– Marsa LNG to be one of the world’s lowest-emission liquefied natural gas plants
– Oman’s $1.6B project aims to power marine fuel market with clean energy
– Solar-powered LNG facility to reduce shipping emissions in the Gulf region
TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) have commenced construction of the Marsa LNG plant in Sohar, Oman. This $1.6 billion joint venture, with TotalEnergies holding an 80% stake and OQEP 20%, is set to become the Middle East’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering hub.
Scheduled to begin operations in early 2028, the plant will have a capacity of 1 million tonnes per year, primarily serving the marine fuel market in the Gulf.
Marsa LNG is designed as a fully electrified facility, powered by a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar farm, making it one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants globally, with emissions less than 3 kg CO₂e per barrel of oil equivalent—approximately 90% lower than the global average.
A dedicated LNG bunkering vessel, Monte Shams, is under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028 to supply LNG to various vessels, including container ships and cruise liners.
This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and establish Oman as a regional hub for clean marine fuel.
