Port of South LouisianaSailors SocietyBühler GmbHTBA GroupVan AalstVigan
  • TBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry

Major Omani bulk port joins SEA-LNG

Major Omani bulk port joins SEA-LNG

(Posted on 22/04/20)

SEA-LNG has welcomed SOHAR Port and Freezone as its first Middle Eastern port member.

SOHAR joins SEA-LNG to promote its investment in LNG bunkering facilities and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. SEA-LNG is the leading multi-sector industry coalition, created to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG. MARSA LNG, a venture comprised of TOTAL S.A. and OQ, is developing a state of the art LNG liquefaction plant and bunkering facility in SOHAR Port.

SOHAR Port is a deep-sea port located within easy reach of the booming economies of the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent, with a reach to over 2.2 billion consumers. It is capable of handling the world`s largest ships, making it an ideal port for the import and export of a wide variety of dry, break and liquid bulk, as well as container shipping.

Highlighting the importance of the upcoming project, Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of SOHAR Port said; “This major LNG Bunkering project will generate in-country value and job opportunities, and will support industry diversification efforts by promoting shipping activities in Oman. The establishment of this facility will make SOHAR one of the key LNG bunkering facilities on the main shipping trade routes, alongside other strategic ports, many of whom are already SEA-LNG Members, such as the Port of Singapore. MARSA LNG will supply LNG sourced locally in the Sultanate.”

The project will see the provision of LNG to the shipping lines calling at SOHAR Port. The switch from traditional marine fuel oils to LNG has accelerated following the implementation of new sulphur emission limits by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in January 2020 and the IMO greenhouse gas emission targets set for 2030 and 2050.

Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG said; “We are excited to welcome SOHAR to the SEA-LNG coalition. SOHAR is our first Member from the Sultanate of Oman and will provide an attractive global offering once the marine bunkering project is completed. From our perspective, this is an opportune time to develop LNG capabilities in Oman given the expansive growth of marine activity within the region. We welcome SOHAR to our cause of furthering the use of LNG as an important, environmentally superior maritime fuel.”

Due to its unique location outside the Strait of Hormuz and mid-way between Europe and Asia, SOHAR is ideally positioned to become a major LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. In addition, SOHAR Port and Freezone feature deep-water drafts capable of handling the largest vessels in the world. The liquefaction plant and bunkering project will be able to offer attractive business conditions, further enhanced by access to a dedicated logistics chain as well as large domestic gas reserves.

Peter Keller continues: “As well as providing a means to comply with recently enforced sulphur limitations, LNG provides a clear pathway for the shipping industry to decarbonise through the introduction of biomethane and synthetic methane. Now is the time to move forward with LNG as an important maritime fuel. Inaction is not a plan and we cannot afford to wait decades for solutions that may never be realised. Investing in LNG capable vessels now provides the shipping industry with a pathway to a low carbon future as well as significant and immediate environmental and health benefits.”

Latest News

DNV: Rapid WAPS uptake driven by stricter emission regulations

(Posted on 07/02/25)

A surge in industry interest combined with systems builders and yards scaling up production and installation... Read more


NSU Strengthens fleet oversight with Idwal

(Posted on 07/02/25)

Idwal is pleased to welcome NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) as the latest partner to Idwal ID, our... Read more


Growing adoption of Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion for sustainable shipping

(Posted on 07/02/25)

Econowind has surpassed 100 VentoFoil units sold, marking a major milestone in the shipping industry... Read more


Shipowners can shield against accidents by better learning from human factors

(Posted on 31/01/25)

The University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK is encouraging ship operators, safety professionals and... Read more


InterManager elects Sebastian von Hardenberg as President

(Posted on 31/01/25)

InterManager, the international association for the ship management sector, has elected Sebastian von... Read more


Industry urged to share knowledge in cases of seafarer criminalisation

(Posted on 20/01/25)

InterManager, the international trade association for the ship management sector, is calling on shipping... Read more


INTERCARGO quality panel expansion enhances sector collaboration

(Posted on 19/01/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has announced a strategic development... Read more


DNV launches AROS

(Posted on 19/01/25)

DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS), providing... Read more


Dry bulk industry pays tribute to outgoing INTERCARGO Chairman Dimitri Fafalios

(Posted on 10/01/25)

Leading figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios... Read more


IMO Secretary-General sets his priorities for 2025 in new year message

(Posted on 07/01/25)

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has highlighted key items... Read more


TelestackTMS Awards 2023Port of StocktonGeneva DryCimbria
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Telestack
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping