MUSCAT: Global integrated energy group TotalEnergies recently celebrated the laying of the keel for a new LNG bunker vessel, which will be deployed at SOHAR Port and Freezone in the Sultanate of Oman upon the launch of the Marsa LNG project, currently under construction at the industrial seaport.
TotalEnergies is a major investor in the 1-million-tonne-per-annum (mtpa) LNG terminal, holding an 80% stake. The remaining 20% is held by OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP) — the upstream energy arm of Omani-owned OQ Group. Powered by a 300 MW solar farm, the $1.6 billion project will pioneer the introduction of low-emission LNG as bunker fuel for maritime shipping in the Gulf.
Announcing the keel laying at a Chinese shipyard, TotalEnergies stated: “A new milestone has been unlocked in the construction of TotalEnergies’ future LNG bunker vessel for the Marsa LNG Project in Oman!
On July 29, a keel-laying ceremony was held at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard — a time-honoured tradition marking a major step forward in building the 18,600 m³ vessel”.
The company further added: “Designed with best-in-class emissions performance and maximum operational flexibility, she will further strengthen our LNG bunkering capabilities to support shipping’s energy transition.
A proud moment as we power forward with our partners towards her launch and delivery!”
Last October, TotalEnergies signed a charter agreement with the vessel’s owner, Ibaizabal Group — a Spanish-based provider of integrated ship management services to the international shipping and offshore industries.
Upon its delivery in late 2026, the vessel will be chartered to TotalEnergies for deployment at Marsa LNG.
The new LNG vessel will join TotalEnergies’ current fleet of three LNG bunker vessels: Gas Agility, positioned in the Port of Rotterdam; Gas Vitality, operated in the Port of Marseille; and Brassavola, located in the Port of Singapore.
When operational in 2028, Marsa LNG will supply low-carbon LNG to a wide range of vessels, notably containerships, tankers, large cruise ships and ferries.
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