Paris – Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Minister of Energy and Minerals for the Sultanate of Oman.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies (Paris: TTE) (LSE: TTE) (NYSE: TTE), and Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQ Exploration and Production, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant at the port of Sohar in northern Oman.
This event took place one year after the Final Investment Decision was made.
A 1 million ton per year (Mt/y) liquefaction plant is under construction by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint venture between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%).
The LNG production is set to begin in the first quarter of 2028 and will primarily cater to the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) within the Gulf region.
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This is one of the LNG plants with the lowest carbon intensity in the world.
The Marsa LNG plant is fully electrified and combined with a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm, which will supply enough energy to meet the plant’s annual energy requirements.
As a result, Marsa LNG will be one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants globally, emitting less than 3 kg CO2e/boe in scope 1 and 2 emissions.
For comparison, this is 90% lower than the average carbon intensity of LNG plants worldwide, which is around 35 kg CO2e/boe
World’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering hub in the Middle East (Oman).
Marsa LNG is ideally located at the entrance to the Gulf and has been chosen to establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. Marsa LNG LLC has signed a charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel named Monte Shams, which refers to Jabal Shams, or the “Mountain of the Sun,” in northeastern Oman. This vessel is currently under construction and is set to be stationed in Sohar starting in 2028. It will supply LNG to a variety of vessels, including container ships, tankers, and large cruise ships.
In the maritime industry, liquefied natural gas (LNG) serves as an immediate transition fuel, enabling a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 20% compared to fuel oil.
Ships using LNG in Sohar will achieve even lower GHG emissions due to the low carbon intensity of LNG production at Marsa LNG, as well as local bunkering, which eliminates the need to transport LNG to a distant bunkering port.
“I’m very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground, alongside our longstanding partner OQEP, and with the 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 across the world. 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”
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for Marsa LNG, His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, remarked:
The Ministry reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting downstream energy projects, which are essential for promoting economic integration in the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration between OQ Exploration & Production and TotalEnergies, exemplifies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as a clean alternative fuel.
Said: Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi
This project represents a significant advancement in low-emission energy solutions, strengthening Oman’s role as a reliable regional hub for clean maritime fuel. It aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, especially in terms of sustainability and industrial innovation. Furthermore, it highlights our commitment to offering responsible energy solutions for the global shipping sector while actively working to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Our goal at OQEP is to advance sustainability and innovation in Oman’s energy sector. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and strategic cooperation, the Marsa LNG project is a significant advancement that will guarantee a cleaner and more economical energy future. Oman’s position as a major player in the global energy sector will be strengthened by Marsa LNG, the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, which will also significantly reduce emissions in the shipping sector. We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this revolutionary journey, which is setting new benchmarks for low-carbon energy solutions.
said Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP.
TotalEnergies in Oman
TotalEnergies has been present in Oman since 1937.
The company’s flagship project, the integrated Marsa LNG project (80%), was introduced in 2024. It consists of a 300 MWp PV solar plant, a full electric liquefaction plant with a 1Mt/y capacity that will be the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, and natural gas production from Block 10.
In 2024, TotalEnergies produced 65 kboe/d of oil and gas in Oman. With its stake in Oman LNG (5.54%)/Qalhat LNG (2.04% via Oman LNG), TotalEnergies produces natural gas in Block 10 (26.55% via Marsa LNG LLC), oil in Block 6 (4%), and LNG. In 2023 and 2024, three successful appraisal wells were drilled on the onshore Block 11 (22.5%).
About TotalEnergies
Oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas, low-carbon hydrogen, renewable energy, and electricity are all produced and sold by TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy corporation.
Our more than 100,000 workers are dedicated to delivering more affordable, sustainable, and dependable energy to as many people as possible.
With activities in about 120 nations, TotalEnergies prioritises sustainability in all aspects of its strategy, projects, and business operations.
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