The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project represents a landmark development in liquefied natural gas (LNG), jointly spearheaded by global energy giants BP and Kosmos Energy, alongside Mauritania’s national oil company SMH and Senegal’s PETROSEN. Situated offshore at depths reaching 2,850 meters and spanning the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, the GTA gas field is poised to significantly reshape Mauritania’s economic landscape.
Key Project Insights
Resource Potential: Discovered in 2015, the GTA gas field boasts approximately 15 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of recoverable gas reserves, promising sustainable production for 30-50 years.
Production Phases:
Phase 1: Currently set to produce 2.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG.
Phase 2: Planned to double the production capacity, with a long-term goal to achieve up to 10 Mtpa.
Key Project Insights
The project kicked off in early 2019 after necessary regulatory clearances, leading to substantial infrastructure developments, including a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and a Floating LNG (FLNG) terminal. Despite encountering delays primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and contractor disputes, significant milestones have been achieved:
The FPSO vessel arrived at the operational site in June 2024.
First gas production commenced successfully on December 31, 2024.
LNG exportation is scheduled to begin in early 2025, marking Mauritania’s entry into the global LNG market.
Mauritania’s Economic and Strategic Gains
The GTA project is projected to deliver transformative economic benefits for Mauritania:
Robust Revenue Generation: Mauritania anticipates initial revenue streams of approximately $20 million from gas exports in 2024, significantly escalating to around $2.6 billion in 2025, substantially boosting national GDP.
Accelerated Economic Growth: The IMF forecasts a tripling of Mauritania’s economic growth rate, predicting a rise to 14.3% in 2025, driven by increased mining and gas revenues.
Energy Security Enhancement: Mauritania is allocated 35 million cubic feet of gas daily for domestic consumption, effectively addressing energy poverty and supporting industrial expansion.
Long-Term Financial Stability: Over the next three decades, GTA will generate at least $19 billion in additional government revenues, ensuring sustained economic stability.
Global LNG Hub Positioning: By establishing itself as a key player in the global LNG market, Mauritania enhances its strategic positioning, becoming a compelling destination for international investment.
Local Capacity Building: Infrastructure construction has already created numerous employment opportunities, contributing to skill enhancement and local workforce development.
Government Revenues
Total (over three decades): $19 billion
2025: $2.6 billion
2024: $20 million
Economic Indicators
Mauritania GDP (2019): $7.6 billion
Projected GDP Growth Rate (2025): 14.3%
LNG Production & Gas Allocation
Production Capacities & Gas Data
LNG Production Capacity (Phase 1): 2.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa)
Potential LNG Production Capacity (Future Phases): Up to 10 Mtpa
Daily Gas Allocation for Domestic Use: 35 million cubic feet
Employment & Business Impact
Construction & Local Involvement
Jobs Created (Construction Phase): Approximately 3,000 jobs
Local Businesses Involved: 300 companies
Project Timeline
Key Milestones
Discovery Year of GTA Gas Field: 2015
FPSO Vessel Arrival: June 2024
First Gas Production Date: December 31, 2024
LNG Export Commencement: Early 2025
Challenges and Sustainability
Despite these benefits, Mauritania faces environmental and governance challenges:
Environmental stakeholders have voiced concerns about potential impacts on marine ecosystems near Mauritania’s coastline, necessitating stringent environmental safeguards.
Production delays have impacted immediate fiscal projections and financing strategies.
Emphasizing transparency and robust governance frameworks remains essential to maximizing long-term community and national benefits.
The economic potential of the GTA gas project:
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project holds transformative economic promise for Mauritania, projecting over $19 billion in government revenues across three decades and contributing $2.6 billion in 2025 alone. Driven by this revenue surge, Mauritania’s GDP growth rate is expected to triple to 14.3% by 2025, significantly impacting the nation’s economy. The project will also support domestic energy security by allocating 35 million cubic feet of gas daily for local use, generating thousands of jobs, and enhancing Mauritania’s strategic positioning as a key global LNG hub. Nevertheless, effective management of environmental and governance challenges remains crucial for fully capitalizing on this landmark opportunity.
A Catalyst for Future Prosperity
In conclusion, the GTA project significantly enhances Mauritania’s economic and developmental prospects. By tapping into vast offshore natural gas reserves, Mauritania is positioning itself as a pivotal LNG hub, fostering economic growth, ensuring energy security, and promoting sustainable development. As the project advances, Mauritania continues to leverage this critical opportunity, solidifying its role as an attractive destination for global investment and a key player in the West African energy landscape.
