French energy giant Total has signed an agreement with the Government of Oman to develop natural gas resources including both upstream and downstream businesses in the Sultanate.

Total and Shell as operator will develop several natural gas discoveries located in the Greater Barik area onshore Block 6 with respective shares of 25 per cent and 75 per cent.

 As per the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both companies and before possible State back-in, with the objective of an initial gas production of around 500 MMcfd with a potential to reach 1 bcf/d at a later stage.

“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,” stated Arnaud Breuillac, president Exploration & Production at Total.

“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,” he added.

Total will use its equity gas entitlement as feedstock to develop a regional hub in Oman for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering service which will supply LNG as a fuel to marine vessels. This will be achieved thanks to a new small-scale modular liquefaction plant to be built in Sohar port. The plant will comprise a1 Mt per year train offering the flexibility for expansion as required by the development of the LNG bunkering market. – TradeArabia News Service