NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (BG) — Senegal and Mauritania have achieved a significant milestone with the start of natural gas production from a major offshore development, project partners bp (British Petroleum) and Kosmos Energy announced on Thursday.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, situated 120 kilometers offshore in waters up to 2,850 meters deep, is one of Africa’s most ambitious gas initiatives.
Gordon Birrell, bp’s Executive Vice President for Production and Operations, lauded the project as a landmark achievement.
“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,” he stated.
“Africa’s significance in the global energy system is growing, and these nations now have enhanced roles to play,” Birrell added, congratulating the project and production teams for delivering this project and always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do.
A Boost for West Africa’s Energy Security and Economic Growth
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) praised the achievement as a transformative step for West Africa’s energy security and economic development.
“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,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Declared “a project of strategic national importance” in 2021 by both governments, the development is expected to produce around 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its initial phase and 5 mtpa in the second phase – dependent on whether the project developers decide to double the FLNG infrastructure capacity, according to the AEC.
With an estimated 425 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas reserves, the project will contribute significantly to global gas supply diversification while boosting local energy security.
Kosmos Energy Chairman and CEO Andrew G. Inglis remarked on the achievement’s significance: “Achieving first gas sets the stage for us to ramp up production and reach the ~90,000 boepd production target we set two years ago.”
Inglis added that the company’s focus on disciplined capital allocation positions it strongly for the future.
Local Investment and Long-Term Impact
Senegal and Mauritania’s governments, alongside national oil companies Petrosen and Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), have prioritized regulatory reforms and pro-investment policies to attract international players.
Senegal has updated its 1998 Petroleum Code to accommodate large-scale developments, while Mauritania has partnered with global financial institutions to enhance transparency and investor confidence.
The project exemplifies the power of strong public-private collaboration. “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,” Ayuk added.
“This milestone reflects the commitment of Senegal, Mauritania, and their partners to drive sustainable growth,” Ayuk said.
The development is poised to reinforce Africa’s growing role in the global energy system while meeting local and international energy demands.
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, according to bp.
Parties to the project also invested in local workforce development – including a four-year apprentice training program – and started a multi-million-dollar social investment program to enhance local quality of life and create long-term opportunities for local development.
