David Bird

OQ8 aims to set new industry standards by fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and international competitiveness with minimal environmental impact.

How is the Duqm refinery project a game changer for the region?

The project is a testament to Oman’s nation-building efforts in an underdeveloped region. Despite its remote, yet strategic location, the Omani government has invested significantly in infrastructure, such as a modern airport terminal, extensive three-lane highways, port, dry dock, and now OQ8. This endeavor is part of a larger master plan, showcasing the government’s vision to transform Duqm into the largest port, infrastructure, and heavy industry opportunity outside the Strait of Hormuz. The refinery, a key part of this plan, can process non-indigenous crude, with the flexibility to handle crude from abroad, mitigating geopolitical risk. This scheme marks the largest collaborative investment between two GCC countries, emphasizing the strong relationship between Oman and Kuwait. If you look at regional projects that started around the same time, OQ8 is arguably the first in operation. This positions Duqm as a pioneer. Standing as a cross-border GCC collaboration, the refinery’s successful operation paves the way for further partnerships, whether that’s pipelines for direct feed, the tanking business, or even expansion of the refinery in terms of capacity or product range.

What is the project’s socio-economic impact?

We invested in local hospitals, blood banks, and supported education, women’s participation, and social development. Our focus on jobs involves being a competitive and efficient refinery, emphasizing automation, technology-oriented positions, and sustained direct and indirect employment. Our vision is to be the most competitive refinery in the world so that shareholders, current and future, view us as a safe custodian of their funds and want to invest in further growth. The project has been 10 years in the making, and our early interventions in high school education and community engagement have had a substantial impact on people’s lives. Now, a few of our direct hires are graduates from those scholarships. There is now enough critical mass activity that, rather than obtaining services from overseas, I fully support the government withholding tax obligations on driving companies to bring their businesses from overseas to Oman.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily operations?

Energy affordability and reliability remain a luxury for the majority, a fact that is often missing from sustainability discussions, especially in the Western and Eurocentric press. At OQ8, we embrace this dialogue, aligning with country-led agendas. Our commitment extends beyond emissions, aiming to represent all of humanity and support its flourishing. We also try to bring honesty and realism to the sustainability debate, and we advocate discussing the full spectrum, moving beyond the sole emphasis on carbon emissions. Following the UN sustainability goals, we highlight governance practices, including board structures and committees, emphasizing quality and international best practices. Our investment decisions underscore the use of the best technology, making us one of the world’s most efficient refineries. Biodiversity, wetland creation, and water quality stewardship are integral aspects of our environmental initiatives.

What is your opinion on the global debate on energy transition?

Following COP28, we highlight the need for a realistic understanding of the energy transition’s economic impact. Through a transparent and collaborative approach, we strive to contribute meaningfully to global discussions while ensuring a responsible and competitive industry. The fact that COP28 was held in Dubai 2023 is demonstrative of this—showcasing that the energy industry will always have to be an active participant in the transition. At OQ8, we continue to advocate for a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the economic implications of the transition and emphasizing the region’s active role in the transition. We are ideally placed to ensure a more innovative, more energy efficient and more competitive product that continues to address global energy demands, while continuing to mitigate its risks. In short, the industry needs a more modern and disruptive mindset in energy security for the future of all the people who rely on energy across the globe, and not only in isolated regions.