TotalEnergies has celebrated the ground-breaking of the new 1 mt/yr Marsa LNG plant, which is expected to start production in the first quarter of 2028, primarily intended to serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf.
Marsa LNG is a joint company between TotalEnergies (80%) and the Oman state energy investment company OQEP (20%). The new plant is said to be among the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants, being fully electrified. A 300 MWp photovoltaic solar farm will supply the equivalent of the plant’s annual energy needs, leading to carbon intensity below 3 kg CO2e/boe of scope 1 and 2 emissions. For reference, this is 90% lower than the average carbon intensity of LNG plants in the world, which stands around 35 kg CO2e/boe.
Located at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site has been selected to establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. A charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel has been signed by Marsa LNG. The vessel, to be named Monte Shams in reference to the Jabal Shams or the ‘Mountain of the Sun’ in north-eastern Oman, is under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028, where it will supply LNG to a range of vessels including container ships, tankers, and large cruise ships.
TotalEnergies regards LNG as an immediately available transition fuel allowing a reduction of GHG emissions by approximately 20% compared to fuel oil. Ships using LNG in Sohar will further reduce GHG emissions thanks to the low carbon intensity of the LNG production in Marsa LNG, and local bunkering without the need to transport LNG to a distant bunkering port.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies, said: “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.”
Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO OQEP, added: “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.”
Image: Marsa LNG plant ground breaking, starting build of new Gulf LNG shipping hub (source: TotalEnergies)
