French Energy Giant Total Signs MoU with Oman to Develop Gas Resources

French energy giant Total has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oman to explore the natural gas resources in Oman, said Total in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, Total, and global oil and gas giant Shell, will operate and develop several natural gas fields located in the Greater Barik area on onshore Block 6 in Oman.

Total, which holds 25-percent shares of the oil fields, aimed to generate an initial gas production of around 500 million cubic feet per day, and to reach 1 billion cubic feet per day in a later stage.

"This MoU will give us access to new gas resources and the opportunity to develop an integrated gas project. We will bring our expertise in LNG and will introduce access to a new gas market for Oman," said Arnaud Breuillac, President of Exploration and Production at Total.

He hoped that developing an LNG bunkering service will generate in-country value and create job opportunities, and promote industry diversification through increasing shipping activities in Oman.