Senegal – Mauritania: BP & Golar make progress in commissioning the FLNG Gimi for GTA

Golar LNG, a major player in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has taken a decisive step forward by concluding an agreement with BP, operator of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) development located offshore Mauritania and Senegal, and its partner Kosmos Energy. The agreement covers the use of an LNG cargo to accelerate the commissioning of the Gimi FLNG vessel.

Last month, the UK LNG carrier Sponsor delivered the first gas on board the Gimi FLNG. This is a major step forward in the preparations, as more gas will be injected from this cargo until the GTA FPSO platform is fully operational to export gas to the Gimi. Once this phase is complete, commissioning activities will be stepped up even further.

At the same time, Golar LNG continues its commitment to innovation and expansion. In September, the company signed an EPC agreement with CIMC Raffles for its first MK II FLNG, designed for an annual capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of LNG. Building on the success of the MK I design, this new generation incorporates significant improvements in efficiency and operability. The conversion project, estimated to cost $2.2 billion, is targeting delivery of the FLNG MK II in the fourth quarter of 2027. According to Golar, this unit will then represent the first FLNG capacity available worldwide.

Golar has also secured an option for a second FLNG MK II unit with CIMC, which could be delivered by 2028, strengthening its position in the global market.

In addition to its projects in West Africa, Golar LNG has teamed up with Pampa Energía (PAE) for a FLNG project in Argentina. This partnership aims to exploit gas produced from the Vaca Muerta shale deposit, located in the Neuquén onshore basin. Scheduled to last 20 years, the project could start exporting LNG by 2027.

In October, PAE confirmed the reservation of the FLNG vessel Hilli for this project. Initially, the vessel will draw on spare capacity in Argentina's existing pipeline network. Subsequently, the construction of a dedicated pipeline linking the FLNG terminal directly to the Vaca Muerta shale formation is under consideration. This initiative could lead to a multi-FLNG project, boosting Argentina's export potential.

With these multiple projects, Golar LNG is confirming its leadership and its ability to meet the world's energy challenges. Working with strategic partners, the company is paving the way for increased LNG production and exports, while innovating in offshore exploitation technologies. These initiatives reinforce both the energy ambitions of strategic regions such as West Africa and Latin America and Golar LNG's position as a key player in the sector.