Oman: TotalEnergies and OQEP break ground at Marsa LNG
Under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy & Minerals, TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) CEO Ahmed Al Azkawi celebrated the groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant in Sohar, northern Oman—exactly one year after the Final Investment Decision was made.
The Marsa LNG facility, developed by Marsa LNG LLC—a joint venture between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%)—is designed to produce 1 million tonnes per year (Mt/y) of liquefied natural gas. Production is set to begin in Q1 2028 and will primarily serve the marine fuel (LNG bunkering) market across the Gulf.
Among the World’s Lowest Carbon-Intensity LNG Plants
Marsa LNG is set to be one of the lowest carbon-emitting LNG plants globally. Fully electrified, the facility will be powered by a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar farm, generating the equivalent of its full annual energy needs. This design results in scope 1 and 2 emissions of less than 3 kg CO₂e/boe—around 90% lower than the global average of 35 kg CO₂e/boe for LNG plants.
First LNG Bunkering Hub in the Middle East
Strategically positioned at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site will become the region's first hub for marine LNG refueling. A new LNG bunkering vessel—Monte Shams, named after Oman’s iconic “Mountain of the Sun”—is currently under construction and will be stationed in Sohar starting in 2028. It will supply LNG to a variety of ships, including container vessels, tankers, and cruise liners.
LNG is currently the most readily available transitional fuel for maritime decarbonization, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% compared to fuel oil. Thanks to Marsa LNG’s low carbon footprint and local availability, ships bunkering in Sohar will further reduce their environmental impact without the need for long-distance LNG transport.
“It’s a proud moment to see Marsa LNG breaking ground alongside our valued partner OQEP and with the strong support of Omani authorities. This project proves that LNG production can be ultra-low carbon and a long-term transitional fuel. With its forward-thinking design, Marsa LNG sets a global benchmark for future LNG plants, while offering a cleaner marine fuel option right at the gateway to the Gulf.”
- Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies
H.E. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy & Minerals:
“The Ministry remains firmly committed to downstream energy projects as key enablers of integrated economic development across Oman’s industrial, logistics, and maritime sectors. Marsa LNG—an advanced collaboration between OQEP and TotalEnergies—underscores our vision for sustainable energy infrastructure aligned with Oman Vision 2040. It also highlights our role in providing responsible energy to the global shipping sector and reflects our dedication to reducing emissions while fostering skilled job creation and knowledge transfer.”
Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP:
“Marsa LNG reflects our dedication to innovation and sustainability in Oman’s energy transition. As the Middle East’s first LNG bunkering hub, it will significantly lower emissions in maritime transport and position Oman as a regional clean energy leader. We are proud to help drive this transformative project forward, one that raises the bar for low-carbon energy solutions worldwide.”