bp has successfully begun flowing gas from wells at the GTA Phase 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.
The achievement signals the start of the next stage of commissioning, bringing the project closer to full operational capacity.
Deepwater Development in Africa
Located offshore Mauritania and Senegal, GTA is one of Africa’s deepest offshore developments, with gas resources in water depths of up to 2,850 meters.
Once fully operational, GTA Phase 1 will produce approximately 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually. Both host governments declared the project as one of “strategic national importance” in 2021.
Potential LNG Hub for Mauritania and Senegal
The milestone highlights the potential of Mauritania and Senegal to become key players in global LNG production.
“First gas flow is a material example of supporting today’s global energy demands while reiterating our commitment to help Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources,” stated Gordon Birrell, bp’s EVP of Production and Operations.
Production Process Overview
The GTA FPSO, located about 40 kilometers offshore, receives gas from GTA Phase 1. There, it removes water, condensate, and impurities.
The pipeline transfers the processed gas to a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel located 10 kilometers offshore.
At the FLNG, they cryogenically cool, liquefy, and store the gas before loading it onto LNG carriers for export.
Additionally, they will allocate some gas to meet the growing energy needs of Mauritania and Senegal.
Local and Global Significance
Dave Campbell, bp’s SVP for Mauritania and Senegal stated, “With this milestone, Mauritania and Senegal take a major step toward becoming gas-exporting nations. This achievement reflects the resilience and dedication of the BP team, as well as the strong partnerships with host governments and local communities”.
Supporting Local Development
The GTA project has partnered with approximately 300 local companies in Mauritania and Senegal.
bp has also invested in workforce development through initiatives like a four-year apprentice training program.
The company launched a multi-million-dollar social investment program. This program aims to improve the quality of life and create long-term development opportunities in the region.
Looking Ahead
As commissioning progresses, bp and its partners remain focused on delivering the project safely and efficiently.
According to the press release, GTA Phase 1 is on track to start the LNG project. As a result, Mauritania and Senegal are set to take on a more prominent role in the global energy market.
