BP celebrates first gas from its deepwater ‘megaproject’ offshore Africa

UK-headquartered energy giant BP has tucked a first gas flow milestone under its belt at a gas development off the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal, which is said to be the biggest project in the oil major’s portfolio and one of the deepest, most complex gas developments in Africa.  

BP has confirmed the start of gas flow from wells at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) GTA for the next stage of commissioning. 

The GTA Phase 1 development, which is said to have the deepest subsea infrastructure in Africa with wells in water depths of up to 2,850 meters, will produce around 2.3 million tons of LNG annually for over 20 years.

Dave Campbell, BP’s SVP Mauritania and Senegal, commented: “With this milestone, Mauritania and Senegal take a major step towards an exciting new chapter as gas-exporting nations. I am proud of the relationships we continue to strengthen in both countries.”

The UK-based giant explains that gas is being introduced to the FPSO GTA approximately 40 kilometers offshore, where water, condensate, and impurities get removed. Afterward, this gas will be transferred via pipeline to Golar LNG’s floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) Gimi.

The vessel came to the project site in January 2024, located 10 kilometers offshore, where gas will be cryogenically cooled, liquefied, and stored before being transferred to LNG carriers for export, with some of it allocated to help meet growing energy demand in the two host countries.

BP is the operator of GTA with a 56% working interest, alongside Kosmos Energy (27%), Petrosen (10%), and SMH (7%). After all commissioning activities are done, the GTA Phase 1 project is anticipated to help Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources and potentially become an important LNG production hub. 

Gordon Birrell, BP’s EVP Production & Operations, highlighted: “This is a fantastic landmark for this important megaproject.  First gas flow is a material example of supporting the global energy demands of today and reiterates our commitment to help Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources,

“Africa’s significance in the global energy system is growing, and these nations now have enhanced roles to play.  Congratulations to the project and production teams for delivering this project and for always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do.”

Declared “a project of strategic national importance” by both host governments in 2021, GTA construction activities generated over 3,000 local jobs, engaging with around 300 local companies across Mauritania and Senegal. The FPSO is designed to process over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

BP previously described the GTA gas development as the biggest project in its portfolio, with enough gas to support production for at least 20 years, as the total estimated gas resources in the field amount to around 15 trillion cubic feet.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), emphasized: “Projects such as GTA highlight the scale of opportunity that Africa’s gas market offers investors. The project shows that gas is truly good for Africa and will play a major part in accelerating energy security, boosting industrialization and transforming Africa’s economies. Credit must be given where credit is due.

“Africans should be proud of BP, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and SMH. The Senegalese government, Mauritanian government, their NOCs and international partners have been instrumental in the development of the GTA project and will continue to be key in driving the success of this and the many gas developments expected to follow.”