Saturday 22 / February / 2025
Muscat: Sohar Port and Freezone have commenced the deepening of the navigation channel for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project "Marsa," marking a strategic step to establish Sohar as a regional hub for supplying clean fuel to ships.
The operations will involve dredgers removing approximately 4 million cubic meters of material to create a specialized navigation channel and a dedicated berth for the project. This aims to provide an alternative low-emission marine fuel at competitive prices, contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of maritime transport, minimizing harmful emissions, and enhancing the sustainability of the maritime sector in line with global environmental targets.
The "Marsa" LNG project, with an investment value of USD 1.6 billion, is set to make Sohar Port and Freezone the first hub for supplying LNG fuel to ships in the Middle East. It will bolster the port's leadership in providing sustainable maritime transport services, making it a key partner in Oman's energy transition. The operations are on track for completion by September 2025, followed by the construction of the necessary infrastructure to support this vital project.
Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port, stated that the start of the channel deepening is a pivotal step in solidifying Sohar Port and Freezone's position as a regional hub for LNG supply to ships.
In a statement to ONA, Hoogsteden said that developing advanced maritime infrastructure is fundamental to the launch of the "Marsa" LNG project, which will enhance the sustainable energy system and support the transition to cleaner fuel in the maritime shipping sector.
He added that the project reflects Oman's commitment to low-carbon solutions and reinforces Sohar Port and Freezone's role as a strategic global trade and innovation hub, helping to empower businesses and connect international markets.
Hoogsteden noted that the project will produce 1 million metric tons of LNG annually, utilizing solar energy from a 300 MW photovoltaic power plant.
The CEO emphasized that once operational, the project will redefine marine energy solutions in the Middle East by providing cleaner fuel alternatives for the maritime transport sector and supporting Oman's economic and developmental goals.
