On Thursday, the Mauritanian Ministry of Energy announced the success of the operation to plug the gas leak detected in well A02 on the Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, located 120 km off the coasts of Senegal and Mauritania. According to the official press release, last night the technical teams completed the installation of the LRP (Lower Riser Package) equipment, completely stopping the flow of gas bubbles. Post-intervention tests have confirmed the effectiveness of the measure.
The leak, identified during the night of 19-20 February, raised concerns about its potential impact on the marine ecosystem. BP, the operator in charge of the GTA project, mobilised resources with the authorities in both countries to contain the situation. The success of this plugging operation marks a key stage in the management of the incident.
Rigorous surveillance remains in place. A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), equipped with cameras and sensors, is constantly monitoring the well. Aerial and satellite inspections on 11 and 12 March revealed no traces of substances on the surface, while the French Navy is maintaining its patrols to secure the area.
The GTA field, which has started production, is a strategic project for Mauritania and Senegal, targeting 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per year in phase 1. The authorities claim that these measures guarantee safe and responsible operation, preserving both economic objectives and the marine environment.
In conclusion, the successful plugging of the A02 well and the ongoing monitoring measures demonstrate a commitment to managing the incident responsibly, while highlighting the challenges of offshore development in West Africa.