TotalEnergies and OQEP launch Marsa LNG construction in Oman

SOHAR, May 1, 2025 – TotalEnergies and OQEP have launched construction on the Marsa LNG plant in Sohar, Oman, which is set to become one of the lowest-carbon-intensity LNG plants globally, the company said on Thursday.

The project, developed by Marsa LNG LLC – a joint venture between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%) – will feature a 1 million ton per year fully electrified liquefaction plant powered by a 300 MWp solar farm, achieving less than 3 kg CO2e/boe in scope 1 and 2 emissions. LNG production is slated to begin in Q1 2028 and will primarily serve the marine fuel market in the Gulf.

The Marsa LNG facility will also house the Middle East’s first marine LNG bunkering hub. The chartered LNG bunkering vessel Monte Shams, currently under construction, will operate from Sohar starting in 2028 to supply LNG to vessels such as container ships, tankers and cruise ships.

“This flagship project demonstrates that LNG production can be very low carbon, contributing to making gas a long-term transition fuel,” chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said. “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.”

“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,” minister of energy and minerals Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi said. “It aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and underscores our dedication to responsible energy solutions for the global shipping sector.”

“At OQEP, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in Oman’s energy landscape,” OQEP CEO Ahmed Al Azkawi said. “The Marsa LNG project represents a solid step forward… setting new standards for low-carbon energy solutions.”

TotalEnergies is the world’s third largest LNG player, with a global portfolio of 40 million tonnes per year as of 2024. The company maintains an integrated presence across the LNG value chain, including production, transportation, more than 20 million tonnes per year of regasification capacity in Europe, trading and bunkering. Its strategy aims to increase the share of natural gas in its sales mix to nearly 50% by 2030, cut carbon and methane emissions, and promote coal-to-gas switching in partnership with local stakeholders.

OQEP, Oman’s largest pure-play oil and gas exploration and production company, operates across 17 countries and manages a diverse portfolio of upstream assets. The company focuses on both operated assets and joint ventures, with participating interests ranging from 20% to 45% in various projects. OQEP’s operations span from exploration and production to refining and petrochemicals, reaching over 70 countries worldwide.

Photo courtesy of TotalEnergies

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