Oman's Sohar Port to Host $1.6 Billion LNG Bunkering Plant with TotalEnergies: A Cleaner, Solar-Powered Solution for Maritime Energy
Oman's Sohar Port will soon have a new $1.6 billion LNG bunkering plant, following an agreement between OQ and TotalEnergies.
LNG bunkering involves transferring LNG to ships as fuel, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional methods.
TotalEnergies will invest 80% of the funds, with OQ contributing the remaining 20% through their joint venture, Marsa LNG LLC.
This is the first LNG bunkering project in the Middle East and is expected to boost Oman's economy by increasing revenues and local investments.
Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed their long-term commitment to Oman with this project.
A new LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant in Oman, named Marsa LNG, was explained to be an innovative project showcasing the country's pioneer spirit and integrated multi-energy strategy.
The plant, which will be powered entirely by solar energy, aims to make gas a long-term transition energy by reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the shipping industry's carbon footprint.
With a projected emission of less than 3 kg of carbon dioxide per oil equivalent barrel, it aligns with Oman's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The CEO of TotalEnergies, Pouyanne, emphasized the plant's role in paving the way for the next generation of very low emission LNG plants.
Minister of Energy and Minerals in Oman, Salim Al-Aufi, also highlighted the initiative as one of many reflecting the country's commitment to carbon neutrality.