Energy giants Total and Shell will develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services for marine vessels in Oman by constructing a new liquefaction plant at Sohar port.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Oman, which covers both upstream and downstream businesses, will allow Total to use an equity gas entitlement to develop several natural gas discoveries in Oman’s Greater Barik area and progress its LNG plans with its project partner Shell as an operator.
Total will be able to expand the small-scale modular liquefaction plant in Sohar port as the LNG bunkering market develops.
Learn how LNG can work for shippers and ports by reading 'Driving Innovation: LNG Support Services', a technical paper by GAC
The development supports Total's strategy to supply LNG fuel to carriers such as CMA CGM as they focus on building environmentally friendly ships that keep in line with the International Maritime Organization's newly established greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Arnaud Breuillac, President Exploration & Production at Total, said: “We are pleased to sign this MoU with the Sultanate of Oman that will give us access to new gas resources and the opportunity to develop an integrated gas project.
“We will bring our expertise in LNG and will introduce access to a new gas market for the Sultanate.
“Developing an LNG bunkering service will generate in-country value and job opportunities, and will support industry diversification through fostering the shipping activity in Oman.”
