Latest news with #OQGroup
Observer
18-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
OQGN awards RO 105m gas pipeline contract
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 18 OQ Gas Networks SAOG (OQGN), the owner and operator of Oman's gas transportation system, has announced the award of a contract worth RO 105 million for the implementation of the Second Loop Line Fahud-Suhar project – a key initiative to boost the country's gas supply network. In a filing to the Omani bourse on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, OQGN – part of OQ Group – said the contract, covering the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the 193km 42-inch pipeline project, was awarded to the Petroleum Projects Company Petrojet and Partners LLC. Also as part of the project execution strategy, a related contract for the supply of 193 kilometers of line pipe was awarded to Jindal Saw Limited. The planned execution duration of the project is 24 months. 'The project aligns with the company's growth strategy and vision in leading the energy infrastructure,' OQGN added.
Muscat Daily
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Electrical issues halt Al Harthy and Team WRT's Le Mans 24HRS victory challenge
Le Mans, France – Faultless driving, top strategy and a very quick BMW M4 LMGT3 were not enough to deliver what looked likely to be a bid for a dream victory at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ahmad Al Harthy and Team WRT – electrical problems in the early hours of Sunday, forcing retirement. Oman's Al Harthy and teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had delivered an incredible performance throughout the first half of the twice-round-the-clock encounter at the eight-plus-mile Circuit de la Sarthe in France, with LMGT3 silverware well within their grasp. Sadly, though, and for the second year in succession, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended in misfortune for Al Harthy and Team WRT, having led the class or been inside the top two for the most part since lights-out at 16.00 local time on Saturday. 'Being in the first two positions for the majority of the nine to 10 hours we were racing definitely got us thinking of the possibility of an amazing result,' said Al Harthy. 'I think how we were able to push the entire time showed we would have been competitive at the end of the race. Unfortunately, though, an electrical issue forced us to retire the car. 'This is what we know about racing, especially at the highest level like Le Mans, and we accept it. Things like this make you appreciate the achievements when you get them. The entire team did an amazing job right throughout the week at Le Mans, across all sessions, and the performance we showed in qualifying was a real highlight personally. We showed in the race what we're capable of, so now we look to bounce back in Brazil. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support.' After qualifying an excellent third on the grid for the biggest race of the season, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team chose to begin the 24 Hours with van der Linde, and he very quickly climbed into second in LMGT3 close behind the leader. Van der Linde remained in touch in the No. 46 BMW M4, and after the initial pit stops, the South African was back up to second. Oman's Al Harthy climbed behind the wheel for his first miles of the race in hour two and was within less than four seconds of the LMGT3 lead with one hour and 45 minutes elapsed. After another stop, Al Harthy moved up into the lead and he then began to build his advantage, driving faultlessly. Just over three hours into the race the Omani, who is supported by prestigious partners OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman, led by around 25 seconds. Half an hour later, the lead was up to roughly 60 seconds, before handing over to Rossi for his first stint of the race. Holding second place initially, the Italian was every bit as competitive as his two teammates and he soon moved the No.46 BMW back into first place in LMGT3. One quarter of the way through the race, 22.00 local time, van der Linde was back behind the wheel and held an advantage of 14 seconds at that stage. Just before 23.00, with 100 racing laps in the book, he remained at the front with a buffer of half-a-minute over the nearest rival. The entire race strategy from Team WRT was working like clockwork as midnight neared. Around three hours later, though, the squad's tremendous challenge for a dream victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end when the car ground to a halt, seemingly with no power. After being recovered back to the pits, it was discovered that electrical problems were the cause. Moreover, the issue was irreparable at the track in the time available.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Al Harthy, Van Der Linde and Rossi to start third on LMGT3 grid
Le Mans, France – Oman's Ahmad Al Harthy and team-mates Kelvin van der Linde and Valentino Rossi combined to deliver a superb performance throughout qualifying for the weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the trio's No.46 BMW M4 LMGT3 set to line-up third on the grid for the biggest race of the year. Al Harthy got things off to an outstanding start in the main qualifying session on Wednesday, 11th June, where he emerged quickest of all in the LMGT3 class to comfortably progress the Team WRT entry into the first of two Hyperpole shoot-out sessions on Thursday, 12th June. South African driver van der Linde picked up the baton perfectly and continued in the same vein as Al Harthy, lapping fastest in Hyperpole 1 to ensure the BMW would start a minimum of eighth on the grid for the twice-round-the-clock race – round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Rossi got behind the wheel for the decisive Hyperpole 2, straight after the first of the shoot-outs, and the Italian's initial true flying lap was ultimately his best of the session as he concluded the run third in LMGT3. With red flag stoppages impacting qualifying and the first Hyperpole, drivers needed to maintain steely focus and determination to conquer the immense 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe and OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman supported racer Al Harthy – and the entire team – certainly did that. 'I was extremely delighted to have put our car on pole in the first qualifying, to do it here in Le Mans was extra, extra special. To be able to maximise everything we could from the car was a huge motivation for everybody in the team,' said Al Harthy. 'Then, into Hyperpole, and Kelvin did an outstanding job in session one, it was a strategic decision to put him in that session and to be pole again was amazing. 'For Vale to get the car in the top three in Hyperpole 2, for sure, is far beyond what we expected – he got a really, really mega lap. This is just the first part of everything but, obviously, it's always good to have a good starting position for a 24 Hour race. I'm really proud of everyone in the team, it was a fantastic team effort right across qualifying. Now we focus on the race!' Brilliant showing from Team WRT trio confirms Le Mans potential Opening qualifying on Wednesday produced a sparkling performance from Al Harthy, who was in outstanding form. Initially topping the times on his first proper lap, the Omani was second with just under 10 minutes of the half-hour session elapsed, and he held fifth midway through when red flags were flown. Determined to piece together a great lap after the resumption and challenge for the fastest time, he steered the No.46 BMW M4 to a lap of 3m56.875 seconds, which placed him on top by four tenths of a second to smoothly progress to Hyperpole as the fastest of the lead 12 contenders. In Hyperpole 1 van der Linde posted a time of 3m55.855 seconds just moments before red flags were shown. After the resumption, he improved to 3m54.530 seconds, topping LMGT3, and on his final lap he shaved another two tenths off to conclude the session quickest with 3m54.345 seconds. Rossi climbed into the driving seat for the 15-minute Hyperpole 2 and his first competitive lap was a time of 3m54.966 seconds, placing him third. Ultimately, this was the Italian's best of the session as he secured a terrific third on the grid for, arguably, the biggest event in four-wheeled motorsport. There is a day away from track action now at the Circuit de la Sarthe ahead of the start of this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, 14th June. Warm-up will take place at 12.00 local time before the race itself starts at 16.00. Follow the action at or
Observer
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Al Harthy to start 24H of Le Mans from Third on LMGT3 Grid
Oman's Ahmad al Harthy and team-mates Kelvin van der Linde and Valentino Rossi combined to deliver a superb performance throughout qualifying for the weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the trio's No 46 BMW M4 LMGT3 set to line-up third on the grid for the biggest race of the year. Al Harthy got things off to an outstanding start in the main qualifying session on Wednesday, June 11, where he emerged quickest of all in the LMGT3 class to comfortably progress the Team WRT entry into the first of two Hyperpole shoot-out sessions on Thursday, June 12. South African driver van der Linde picked up the baton perfectly and continued in the same vein as Al Harthy, lapping fastest in Hyperpole 1 to ensure the BMW would start a minimum of eighth on the grid for the twice-round-the-clock race — round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Rossi got behind the wheel for the decisive Hyperpole 2, straight after the first of the shoot-outs and the Italian's initial true flying lap was ultimately his best of the session as he concluded the run third in LMGT3. Oman's Ahmad al Harthy With red flag stoppages impacting qualifying and the first Hyperpole, drivers needed to maintain steely focus and determination to conquer the immense 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe and OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman supported racer Al Harthy — and the entire team — certainly did that. Brilliant showing from Team WRT trio confirms Le Mans potential Opening qualifying on Wednesday produced a sparkling performance from Al Harthy, who was in outstanding form. Initially topping the times on his first proper lap, the Omani was second with just under 10 minutes of the half hour session elapsed and he held fifth midway through when red flags were flown. Determined to piece together a great lap after the resumption and challenge for the fastest time, he steered the No 46 BMW M4 to a lap of 3m 56.875 seconds which placed him on top by four tenths of a second to smoothly progress to Hyperpole as the fastest of the lead 12 contenders. In Hyperpole 1 van der Linde posted a time of 3m 55.855 seconds just moments before red flags were shown. After the resumption he improved to 3m 54.530 seconds, topping LMGT3 and on his final lap he shaved another two tenths off to conclude the session quickest with 3m 54.345 seconds. Rossi climbed into the driving seat for the 15-minute Hyperpole 2 and his first competitive lap was a time of 3m 54.966 seconds, placing him third. Ultimately this was the Italian's best of the session as he secured a terrific third on the grid for, arguably, the biggest event in four-wheeled motorsport. There is a day away from track action now at the Circuit de la Sarthe ahead of the start of this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, June 14. Warm-up will take place at 12:00 local time before the race itself starts at 16:00.
Observer
09-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
OQAE begins operational phase of clean energy project pipeline
MUSCAT: More than five years after its establishment as the clean energy investment arm of OQ Group, OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) is set to formally commence the operational phase of its pivotal mandate. That phase will begin next year, when three mid-scale renewable energy projects—dubbed Riyah-1, Riyah-2 (both wind-based Independent Power Projects, or IPPs), and the North Oman Solar IPP—come online over the course of the year. Their launch marks OQAE's official entry into the operational phase of a portfolio that aims to deliver upwards of 7 GW of new renewable energy capacity through to 2030. The significance of this milestone in OQAE's evolution as the National Champion for Renewable Energy in Oman was emphasized in an exclusive interview highlighting how the Riyah-1, Riyah-2, and North Oman Solar projects align with OQAE's overarching mandate. That mandate rests on two main pillars: The first is the development of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects; the second is ensuring holistic development across the entire value chain and ecosystem, which includes project execution, competency development, supply chain investment, and strategic planning through to implementation. Integral to these objectives is the aim of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and advanced technology know-how into Oman. As announced last month, a joint venture comprising OQAE (51%) and TotalEnergies (49%) will develop the three projects at designated sites within the Block 6 concession of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The renewable electricity generated will be supplied to PDO under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) at agreed tariffs. The OQAE–TotalEnergies JV will continue to own and operate the projects for the duration of the PPAs. According to the officials, partnering with a renowned integrated energy company like TotalEnergies aligns with OQ Group's strategy of leveraging the extensive experience and capabilities of global industry leaders. 'Unlike our well-established peers such as OQ Exploration & Production and OQ Refineries & Petroleum Industries, OQAE is just commencing its operational journey,' one executive noted. 'As a first step, our partnership spans not only Riyah-1, Riyah-2, and North Oman Solar, but also the 300 MW solar PV project that will contribute to the decarbonisation of the Marsa LNG bunkering project under construction at Sohar Port.' Meanwhile, Huadong Engineering Corporation—a subsidiary of Chinese contracting giant PowerChina—has already begun work on the three PDO-linked renewable energy projects. An initial batch of eight wind turbines is expected to arrive at the Port of Duqm for Riyah-1 in October. The supplier, Goldwind, a leading Chinese manufacturer, was awarded the contract to supply 36 turbines (18 for each site), each with a capacity of 117 MW, for the two wind farms. Solar PV panels for the North Oman Solar project will be supplied by Longi, a global leader in solar technology. More than 200,000 bifacial N-type panels, with a generation capacity of 128 MW DC, will be installed across a 3.5 km² site at Saih Nihayda in central Oman. The commercial operation dates are targeted for Q2 2026 for North Oman Solar and Q4 2026 for the wind farms. In addition to being the first clean energy projects to progress from concept to implementation, Riyah-1, Riyah-2, and North Oman Solar are also set to create a number of firsts for OQAE. They are the first to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) and financial closure; the first wind projects to be financed locally by Omani banks—Bank Muscat and Ahli Bank; the first Wind IPPs in the world to exclusively power oil and gas projects; the first clean energy projects in which both the developers and end customers are from the oil and gas sector; and the first collaboration between oil and gas companies to advance the energy transition.
