bp has successfully loaded the first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export from its Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project, located offshore Mauritania and Senegal. This milestone follows the earlier flow of first gas from the site and marks a significant new supply source for the global energy market.
The shipment was transferred from the project’s floating LNG (FLNG) vessel situated 10 kilometres offshore, where the gas was cooled, liquefied, and stored. GTA is one of Africa’s deepest offshore developments, with gas resources located in waters up to 2,850 metres deep.
Gordon Birrell, EVP of Production & Operations at bp, said the milestone is “the culmination of years of work from the entire project and operations teams.” He highlighted the significance of this achievement, not only for bp’s upstream strategy—this being the third major start-up of the year—but also for the region’s role in global energy supply.
“This first cargo from Mauritania and Senegal marks the creation of a new production hub within our global portfolio,” Birrell said, thanking the governments of both countries and project partners Kosmos Energy, PETROSEN, and SMH for their collaboration.
Expected to produce around 2.4 million tonnes of LNG annually, GTA Phase 1 has been designated a “project of strategic national importance” by both host governments. Gas volumes are also earmarked for future domestic use.
bp, which entered Mauritania and Senegal in 2017, has supported over 3,000 local jobs and collaborated with approximately 300 local companies during GTA’s development. Dave Campbell, SVP Mauritania and Senegal, described the launch as “a very proud day” for all involved.
