Senegal - Mauritania: first LNG cargo from the GTA field successfully exported

BP has reached a historic milestone with the completion of the loading of the first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export from its flagship Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project, located off the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal. This milestone comes shortly after the successful start-up of the project's first gas flow, achieved earlier in 2025.

The first cargo of LNG was transferred to a carrier from the floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel, positioned around 10 kilometres offshore. On this innovative unit, the natural gas extracted from the ocean depths was cryogenically cooled to -162°C, liquefied to reduce its volume, then stored before being shipped to international markets. This floating infrastructure represents a major technological advance, adapted to the extreme conditions of this offshore development, which operates in water depths of up to 2,850 metres, among the deepest in Africa.

The GTA project, declared a "project of strategic national importance" by the Mauritanian and Senegalese governments, is an emblematic example of cross-border cooperation. The gas resources are located around 120 kilometres off the maritime border between the two countries, reinforcing their growing role on the global energy scene.

Once fully operational, phase 1 of the GTA project is expected to produce around 2.4 million tonnes of LNG per year, meeting global energy needs while supporting local economic ambitions. A specific allocation of gas volumes will also be made available to the domestic markets of Mauritania and Senegal as soon as they are ready to integrate these resources into their energy infrastructures.

"This first cargo from Mauritania and Senegal marks a significant new supply for global energy markets," said Gordon Birrell, BP's Executive Vice President of Production and Operations. "The start of exports from GTA Phase 1 is an important milestone for BP and our oil and gas business as we celebrate the creation of a new production hub within our global portfolio."

The production process is based on a sophisticated logistics chain. The GTA FPSO floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit plays a central role in removing water, condensates and impurities from the raw gas before it is transferred to the FLNG. The FLNG then converts the gas into LNG, ready for export by tanker.

In addition to its impact on global energy markets, the GTA project is set to transform the economies of Mauritania and Senegal. By generating substantial revenues from LNG exports, it will help finance infrastructure, health and education projects in both countries. At the same time, future access to domestic gas could stimulate industrialisation and improve access to energy for local populations.

The success of the GTA Phase 1 project demonstrates BP's ability to meet the technical and logistical challenges of developing ultra-deepwater gas resources. It is also part of the company's overall strategy to diversify its sources of energy supply while progressively reducing its carbon footprint.

With this first cargo, Mauritania and Senegal are positioning themselves as key players on the global energy scene, while BP is consolidating its leadership in liquefied natural gas. This project not only represents a technological and industrial breakthrough, but also a unique opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable economic development in West Africa.