Oman LNG Strengthens Marine Operations with a Long-Term Towage Agreement
Muscat, Oman – Oman Liquefied Natural Gas LLC (Oman LNG) has awarded a nine-year towage and marine services contract to Svitzer, a leading global provider of marine and towage solutions. The contract will support Oman LNG’s operations at the Qalhat LNG Terminal, a key facility for the country’s natural gas exports. This move reinforces Oman’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety standards, and maintaining its position as a reliable LNG supplier to global markets.
Under the agreement, Svitzer will provide comprehensive towage and marine support services, ensuring the smooth berthing, unberthing, and escorting of LNG carriers. The company will deploy and operate four newly built high-powered tugboats, which are specifically designed to handle LNG carriers safely and efficiently. The contract, set to commence in early 2026, will play a vital role in ensuring that Oman LNG’s terminal operates seamlessly and securely, reducing turnaround times and optimizing logistics.
This long-term partnership aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy, which focuses on economic diversification, infrastructure development, and strengthening Oman’s position as a leading energy exporter. As global demand for LNG continues to rise, Oman is taking proactive steps to ensure its energy sector remains competitive, sustainable, and equipped with world-class maritime infrastructure.
What the Towage Contract Includes
The Oman LNG-Svitzer partnership is a comprehensive marine services agreement that encompasses several critical operations essential to the smooth functioning of the Qalhat LNG Terminal. These include:
1. Deployment of Four State-of-the-Art ASD Tugboats
Svitzer will design, construct, and operate four azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboats, each with a bollard pull capacity of 65 tons. These vessels are known for their high maneuverability, power, and advanced safety features, making them ideal for handling large LNG carriers.
2. Berthing and Unberthing Operations
One of the primary roles of these tugboats will be to assist LNG tankers in and out of the Qalhat LNG Terminal. By ensuring precise positioning and secure mooring, the tugboats will help prevent delays, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize risks associated with docking large vessels.
3. Escort Services and Safe Navigation Assistance
As LNG carriers approach or depart from Oman’s coastline, Svitzer’s tugboats will provide escort services to ensure vessels safely navigate through high-traffic maritime zones. This service is particularly crucial in avoiding navigational hazards, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and enhancing the overall security of LNG shipments.
4. Firefighting and Emergency Response Capabilities
The new fleet of tugboats will be equipped with advanced firefighting systems, capable of responding to onboard fires or maritime emergencies in real-time. This aligns with global safety standards and enhances the resilience of Oman’s LNG infrastructure in the face of potential operational risks.
5. Pilot Boarding and Underwater Dive Support
In addition to towage, Svitzer will facilitate safe pilot transfers, allowing expert navigators to board incoming LNG carriers and guide them through restricted waters. The company will also provide underwater inspection and maintenance support, ensuring that terminal infrastructure remains in optimal condition for continuous LNG exports.
Strategic Importance of the Qalhat LNG Terminal
The Qalhat LNG Terminal is a crucial export hub for Oman’s liquefied natural gas shipments, located approximately 70 kilometers north of Sur on the country’s east coast. The facility handles millions of tons of LNG annually, making it a vital link in the global energy supply chain.
As LNG demand continues to grow, particularly in Asia and Europe, Oman is focused on optimizing its LNG infrastructure to remain competitive in the international market. The towage contract with Svitzer is a key part of this effort, ensuring that the terminal’s marine operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with global best practices.
Why This Contract Matters for Oman’s LNG Sector
The agreement with Svitzer represents a major milestone for Oman’s energy and maritime industries, contributing to:
1. Increased Operational Efficiency
By deploying modern, high-powered tugboats, the contract will reduce turnaround times for LNG carriers, allowing Oman LNG to increase its export capacity and enhance overall productivity.
2. Enhanced Safety and Compliance
With Svitzer’s expertise, Oman LNG will benefit from world-class safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring full compliance with international maritime regulations.
3. Strengthened Global Reputation
This partnership helps position Oman as a premier LNG supplier, reinforcing its reliability and attractiveness to international buyers. The collaboration with a globally recognized towage provider like Svitzer further enhances Oman’s standing in the energy sector.
4. Economic Growth and Job Creation
The contract supports Oman’s broader economic diversification strategy, creating new jobs in the maritime, logistics, and energy sectors while attracting further investment in the country’s LNG industry.
Svitzer’s Expanding Presence in Oman and the Middle East
Svitzer, a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has been active in Oman since 2005, providing towage and marine services across several key locations. The company has a strong track record in operating within high-risk energy environments, particularly LNG terminals, making it a strategic partner for Oman LNG.
With this contract, Svitzer strengthens its presence in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced marine solutions.
Official Statement from Svitzer
Deniz Kirdar True, Managing Director for Svitzer AMEA (Asia, Middle East, and Africa), expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating:
“We are proud to be selected as Oman LNG’s long-term towage partner. This contract is a testament to Svitzer’s expertise in ensuring safe and efficient LNG operations. By introducing state-of-the-art tugboats, highly trained crews, and sustainable maritime solutions, we are committed to supporting Oman LNG’s export goals while enhancing operational safety and efficiency at the Qalhat LNG Terminal.”
Future Outlook for Oman’s LNG Industry
With the global shift towards cleaner energy alternatives, LNG is expected to play an increasingly vital role in the global energy transition. Oman, as a strategic LNG supplier, is making key investments in its export infrastructure, logistics, and operational efficiency to meet rising demand.
The collaboration between Oman LNG and Svitzer is a critical step toward securing the country’s long-term success in the LNG sector. By ensuring top-tier marine operations, Oman LNG reinforces its commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainability, solidifying its place as a preferred partner in the global LNG supply chain.
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