Development, Impacts, and Outlook
Introduction
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project represents a landmark energy development situated on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal. Operated by BP in partnership with Kosmos Energy, Senegal's Petrosen, and Mauritania's SMHPM, the project taps into substantial offshore natural gas reserves, positioning these West African nations as emerging players in the global LNG market...
Project Background and Strategic Importance
Located approximately 120 kilometers offshore in water depths reaching 2 kilometers, the GTA field is Africa's deepest offshore project to date. Its development unlocks estimated gas reserves ranging from 15 to 50 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), potentially holding up to 1,400 billion cubic meters (bcm)...
Estimated Reserves:
15-50 Tcf (~425-1400 bcm)
...The project spans Mauritania's C-8 block and Senegal's Saint-Louis Profond block, necessitating close cross-border collaboration formalized through an inter-governmental cooperation agreement ensuring a 50/50 split of resources and revenues.
...Phase 1 designed to produce approximately 2.3-2.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG... Future phases aim to significantly increase capacity, potentially reaching 10 mtpa.
LNG Production Targets (mtpa):
Stakeholder Landscape and Partnerships
The successful execution of the GTA project relies on a complex web of partnerships:
- Operator & Partners: BP (56%), Kosmos Energy (27%), Petrosen (10%), SMHPM (7%).
- Governments: Mauritania and Senegal.
- Key Contractors: Golar LNG (FLNG), TechnipFMC (FPSO), KBR, Eiffage/Saipem, Allseas/Saipem.
- Offtaker: BP Gas Marketing (Phase 1).
Operator Working Interests:
Resource Base and Production Technology
Phase 1 employs advanced offshore technology:
- Subsea System: Ultra-deepwater system with initial wells.
- FPSO: Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit for initial processing.
- FLNG: Floating LNG vessel "Gimi" for liquefaction and storage.
This integrated deepwater-to-nearshore system represents a sophisticated approach...
Investment, Financing, and Economic Viability
Phase 1 of the GTA project represents a significant investment, estimated between $4.6 and $4.8 billion. A potential second phase is anticipated to require around $5 billion...
...Financing involves complex international arrangements... The project's economic viability is underpinned by its projected 30-year lifespan...
Development Timeline and Current Status
- 2015: Discovery (Tortue field by Kosmos Energy)
- 2016: Partnership (BP joins Kosmos)
- Feb 2018: Inter-governmental Agreement
- Dec 2018: Final Investment Decision (FID - Phase 1)
- 2019: Major Contracts Awarded
- 2020: COVID-19 Delay (~1 year)
- July 2021: "National Project" Designation
- Jan 2024: FLNG "Gimi" Arrival
- Q2 2024: FPSO Arrival
- Dec 31, 2024: First Gas Achieved
- Feb 10, 2025: First LNG Production
- Q1 2025 (Expected): First LNG Cargo
- Target 2025/2027: Phase 2 Construction/Production Start
Economic Benefits and Socio-Environmental Dimensions
Economic Benefits
Projected GDP Boosts:
- Significant GDP Growth
- Long-term Revenue Generation
- Potential Domestic Energy Supply
- Job Creation (3,000+ local jobs)
- Local Content (~300 local companies)
- Social Investment Programs
Socio-Environmental Dimensions
- Potential Marine Ecosystem Impacts (Reefs, Birds)
- Condensate Spill Risks (Fisheries)
- Reported Gas Leak Concerns
- Fishing Community Consultation/Impact Issues
- ESIA Adequacy Criticisms
Balancing economic opportunities with environmental protection and community engagement is crucial.
