TotalEnergies and OQEP break ground on Marsa LNG plant

TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) have broken ground on the Marsa LNG plant in the port of Sohar, northern Oman

The 1 million ton per year (Mt/y) liquefaction plant is being built by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint company between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%). LNG production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, to serve the marine fuel market in the Gulf.

With an investment of US$1.6bn, Marsa LNG Project will become the Middle East’s first dedicated LNG bunkering hub. Once operational, the facility will provide cleaner fuel alternatives for the shipping industry, underpinning the nation’s economic diversification and environmental sustainability objectives while marking a transformative step for the region’s maritime sector.

A new LNG bunkering vessel is currently under construction, which will be stationed in Sohar from 2028 to supply LNG to a wide range of vessels.

The Marsa LNG plant is fully electrified and has a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm, making it one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world, with less than 3 kg CO2e/boe of scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Major contracts

Three major contracts have been signed relating to the construction of the hub. WSP International Oman Branch was awarded a consultancy services contract, to provide project management, back-office support, design review, site supervision, and contract management. The second agreement was signed with Boskalis International Oman Branch for dredging works, involving the removal of approximately 3.8mn cubic meters of material to develop the access channel, berth pocket, and turning circle, with project completion expected in September 2025. The third contract was awarded to Six Construct LLC Oman Branch, covering the construction of the LNG jetty, shore protection, and drainage systems.

"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,” said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated, “This project marks a significant step in advancing low-emission energy solutions, reinforcing Oman's position as a reliable regional hub for clean maritime fuel. It aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in sustainability and industrial innovation. Additionally, it underscores our dedication to providing responsible energy solutions for the global shipping sector while actively reducing its carbon footprint.”

"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," added Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP.