Senegal-Mauritania Gas Project Launches

Senegal and Mauritania have achieved a landmark energy development with the commencement of gas production from their shared Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, marking the largest offshore development in West Africa’s history.

The initial phase of the deepwater project, situated approximately 120 kilometres offshore in water depths of up to 2,850 metres, began production on 31 December 2023. BP operates the field with a controlling stake of 56%, alongside Kosmos Energy holding 27%, whilst Senegal’s Petrosen and Mauritania’s SMHPM hold 10% and 7% respectively.

The development utilises a bespoke Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel anchored in 2,850 metres of water, processing the gas before transferring it to a specialised Floating Liquefied Natural Gas vessel. The total investment of £5.9 billion ($7.5 billion) is expected to yield 35 million cubic feet of gas daily for each country, with annual LNG production targeting 2.5 million tonnes from estimated reserves exceeding 15 trillion cubic feet.

“This milestone represents not just technical achievement but economic transformation,” Senegalese Oil Minister Biram Souley Diop told national broadcaster RTS. The project marks Senegal’s second major hydrocarbon development in seven months, following the June 2023 commencement of oil production at the Sangomar field, operated by Australia’s Woodside Energy, with a production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.

Newly-elected Senegalese President Bassiro Diomaye Faye has emphasised transparency in resource management, stating in his New Year’s address that “these resources must serve as catalysts for broader economic development.” The government has committed to regular public reporting on revenue, investment in domestic gas infrastructure, and the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund alongside local content development programmes.

The project positions West Africa as an emerging LNG hub, with production expected to reach European markets by mid-2024. BP reports comprehensive environmental monitoring systems, including methane leak detection and repair programmes, carbon intensity reduction targets, and marine ecosystem protection measures.

Looking ahead, Phase 2 expansion studies are underway, with potential to double production capacity by 2027. The project’s journey from initial discovery in 2014 through to final investment decision in 2018, to first gas production in December 2023, represents a significant achievement in regional energy cooperation.

Market analysts suggest this development could help diversify Europe’s gas supply amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, whilst both Senegal and Mauritania are exploring additional offshore blocks for future development. The first LNG cargo is expected to be dispatched in early 2024, marking another milestone in West Africa’s evolving energy landscape.