Senegal - Mauritania: GTA gas field reaches 95% completion rate

Mauritania's Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mr. Nani Ould Chrougha, and his Senegalese counterpart, Mr. Birame Souleye Diop, recently visited the facilities of the Tortue Ahmeyim gas field, located 40 kilometers off the Atlantic coast. The visit marks a crucial step in the ongoing development of this gas field, a joint project between Mauritania and Senegal, in partnership with BP and Kosmos Energy.

During the visit, Minister Ould Chrougha announced that the project had reached 95% completion, signalling the proximity of the first gas production. He added that the aim was now to produce 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year for over 20 years, representing a key milestone in the energy ambitions of both countries.

The arrival of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) platform on site is considered a major step forward for the project. This floating unit, the fourth and final component required for the initial phase of development, will be capable of processing and producing 500 million cubic feet of gas per day, underlining the strategic importance of this facility.

The GTA field infrastructure comprises four main elements: subsea well systems and pipelines, the FPSO platform, the FLNG liquefaction station, and support facilities such as accommodation and wave protection infrastructure. The visit enabled the Mauritanian and Senegalese delegations to check the condition of these facilities and confirm their readiness for the imminent start of operations.

The GTA gas field, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, represents a significant opportunity for the region, according to a press release issued by the Ministry. The project, which represents the first offshore gas development initiative in the region, is expected not only to generate substantial revenues for both countries, but also to provide a low-cost local energy source, while promoting the expansion of Mauritania's energy and mining sectors.