The Middle East is set to establish its first LNG bunkering facility at the Port of Sohar in Oman, following the groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant. This $1.6 billion project, a collaboration between TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP), aims to position Oman as a key LNG hub for the Gulf region. Construction has commenced five years after the project’s inception, with TotalEnergies holding an 80% stake in the joint venture.
The liquefaction plant, designed to produce 1 million tonnes of LNG annually, will serve vessels throughout the Middle East, with operations expected to begin in early 2028. The site is strategically located at Sohar Port, which is rapidly growing as a global shipping corridor. Marsa has also secured a contract for a new bunkering vessel, the Monte Shams, capable of supplying LNG to various types of vessels.
Marsa LNG will utilize gas production from the Mabrouk North-East field, ensuring a steady feedstock supply. The facility is touted as one of the world’s lowest carbon-intensity LNG plants, featuring full electrification and a 300 MW solar farm to meet its energy needs. TotalEnergies aims to set a standard for low-emission LNG facilities that support the shipping sector’s energy transition.
