BP’s first gas flow from its offshore Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project marks a major milestone towards Mauritania and Senegal becoming an important LNG production hub.
The oil giant announced last week that the first gas from GTA Phase 1 was being safely introduced to the GTA floating production storage and offloading vessel approximately 40 kilometres offshore, where water, condensate and impurities were removed.
From there, it will be transferred via pipeline to a floating liquefied natural gas vessel 10 km offshore, where it will be cryogenically cooled, liquefied and stored before being transferred to LNG carriers for export. Some of the gas will be allocated to help meet growing energy demand in the two host countries.
GTA, offshore Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the deepest offshore developments in Africa, with gas resources in water depths of up to 2 850 metres. Once fully commissioned, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of LNG a year.
BP Executive Vice President for Production and Operations, Gordon Birrell, said the first gas flow was a “fantastic landmark” for the 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.”
Birrell said Africa’s significance in the global energy system was growing and the two countries now had enhanced roles to play.
BP Senior Vice President for Mauritania and Senegal, Dave Campbell, said the countries were “taking 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. Without the resilience and dedication of the BP team, as well as our partners, host governments and, of course, the people of Mauritania and Senegal, none of this would have been possible.”
GTA construction activities have generated more than 3 000 local jobs and the project has engaged with around 300 local companies across Mauritania and Senegal.
BP and partners have invested in local workforce development, including a four-year apprentice training programme, and started a multimillion-dollar social investment programme that aims to enhance quality of life and create long-term opportunities for local development.
