporate mergers and acquisitions, and later spent several years at Christ Church, University of Oxford, with responsibility for developing educational outreach projects.
This session will feature presentations and a panel discussion which focus on developments and projects at Omani ports, including Sohar, Duqm and Salalah, as well as global hubs. Speakers will focus on issues such as industrial zones, planning a fit-for-purpose port footprint, and ports as energy hubs, including safety regulations for handling new energy sources.
The session focus will then shift to look at trends and developments in the marine fuel sector in Oman with contributions from physical suppliers and traders.
Moderated by: Lesley Bankes-Hughes
Speakers:
Al Kattab Al Maani, Acting VP-Commercial, Asyad Ports
Dimitri Van Eekelen, Vice President – Commercial, SOHAR Port and Freezone
Ahmed Qattan, CCO, Salalah Port (TBC)
Eng. Hashim Taher Al Ibrahim, Chief Business Support Officer
Peter Bos, Senior Project Manager – renewable energy, HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V., a company of Royal HaskoningDHV
Acting VP-Commercial
Asyad Ports
Al Khattab Al Maani is a strategic leader and industry expert with over 19 years of experience driving commercial strategy, business growth, and large-scale transformation in the logistics and trade sectors. Currently leading commercial strategy and growth at Asyad Ports & Freezones, he is focused on enhancing market positioning, developing innovative pricing models, and driving business expansion to strengthen Oman’s role as a strategic player in global trade.
Al Khattab brings extensive international experience in ports and container terminals, including his time with APM Terminals, where he led complex commercial initiatives and contributed to market growth. His global influence is further demonstrated through his work with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNCTAD in Geneva, where he engaged in high-level trade policy discussions and helped shape global market strategies. He also played a key role in supporting the execution of Oman’s Logistics Strategy 2040 through his leadership in the Oman Logistics Center, contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthened Oman’s position in global trade.
Known for his strategic foresight, commercial expertise, and results-driven leadership, Al Khattab combines deep industry knowledge with a global perspective, positioning him as a transformative and influential figure in international trade and logistics.
CCO
Salalah Port
Ahmed Aubad Qatan brings over 25 years of diverse experience across academia, oil and gas, and logistics. He joined the Port of Salalah in 2016 as General Manager for Projects Development and Implementation, and in 2018, his role expanded to include Asset Maintenance. By 2020, Ahmed advanced to the Executive Management Team as Head of Projects and Strategy Development, where he played a crucial role in the port expansion project and participated in negotiations with the Government of Oman on the concession agreement. He and his team are also pioneering the port’s Decarbonization strategy. Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmed is dedicated to enhancing the Port of Salalah’s commitment to delivering world-class service and achieving its vision for sustainable prosperity.
Chief Business Support Officer
Port of Duqm Company SAOC
Hashim Taher Al Ibrahim, Chief Business Support Officer at the Port of Duqm, holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami, Florida, United States of America. With over 30 years of experience, Hashim brings a wealth of knowledge in engineering, management, human resources, and strategic planning. He served as a Member of the Municipal Council at Dhofar Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman from 2012 to 2016. Additionally, Hashim served as the Director General of Technical Affairs at Dhofar Municipality from March 2003 to April 2012 and was a member of the Advisory Board at Dhofar University from 2009 to 2012. His skills extend to excellent communication with government officials and navigating the business environment, along with a profound understanding of market needs and effective strategies.
Senior Project Manager - renewable energy
HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V.
Peter Bos fills the role of Leading professional Maritime solutions for renewable energy within Royal Haskoning DHV, supporting our global clients to materialize their energy transition ambitions. He brings almost 25 years of professional experience from employments with Oil & Gas Companies, Civil Contractors and Engineering Consultants in civil/ marine and energy projects. Peter supports the development of a wide range of international, professional standards and guidelines including OCIMF MEG4, PIANC 153 and ISO Hydrogen MLA’s and EN Methanol bunkering.
Moderated by: Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes
Speakers:
Salim Al Baimani, Bunker Trader, O Bunkering
Hamza Al Hadhrami, Bunker Manager, Hormuz Marine
Murthed Rashid Al Kharusi, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology
Said Al Saadi, Bunker Trader & Physical Supplier, Oman Oil Marketing Company
Catalysing change – the use of global and regional regulatory drivers for the decarbonisation of shipping and ports
Stuart Neil, Director of Strategy, International Chamber of Shipping
Introduced by: Lesley Bankes-Hughes
Speakers in this session will explain how harnessing the power of data can achieve time and cost efficiencies, optimise vessel performance, deliver accuracy in fuel measurement and increase transparency in operational and commercial processes.
Moderated by: Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes
Speakers:
Captain Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master, SOHAR Port and Freezone
Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering, TFG Marine
Daryl Lim, Quality Manager, Metcore International Pte Ltd
Panellists:
Darrick Pang, Managing Director, Metcore International Pte Ltd
Silvia Bordoni, General Manager Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd
Harbour Master
SOHAR Port and Freezone
Batti joined SOHAR in 2004, just when the port began its operations. With 20+ years experience in the nautical and maritime industry, he specializes in navigation, seamanship, maritime communication, maritime safety, port operation, ship construction, cargo handling, meteorology, ship handling and manoeuvring, marine law and marine environmental law, logistics and supply chain.
In 2014, Batti was appointed as Harbour Master, for the marine department, and as member of SOHAR management team.
Executive Director and Global Head of Bunkering
TFG Marine
Kenneth Dam joined Trafigura’s fuel oil team in 2017 and in May 2019 became Co-Head of its newly formed bunkering team. In 2020, Kenneth was appointed Global Head of Bunkering for TFG Marine, a joint venture created between Trafigura and ship owning companies Frontline and Golden Ocean to supply quality marine fuels to ship owners at global strategic bunkering hubs.
Before joining Trafigura, from 2011 to 2016, Kenneth worked for Monjasa and played a key role in developing its West Africa bunkering operations. Before entering the marine fuel supply and shipping industry, Kenneth was a financial advisor for leading Danish financial services company Nykredit.
TFG Marine is a leading international marine fuel supply and procurement joint venture between physical commodity trading company Trafigura Group Pte and ship owning companies Frontline Ltd and Golden Ocean Group Ltd. Formed in 2020, the company provides modern, simplified and transparent services that bridge every stage of the bunkering process for its customers, supplying over 10 million metric tonnes of marine fuels per annum across 35 strategic bunkering hub locations globally.
Quality Manager
Metcore International Pte Ltd
Daryl is the Quality Manager at Metcore International Pte Ltd, a specialist in bunker mass flow metering (MFM) systems. With over two decades of experience in legal metrology, he led the team in attaining ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation, enabling Metcore to serve as a certification body for MFM systems in bunkering.
Daryl oversees conformity assessment operations and plays a key role in standards development for the oil and gas sectors, contributing metrology expertise to the development of SS 648 and ISO 22192.
Managing Director
Metcore International Pte Ltd
Darrick is the founder and Managing Director of Metcore International Pte Ltd, a leading conformity assessment body in the marine bunkering, with over a decade of industry leadership.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in supply chain, technical and operational areas at a major international oil and gas company, Darrick played a crucial role in pioneering the introduction of mass flow metering (MFM) systems to Singapore’ bunkering industry, which became mandatory in 2017.
Darrick served on the Singapore Technical Committee for Bunkering and contributed to the development of Singapore’s Standard for Mass Flow Metering Systems (SS648:2019). He is currently the convenor for the upcoming SS648:2024 edition.
Actively involved in the industry, he participates in the SSA Marine Fuels and Energy Committee, InterTanko’s Bunker Sub-Committee and IBIA’s bunker licensing & MFM workgroup.
General Manager
Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd
Silvia Bordoni is the General Manager of Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore.
She joined the company in 2017 and, in her previous role as Fleet Manager, she played a key role in the development of the company’s operations and fleet expansion strategies.
With a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master in Business Administration, Silvia brings a strong academic foundation to her leadership. Her career began over 19 years ago in the field of Supply Chain, where she built extensive expertise that continues to inform her strategic approach in the bunkering sector.
Decarbonisation in Shipping and Ports
Khalil Al Hooti, Vice President Marine, Asyad Shipping
Introduced by: Lesley Bankes-Hughes
Managing Director
ship.energy
Lesley Bankes-Hughes is a highly experienced editor, news journalist and features writer. After a number of years as business editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly, she worked for the International Stock Exchange and Euromoney Publications. She also established a specialist newsletter covering European corporate mergers and acquisitions, and later spent several years at Christ Church, University of Oxford, with responsibility for developing educational outreach projects.
Vice President Marine
Asyad Shipping
Khalil is the Vice President Marine in Asyad Shipping Company. Khalil is responsible for the safe operation of the company’s ships including safety & quality, manning and training aspects. Additionally, Khalil is responsible for implementing all the compliance and regulatory requirement in the industry. Khalil is also in charge of sustainability in Asyad Shipping. Khalil has more than 25 years’ experience in the maritime logistics industry.
Khalil started as Naval Officer in the Royal Navy of Oman, then joined the merchant navy sailing worldwide on tankers. Then came ashore and was involved in ships operations and management, consultancy in maritime administration, involvement in IMO and a member of the Examination Board for maritime studies in the government.
Khalil holds a master’s degree in strategic studies for Defense and National Secury from Oman, BSc in Nautical Studies from Oman, Post Graduate Diploma (Shipping and Logistics) from Middlesex University, London and is a graduate in Nautical Science Southampton University, UK. Khalil Also completed the National Defense Course in Oman, National CEO Program in IMD. Khalil also holds the Certificate of Competency as Ship Master.
The final session on Day 1 of the Forum will focus on the new energy landscape for the marine fuels, shipping and cargo sectors, including biofuels, LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.
Moderator and speaker:
Dr. Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Abri, Vice President – Sustainability, SOHAR PORT AND FREEZONE
Speakers:
Amine El Kadiri, General Manager, GTT Middle East LLC
Akin Adamso, Director, Middle East, Ricardo Gulf Technical Consultancy LLC
Stephane Basset-Chercot, Deputy Vice-President, Aviation & Marine Fuels, TotalEnergies
Hamed AL Hadhrami, EP Project Maturation Manager, OQ
Mohamed Jawad, Head of Business Development, OQ
Eng. Reham Al Maimani, Director of Strategy & Market, Hydrom
Closing speech
Lesley Bankes-Hughes
Vice President – Sustainability
SOHAR Port and Freezone
Dr. Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Abri is the Vice President for Sustainability at SOHAR Port and Freezone, leading the organization’s sustainability initiatives since May 2024. With a distinguished background as an international consultant in energy, technology, and investment, he has represented Oman at the IEA and OECD, playing a key role in advancing the country’s hydrogen economy and energy transition strategies. At SOHAR, Dr. Abdullah is focused on developing international trade corridors for new energies and clean hydrogen, leveraging his strategic insight and extensive professional network.
Dr. Abdullah holds a Ph.D. in Reservoir Engineering from Curtin University of Technology and has held pivotal roles, including Energy Renewal Director at PDO and Consultant at the IEA. Passionate about mentoring and continuous learning, he is committed to influencing energy trade and policy dialogues while driving sustainable development at SOHAR Port and Freezone.
General Manager
GTT Middle East LLC
Amine began his career in the nuclear industry with AREVA in 2011. He later spent four years in the Natural Gas and LNG sector at GAZPROM Marketing & Trading as a Key Account Manager.
In 2019, Amine joined GTT as a Business Development Manager, overseeing European countries and India. In December 2023, he was appointed General Manager of GTT Middle East. He subsequently established GTT’s new regional office in Doha in February 2024, where he is responsible for expanding LNG carrier, onshore storage, and LNG as fuel commercial activities.
Amine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from La Trobe University (Australia) and a Master of Science in Management from NEOMA Business School (France).
Director, Middle East
Ricardo Gulf Technical Consultancy LLC
Akin Adamson is the Middle East Director for Ricardo Clean Energy & Environmental Solutions – a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy with offices across the GCC. Ricardo advises public and private sector organisations on Air Quality, Energy, Water, Waste, Sustainability and Mobility strategies, technologies, and operations.
Previously, he was the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory’s (TRL’s) Regional Director for the Middle East. Before that, he held senior Director level roles at Nokia Siemens Networks, Telstra and A.T. Kearney.
He began his research career at London Business School in the energy sector and has lectured at both London Business School and the London School of Economics. He was educated at LSE, LBS and the University of Michigan, USA.
Deputy Vice-President, Aviation & Marine Fuels
TotalEnergies
Stéphane Basset-Chercot serves as Deputy Vice-President of TotalEnergies’ Aviation & Marine Fuels Division, where he oversees TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, the Company’s dedicated business responsible for global bunkering operations. Additionally, Stéphane supports the coordination of various initiatives within this newly established division, contributing to the energy transition efforts in the aviation and maritime sectors.
With over 25 years of experience at TotalEnergies, Stéphane has held several key leadership roles across various branches of the company. Most recently, he served as Director of Marketing and Sales for TotalEnergies Aviation, where he managed international commercial teams with operations in over 70 countries and played a critical role in advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives through strategic partnerships with OEMs and major airlines.
Stéphane’s extensive experience spans Strategy and M&A activities, Business Development, and business unit leadership. As Vice President of Corporate Strategy and New Venture Project Director within the Exploration and Production Branch, he led key strategic initiatives and transformative projects. He further demonstrated his expertise in Business Development while leading TotalEnergies Marketing & Services in Continental Europe. In addition, Stéphane honed his business unit management and leadership abilities through roles such as Managing Director of TotalEnergies Nordic and his pivotal management role in Aviation Fuels.
Director – Market & Strategy
Hydrom
Eng. Reham Al Maimani is the Director of Market & Strategy at Hydrom, the national orchestrator of Oman’s green hydrogen vision. In this role, she leads the company’s strategy and market efforts to position Oman as a global leader in the green hydrogen space.
With 16 years of professional experience, Reham brings a rich mix of strategic planning, commercial operations, investment evaluation, and stakeholder management. Her career spans across energy, shipping, iron-ore pelletizing, and government sectors.
Before joining Hydrom, she held senior roles at Oman Oil Marketing Company, where she led the company’s long-term strategy, international expansion, and major investment projects like the $30M Duqm Bunker Terminal. She also led commercial evaluations for new and existing ventures, covering performance reviews.
Her early career at Vale Oman equipped her with strong commercial skills. She managed client portfolios across MENA, India, and South Africa, negotiated key agreements, and worked closely with tax and legal teams on cross-border matters. She also supported strategy building for steel cluster development in Oman.
Reham also played a national advisory role in Oman’s Fiscal Balance Program (Tawazun), where she led key reform tracks involving HR, IT, and social protection, and helped present reform strategies at the ministerial level.
She holds a Postgraduate Degree with distinction in Port & Shipping Management from the Netherlands Maritime University, and a First-Class Honors B.Sc. in Process Operations & Maintenance Engineering. In addition to her professional career, Reham enriched her international and analytical skills through a distinguished exchange program with Mitsui, where she gained exposure to international business practices in Japan, South Korea, and China. She has also completed advanced training in Mergers and Acquisitions at London Business School, and pursued professional courses in financial modeling and financial analysis, equipping her with solid technical grounding to support high-impact strategic investment decisions. Known for her strategic mindset, clear communication, and cross-sector versatility, Reham is passionate about shaping sustainable and impactful growth stories for Oman and beyond.
Managing Director
ship.energy
Lesley Bankes-Hughes is a highly experienced editor, news journalist and features writer. After a number of years as business editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly, she worked for the International Stock Exchange and Euromoney Publications. She also established a specialist newsletter covering European corporate mergers and acquisitions, and later spent several years at Christ Church, University of Oxford, with responsibility for developing educational outreach projects.
Crown Plaza Muscat OCEC
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