Iran Begins Talks With Oman About Using Oman LNG's Spare Capacity

Iran has starting talking to Oman about using Oman LNG’s spare capacity to process gas for exports, Times of Oman reported Sunday.

Oman LNG has three trains with a combined capacity of 10.4 million tons per annum. According to Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Omani minister of oil and gas, Oman LNG has a spare capacity of 1.5 Mtpa.   

The two countries are working to build a pipeline that would take Iranian gas to Oman. The 400-kilometer pipeline, stretching from Iran to Oman is defined in two onshore and offshore sections. Land part of the gas pipeline extends for 200 kilometers from Rudan to Mobarak Mount in southern Hormozgan province. The seabed section between Iran and Sohar Port in Oman will stretch for another 200 kilometers.

The study on the maritime section was handed over to Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC). The study on the land section was assigned to Pars Consulting Engineers (PCE).

Studies are expected to be complete by the middle of this year. Korean media reported earlier this month that KOGAS could win the contract to build the pipeline. 

Iran wants some of the gas it would export to Oman to be processed at Oman LNG facilities for exports to Asia and Europe.

Iran and Oman in 2013 signed an initial deal under which Tehran will export 28 mcm/d of gas to its neighbour through the pipeline for 15 years.