TotalEnergies and OQEP have announced the ground-breaking of the Marsa liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the port of Sohar in the northern part of Oman.
The plant’s construction has begun one year after the final investment decision (FID).
This facility, with an expected production capacity of one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, is being constructed by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint venture (JV) between TotalEnergies and OQEP.
TotalEnergies has an 80% stake in the JV and the remainder is held by OQEP.
This plant will commence production in the first quarter of 2028.
The LNG produced by the plant is primarily intended for the marine fuel market in the Gulf region.
The Marsa LNG facility is expected to be one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG plants, with scope 1 and 2 emissions of less than 3kg of CO₂ equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent. This figure is 90% lower than the global carbon intensity average for LNG plants.
To be completely electrified, the LNG plant will be combined with a 300MWp (megawatt peak) photovoltaic solar farm that will supply the equivalent of the plant’s annual energy requirements.
TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said: “I am very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground, alongside our long-standing 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.”
The location of the Marsa LNG plant was chosen to establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, as it is strategically positioned at the entrance to the Gulf.
A charter contract for the LNG bunkering vessel Monte Shams, named after the Jabal Shams or Mountain of the Sun in north-eastern Oman, has been signed.
The vessel is under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028 to supply LNG to various types of vessels.
OQEP CEO Ahmed Al Azkawi said: “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, and 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.”
Last month, TotalEnergies, in partnership with Chevron, started production at the Ballymore offshore field, located approximately 120km off the Louisiana coast in the US Gulf of Mexico.
Chevron operates the field with a 60% interest, while TotalEnergies holds a 40% stake.
