OQEP, together with TotalEnergies, has officially broken ground on the Marsa LNG project, a major development that aims to set new standards in low-emissions LNG production and marine bunkering. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
Located in Sohar, Marsa LNG is poised to become one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG plants and the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. Fully electrified and supported by a dedicated 300 MWp solar plant, the facility is expected to achieve greenhouse gas emissions of less than 3 kg CO₂e/boe, more than 90% lower than the industry average.
In addition to meeting the growing global demand for cleaner energy, Marsa LNG will contribute to Oman’s role as a regional bunkering hub, providing LNG fuel to a variety of vessels and supporting shipping sector decarbonisation.
Commenting on the groundbreaking of Marsa LNG, His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated:
"The Ministry reiterates its steadfast commitment to supporting downstream energy projects as a vital pillar of economic integration across the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration project between OQ Exploration & Production and TotalEnergies, embodies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as an alternative clean fuel."
"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."
"While we welcome this pioneering partnership, we affirm that investment in downstream energy projects is a key driver of economic growth, creating quality, sustainable job opportunities, facilitating knowledge transfer, and developing national expertise, all of which strengthen Oman’s readiness to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy sources."
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of 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 make 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 of 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."