The Marsa LNG project, a key initiative led by TotalEnergies in partnership with Oman’s OQ, has marked a significant milestone with the commencement of dredging operations at Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone. This step is crucial for the successful development of a new LNG facility designed to support LNG bunkering operations in the Gulf region.
Overview of the Marsa LNG Project
The Marsa LNG project is a $1.6 billion integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex that aims to enhance LNG bunkering capabilities in the Gulf region. TotalEnergies holds an 80% stake in the project, while Oman’s OQ owns the remaining 20%. The project will have a capacity of 1 million tons per annum (mtpa) and is expected to become a vital contributor to LNG fuel services for ships in the region. With a strong focus on sustainability and advanced technology, the facility is poised to play an essential role in the future of maritime fuel.
The Role of Dredging in Project Development
Dredging operations are essential for developing the necessary infrastructure to support the Marsa LNG facility. Specifically, dredging will create an approach channel and a berth pocket for the LNG plant. This process will involve the removal of approximately four million cubic meters of material to ensure that large vessels can safely navigate to and from the port.
The dredging work is being carried out by Boskalis, a renowned Dutch dredging and offshore contractor, using their Coastway and Willem van Oranje trailing suction hopper dredgers. These high-capacity dredgers are specifically designed to remove sediment and other materials from the seabed to prepare the site for construction and operational activities. Dredging is expected to be completed by September 2025, in line with the project’s timeline, ensuring timely progress toward the LNG plant’s final construction.
Project Timeline and Milestones
While dredging operations are just the beginning, the Marsa LNG project’s timeline is moving forward steadily. The full completion of dredging will occur by September 2025. From there, the construction of the liquefaction plant, storage facilities, and supporting infrastructure will proceed as planned.
The Marsa LNG facility is expected to commence operations by the first quarter of 2028. Once operational, the plant will help meet the growing demand for LNG in the region, offering an efficient and cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels.
Environmental and Technological Aspects
One of the standout features of the Marsa LNG project is its commitment to sustainability. As part of the overall design, a dedicated 300 MWp photovoltaic (PV) solar plant will be built to supply 100% of the LNG plant’s annual power needs. This innovative approach aligns with the global shift toward renewable energy and ensures that the LNG facility operates with minimal environmental impact.
The integration of solar power into the LNG plant’s energy mix will help reduce the project’s carbon footprint, contributing to Oman’s broader energy transition goals. The move also demonstrates TotalEnergies’ focus on decarbonizing the energy sector and promoting greener alternatives.
Key Contracts and Partnerships
Several major companies are playing a role in bringing the Marsa LNG project to life. Technip Energies has been awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract worth up to $1.06 billion. This contract covers the design and construction of critical infrastructure for the LNG plant. Additionally, CB&I will be responsible for constructing a 165,500-cbm storage tank, a crucial component of the facility’s operations, valued at approximately $250 million.
These partnerships reflect the project’s scale and the level of expertise required to deliver such an ambitious undertaking. Each contractor is tasked with ensuring the plant meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Economic Impact on Oman and the Region
The Marsa LNG project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Omani economy, particularly in the Sohar Port and Freezone region. The project is anticipated to create numerous jobs during the construction and operational phases, stimulating economic activity and promoting regional development.
Additionally, the LNG plant will enhance Oman’s position as a key player in the global LNG market, furthering its role as a strategic energy hub in the Gulf region. The project will also help boost the country’s maritime sector by providing a much-needed LNG bunkering solution for vessels operating in the region, which is increasingly shifting toward cleaner fuels.
Future of LNG Bunkering in the Gulf
The Marsa LNG facility is not just about meeting the local demand for LNG but is also part of a broader regional and global trend toward cleaner and more sustainable fuels for the maritime industry. As stricter regulations on marine emissions are introduced worldwide, the demand for LNG as a marine fuel is expected to rise. The Marsa LNG project positions Oman and TotalEnergies at the forefront of this transition.
With its 1 mtpa capacity, Marsa LNG will play a vital role in providing LNG bunkering services to ships operating in the Gulf, a region that continues to be a major global maritime hub. This development aligns with the growing interest in LNG as a low-emission alternative to traditional marine fuels like heavy fuel oil.
Conclusion
The commencement of dredging operations marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Marsa LNG project. With a clear focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and regional economic growth, the project is poised to significantly impact the Gulf region’s energy and maritime sectors.
As the dredging process progresses and construction moves forward, the Marsa LNG project remains on track to meet its 2028 operational target. Once complete, the facility will not only serve as a critical LNG bunkering hub but also help drive the future of cleaner maritime fuel in the region.