The Ghent Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, a significant endeavor in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Unit (FLNG) at Senegalese-Mauritanian waters. This development was announced by the BP Company, one of the project’s key operators.

The FLNG, a critical component of the GTA project, reached its destination at the Senegalese-Mauritanian maritime border on Thursday, February 16, 2024. Operated by BP and its partners Kosmos Energy, Petrosen, and SMH, the project aims to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of LNG per year in its first phase.

Emil Ismayilov, senior vice-president of BP for Mauritania and Senegal, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, “The safe arrival of the FLNG marks a new milestone for phase 1 of the GTA project, and demonstrates the commitment of our team and of our partners to carry out this project safely.”

Despite facing challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the project team successfully navigated the complexities involved in bringing the FLNG to its designated location. The FLNG GIMI, owned and operated by Golar LNG, traveled 9,000 nautical miles from Singapore to the site, showcasing the project’s scale and ambition.

Once operational, the GTA project is expected to have a significant impact on the economies of Mauritania and Senegal, providing a platform for them to become major players in the global LNG market. The project’s success also underscores the strategic importance of the energy sector in driving sustainable development in the region.

The GTA Phase 1 development, with its deep-water reservoirs and cutting-edge infrastructure, represents a substantial investment and has been recognized as a National Project of Strategic Importance by the presidents of Mauritania and Senegal. The completion of this project is poised to open a new chapter in energy cooperation and development for the two neighboring countries.