The plan comes after Total signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Oman to develop natural gas resources in the country. Total and Shell as operator will develop several natural gas discoveries located in the Greater Barik area on onshore Block 6 with respective shares of 25% and 75%.
Total then plans to use its equity gas entitlement to develop Oman as a regional LNG bunkering hub with a new small-scale liquefaction plant to be built at Sohar Port. The plant will provide a train of around 1m tonnes per year.
Arnaud Breuillac, president exploration & production for Total said: “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.”
LNG as a marine fuel is one of the alternatives available to shipping companies to comply with the IMO’s global 0.5% sulphur regulation from 2020. French line CMA CGM has made the largest commitment to date ordering nine 22,000 teu capacity, LNG-powered containerships, and has inked a deal with Total for fuel supply.
Read More: Why CMA CGM ordered 'game changing' 22,000 teu LNG-powered containerships
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