TotalEnergies and OQEP have commenced construction of the Marsa LNG plant in Oman, aiming to produce one million tons of LNG annually. This facility will be one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants globally, combined with a solar power source. Marsa LNG will also be the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, reducing emissions in the shipping industry.
TotalEnergies and Oman Exploration and Production (OQEP) have started construction on the Marsa LNG plant in Sohar, Oman, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition efforts. On May 1, 2025, the ground-breaking ceremony was held under the auspices of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Minister of Energy & Minerals of Oman, along with Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, and OQEP CEO Ahmed Al Azkawi. This event comes a year after the announcement of the Final Investment Decision for the project, which is set to produce one million tons per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is expected to begin operations in early 2028.
Marsa LNG is positioning itself as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly LNG facilities. The plant will operate with a fully electrified system and is to be complemented by a 300 megawatt-peak solar facility designed to meet its annual energy requirements. The facility aims to achieve carbon emissions of less than 3 kg CO2e/boe, significantly lower than the global average of 35 kg CO2e/boe for LNG plants. This makes it a standout project in the global fight against climate change.
In a notable development, the Marsa LNG site has been recognized as the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. A charter for a new LNG bunkering vessel, named Monte Shams—drawing inspiration from the local Jabal Shams—has already been finalized. This vessel is intended to be docked in Sohar starting in 2028 and will serve a variety of ships, including container and cruise vessels. LNG is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport by about 20% relative to traditional fuel oil, making it an attractive option for ship operators.
Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed pride in this collaborative project with OQEP, emphasizing its potential to showcase low-carbon LNG production. He remarked on its ambition to set a new standard in the LNG industry, supporting the transition to more sustainable energy solutions for maritime operations.
His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi affirmed the Omani government’s strong support for innovative energy projects like Marsa LNG. He noted the project’s alignment with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainability, industrial innovation, and creating a cleaner energy landscape for the global shipping industry.
Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Marsa LNG project represents a leap towards sustainability in Oman’s energy sector. It harnesses modern technology and strategic partnerships to drive emission reductions while affirming Oman’s position in the global energy space.
TotalEnergies has a long-standing presence in Oman dating back to 1937 and has recently launched further investments in renewable energy. With an operational portfolio comprising both oil and gas projects, as well as a commitment to sustainable practices, the company is focused on transitioning to greener energy solutions.
The launch of Marsa LNG serves not only as a catalyst for regional economic development but also reflects a broader shift within the global energy landscape towards cleaner fuels and reduced emissions, crucial for addressing climate change. As the first facility of its kind in the region, Marsa LNG sets a precedent for future energy projects.
In summary, the Marsa LNG plant represents a critical advancement in Oman’s energy sector, combining innovative technology with a commitment to environmental sustainability. With the support of TotalEnergies and OQEP, this project is set to significantly reduce carbon emissions while establishing the Middle East’s first LNG bunkering hub. As Marsa LNG aims for a low-carbon future, it underscores Oman’s strategic importance in the global energy market, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Original Source: totalenergies.com
