Marsa LNG in Oman will be among the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG plants. It will serve as the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. TotalEnergies (TTE, Financial) and OQEP commence construction, aiming to start production in 2028.

Under the auspices of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy & Minerals, TotalEnergies (TTE) and OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP) marked the groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant at the Sohar port in northern Oman. This joint initiative, with TotalEnergies holding an 80% stake and OQEP 20%, targets an annual production of 1 million tons of LNG, set to begin in the first quarter of 2028.

Marsa LNG is poised to become a pioneering low-emission facility, incorporating full electrification and a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm to meet its energy needs. With less than 3 kg CO2e/boe emissions, the plant’s carbon intensity is significantly lower than the global LNG plant average of approximately 35 kg CO2e/boe, positioning it as one of the most environmentally friendly LNG plants worldwide.

Strategically located at the Gulf entrance, Marsa LNG will establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, enhancing the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy. The new LNG bunkering vessel, Monte Shams, will be based in Sohar, focusing on supplying LNG to various vessels including container ships and large cruise ships, thus fostering reduced greenhouse gas emissions in maritime operations.

“This flagship project reflects our commitment to low-carbon gas production while supporting the maritime sector’s energy transition,” remarked Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies. The Marsa LNG project aligns with Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing sustainable and innovative industrial development while advancing Oman as a regional hub for clean maritime fuel.

TotalEnergies has been active in Oman since 1937, currently engaging in oil and natural gas production and expanding its renewable energy ventures. The company aims to escalate natural gas’s role in its sales mix to 50% by 2030, aspiring to zero methane emissions in the gas value chain. As the world’s third-largest LNG player, TotalEnergies continues to drive the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, reducing ships’ emissions significantly.