bp flows first gas at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project

BP has started flowing gas from wells at the GTA Phase 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel as part of the next phase of commissioning.

Located offshore Mauritania and Senegal, the GTA project is one of Africa’s deepest offshore developments, with gas resources found at depths of up to 2,850 meters. Once fully operational, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually. In 2021, the project was designated "a project of strategic national importance" by both Mauritania and Senegal.

This milestone marks significant progress in unlocking the potential of the gas resources in both countries, positioning them to become a key LNG production hub.

Gordon Birrell, EVP of production and operations, stated, “This is a major milestone for this vital megaproject. The first gas flow is a tangible step in supporting global energy needs today, and underscores our commitment to helping Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources.”

“Congratulations to the project and production teams for delivering this project and for always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do.”

 - Gordon Birrell, EVP production & operations

“Africa’s role in the global energy landscape is expanding, and these nations now play a more significant part. Congratulations to the project and production teams for successfully delivering this project while prioritizing safe operations. We also extend our gratitude to the entire GTA team, our partners, and the host governments for this remarkable achievement,” said Gordon Birrell.

Gas from GTA Phase 1 is being directed to the GTA FPSO, located approximately 40 kilometers offshore, where it undergoes a process to remove water, condensate, and impurities. It is then transferred via pipeline to a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel 10 kilometers offshore, where it is cooled, liquefied, and stored before being shipped to LNG carriers for export. A portion of the gas will also be used to meet the rising energy demands of Mauritania and Senegal.

“With this milestone, Mauritania and Senegal are taking a significant step toward becoming gas-exporting nations. I’m proud of the strengthened relationships we have with both countries. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and resilience of the BP team, our partners, host governments, and the people of Mauritania and Senegal,” said Dave Campbell, SVP for Mauritania and Senegal.

The GTA project has created over 3,000 local jobs and collaborated with around 300 local companies in Mauritania and Senegal. BP and its partners have invested in workforce development, including a four-year apprentice training program, and launched a multi-million-dollar social investment initiative aimed at improving local quality of life and fostering long-term development opportunities.