Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné and OQEP CEO Ahmed Al Azkawi marked the official ground-breaking of the Marsa LNG project in Sohar, northern Oman. The ceremony comes one year after the project reached Final Investment Decision (FID).
Strategic Partnership and Project Scope
Marsa LNG LLC, a joint venture between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) (20%), is developing the Marsa LNG plant. The plant will produce 1 million tons of LNG per year and primarily supply it to the Gulf’s marine fuel (bunkering) market. The joint venture plans to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2028.
Setting a Global Benchmark in Low-Carbon LNG
Marsa LNG project is poised to become one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world. The facility will be fully electrified and powered by a dedicated 300 MWp photovoltaic solar farm. The solar farm will generate energy equivalent to the plant’s full annual needs. The innovative design will result in less than 3 kg CO₂e/boe of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This is 90% lower than the global LNG plant average of 35 kg CO₂e/boe. According to the IEA’s Net Zero Transitions report (2023), this reduction sets a new benchmark for LNG plants.
Establishing the First LNG Bunkering Hub in the Middle East
Located strategically at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site will serve as the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. To support this goal, Marsa LNG LLC has signed a charter agreement for a new LNG bunkering vessel. Named Monte Shams—after Oman’s Jabal Shams (“Mountain of the Sun”)—the vessel is currently under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028.
The ship will refuel a wide range of vessels, including container ships, oil tankers, and cruise liners. It will offer a local, low-emissions alternative to traditional marine fuels.
Driving Cleaner Shipping Through LNG
According to the press release, the maritime industry already recognizes LNG as a cleaner transition fuel. It can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 20% compared to fuel oil. With Marsa LNG’s low-carbon production and local bunkering operations, ships will benefit from even greater emissions reductions. This is achieved by avoiding long-haul fuel transport.
Executive Statements
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said, “I’m very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground. We’re partnering with our longstanding partner OQEP, and we have strong support from Omani authorities. This project demonstrates that producers can achieve ultra-low emissions in LNG production and positions gas as a reliable transition fuel. Marsa LNG sets a new standard and supports the shipping industry’s energy transition from a strategic location at the Gulf’s entrance”.
His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals added, “Marsa LNG is a strategic collaboration that supports Oman Vision 2040 by advancing sustainability and industrial innovation. It strengthens Oman’s position as a regional clean maritime fuel hub and offers responsible energy solutions to the global shipping sector. This project also boosts job creation, skills development, and economic integration across key sectors.”
Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, echoed, “At OQEP, we are proud to contribute to this transformative project. Marsa LNG is a powerful example of how cutting-edge technology and strong partnerships can accelerate the shift toward cleaner, more affordable energy. As the first LNG bunkering hub in the region, it positions Oman as a leader in sustainable maritime fuel solutions.”
