Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, and Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQ Exploration and Production, have marked the official groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant in Sohar, northern Oman. The ceremony comes one year after the Final Investment Decision for the project, underscoring its strategic importance for both the country and the broader region.
The Marsa LNG facility, which will have a production capacity of 1 million tonnes per year (Mt/y), is being developed by Marsa LNG LLC — a joint venture between TotalEnergies (80 percent) and OQEP (20 percent). Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028, with the LNG primarily designated for use in marine fuel (LNG bunkering) within the Gulf region.
Setting a New Standard for Low-Carbon LNG
The Marsa LNG plant is designed to be one of the lowest carbon intensity liquefied natural gas facilities in the world. The plant will be fully electrified and supported by a 300 megawatt-peak photovoltaic solar farm, which will supply the entirety of its annual energy needs. This approach will result in scope 1 and 2 emissions of less than 3 kg CO₂e per barrel of oil equivalent — a figure that is approximately 90 percent lower than the global average for LNG plants.
The First Marine LNG Bunkering Hub in the Middle East
Strategically located at the entrance to the Gulf, Marsa LNG is set to become the first dedicated LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. To support this vision, Marsa LNG LLC has signed a charter agreement for a new LNG bunkering vessel. Named Monte Shams, in reference to Jabal Shams (“Mountain of the Sun”) in north-eastern Oman, the vessel is currently under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028. It will serve a wide range of vessels including container ships, tankers, and cruise liners.
LNG is increasingly recognised as a viable transition fuel in the maritime sector, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20 percent compared to traditional fuel oil. Vessels bunkering LNG in Sohar will benefit further from the plant’s low-carbon footprint and the availability of fuel at a local port, eliminating the need for long-distance transport.
Executive Remarks
Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, commented:
“I’m very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground, alongside our longstanding partner OQEP, and with strong support from the Sultanate’s authorities. This flagship project demonstrates that LNG production can be very low carbon, contributing to making gas a long-term transition fuel. With an ambitious technical design, we intend to set the standard and pave the way for the next generation of low-emissions LNG plants worldwide. We also offer an effective way to support the shipping sector’s energy transition by providing lower-emissions marine fuel in a key location at the entrance of the Gulf.”
His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, minister of Energy and Minerals, added:
“The Ministry reiterates its steadfast commitment to supporting downstream energy projects as a vital pillar of economic integration across the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration between OQEP and TotalEnergies, embodies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as an alternative clean fuel.
This project marks a significant step in advancing low-emission energy solutions, reinforcing Oman’s position as a reliable regional hub for clean maritime fuel. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040 objectives in sustainability and industrial innovation, and supports the global transition to responsible energy solutions.”
Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, also commented:
“At OQEP, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in Oman’s energy landscape. The Marsa LNG project represents a solid step forward, harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration to ensure a cleaner, affordable energy future. As the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, Marsa LNG will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions in the shipping industry while reinforcing Oman’s position as a key player in the global energy sector. We take immense pride in contributing to this transformative journey — one that sets new standards for low-carbon energy solutions.”
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