BP Begins Gas Flow at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG Project
bp has commenced gas flow in Stage 1 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, one of Africa's deepest and most complex gas development initiatives. With an annual capacity of 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa), this liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is expected to aid in meeting global energy needs.
Gas flow from the wells in the GTA Stage 1 LNG project has started to bp's floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, marking the next phase of the commissioning process.
Located off the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal, the GTA project is one of Africa's deepest offshore developments, with gas resources situated at depths of up to 2,850 meters. Once fully operational, GTA Stage 1 is anticipated to produce approximately 2.3 million tons of LNG annually. The project was declared a "strategically national important project" by the governments of both host countries in 2021.
The commencement of gas flow represents a significant step towards unlocking the potential of gas resources in Mauritania and Senegal, providing an opportunity for these countries to become a major LNG production hub.
Gordon Birrell, Executive Vice President for Production and Operations, praised this achievement, stating: "This is a very good milestone for this important mega project. The first gas flow is a tangible example of supporting today's global energy demands and reaffirms our commitment to helping Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources."
Gas from GTA Stage 1 is transported to the GTA FPSO located approximately 40 kilometers offshore. Here, water, condensate, and impurities are removed. The gas is then transferred via a pipeline to a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel located 10 kilometers offshore, where it will be cryogenically cooled, liquefied, and stored, before being transferred to LNG tankers for export. A portion of the gas will be reserved to meet the growing energy demand of Mauritania and Senegal.
Dave Campbell, Senior Vice President for Mauritania and Senegal, commended this milestone, saying: "Mauritania and Senegal are taking a major step towards an exciting new chapter as gas-exporting countries. I take pride in the relationships we are continuing to strengthen in both countries."
The construction activities of the GTA project have created over 3,000 local job opportunities across Mauritania and Senegal and collaborated with around 300 local companies. bp and its partners have invested in local workforce development, including a four-year apprenticeship program, and launched a multimillion-dollar social investment program aimed at enhancing local quality of life and creating long-term opportunities for local development.