Keel Laid for Oman’s Marsa LNG Bunker Ship: Key Boost for Oman’s Maritime and Energy Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT: TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy group, has recently marked a significant milestone with the laying of the keel for a new LNG bunker vessel. This vessel is set to operate at SOHAR Port and Freezone in Oman, coinciding with the launch of the Marsa LNG project, which is currently under construction at the industrial seaport.
TotalEnergies holds an 80% stake in the Marsa LNG terminal, a 1-million-tonne-per-annum (mtpa) facility, while OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP), the upstream energy division of the Omani-owned OQ Group, owns the remaining 20%. The $1.6 billion project, powered by a 300 MW solar farm, aims to introduce low-emission LNG as bunker fuel for maritime shipping in the Gulf, setting a new standard for sustainable shipping fuel in the region.
The keel-laying ceremony took place on July 29 at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard in China, a traditional event signifying a key phase in constructing the 18,600 m³ LNG vessel. TotalEnergies emphasized that the vessel is designed to deliver best-in-class emissions performance along with maximum operational flexibility, enhancing their LNG bunkering capabilities to support the maritime sector’s energy transition.
In October of last year, TotalEnergies signed a charter agreement with the vessel’s owner, the Spain-based Ibaizabal Group, known for providing integrated ship management services to international shipping and offshore sectors. The vessel is expected to be delivered and deployed under charter to TotalEnergies at Marsa LNG by late 2026.
This new vessel will complement TotalEnergies’ existing LNG bunker fleet, which includes Gas Agility in Rotterdam, Gas Vitality in Marseille, and Brassavola in Singapore. Once operational in 2028, Marsa LNG will supply low-carbon LNG to a variety of vessels, including containerships, tankers, large cruise ships, and ferries, further advancing the region’s commitment to greener maritime fuel solutions.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The development of the Marsa LNG project, anchored by TotalEnergies’ investment and innovative low-emission LNG bunker vessel, positions Oman as a key player in the maritime energy transition. This creates significant opportunities for businesses in Oman’s maritime, logistics, and renewable sectors to capitalize on the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on green energy infrastructure and shipping technologies to leverage Oman’s emerging role in sustainable LNG bunkering and regional energy supply chains.
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