Ground-breaking Ceremony Marks a Major Milestone in Clean Marine Fuel Development
Oman has officially launched its ground-breaking Marsa LNG project, marking a $1.6 billion investment set to reshape the region’s marine fuel industry. The event, held on May 1, 2025, in Sohar, was attended by senior officials, investors, and business leaders, under the patronage of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals.
A Strategic Collaboration: Total Energies and OQEP Lead the Way
This project, a major joint investment between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%), aims to position Oman as a regional hub for clean marine fuel. The facility, scheduled to begin LNG production in the first quarter of 2028, will cater primarily to the marine fuel market in the Gulf region, offering a cleaner, low-emission alternative to traditional fuels.
Eng Salim al Aufi highlighted the project’s potential for expansion, contingent on future gas resources and economic feasibility studies. The first phase includes fully prepared infrastructure, including loading jetties, storage tanks, and electricity capacity, while plans for a second terminal remain under review.
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Oman’s Vision 2040: A Step Toward Economic Diversification
The Marsa LNG project aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040, which focuses on economic diversification and sustainable development. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration, the project strengthens Oman’s commitment to clean energy while attracting foreign investment and boosting In-Country Value (ICV).
Reducing the Maritime Sector’s Carbon Footprint
The Marsa LNG project is a game-changer for the maritime transport sector, as it introduces the region’s first LNG bunkering hub. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of shipping operations. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the project’s potential to set a new industrial benchmark for low-carbon LNG production.
Key Features of the Marsa LNG Project
Renewable Energy Integration: A dedicated 300 MWp solar power plant will supply 100% of the LNG plant’s energy needs. This aligns with Oman’s national energy strategy to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 30% by 2030.
State-of-the-Art LNG Plant: The project will feature an LNG plant with an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes, powered by upstream gas production from the Mabrouk North-East field in Block 10.
Zero-Emission Facility: With its all-electric design, the Marsa LNG plant will be the world’s lowest-emission LNG facility. The plant will reduce CO₂ emissions by over 200,000 tonnes annually, compared to conventional gas-fueled designs.
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Setting New Standards in LNG Bunkering and Maritime Fuel
As part of its commitment to sustainability, TotalEnergies has commissioned a new LNG bunkering vessel, the Monte Shams, which will be operational by mid-2028. This vessel will be equipped with advanced technologies to reduce fuel consumption and methane emissions, contributing to cleaner maritime operations across the Gulf region.
A Vision for the Future: Clean, Sustainable Marine Fuel
With the Marsa LNG project, Oman is not only advancing its clean energy agenda but also setting a global example for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. As the first LNG facility in the region to focus on low-emission marine fuel, the project marks a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the Gulf’s maritime industry.
Expansion Potential and Regional Impact
While the first phase of the Marsa LNG project is set to launch in 2028, further expansion will depend on the project’s performance and economic feasibility. However, the success of this initiative will cement Oman’s role as a leader in the global LNG market, driving innovation and sustainability in energy production for years to come.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Move for the Future of Clean Energy
The Marsa LNG project exemplifies the power of strategic international collaboration in driving cleaner energy solutions. With its forward-thinking infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Oman is poised to redefine the future of LNG bunkering and marine fuel in the Gulf and beyond.
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