Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project : bp announces arrival of Gimi FLNG vessel

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, a pioneering venture positioned on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of the floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel, Gimi, at its designated location. Operated by bp in collaboration with partners Kosmos Energy, PETROSEN, and SMH, the GTA Phase 1 development is poised to transform the West African region into a global LNG hub.

A Leap in LNG Production

GTA Phase 1 aims to generate approximately 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually, marking a critical step in the region’s energy development. With an operational lifespan extending over two decades, this project underscores Mauritania and Senegal’s emerging role in the global energy landscape. Emil Ismayilov, bp’s Senior Vice President for Mauritania and Senegal, emphasized the project’s significance, acknowledging the team’s resilience through various challenges, including the pandemic, to accomplish this engineering feat. The project’s successful progression is a testament to the dedication and expertise of all parties involved, aiming for a safe completion and the inauguration of a new energy era in both countries.

bp announces arrival of Gimi FLNG vessel at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project

Innovative Technology and Strategic Importance

The GTA Phase 1 development incorporates cutting-edge technology to extract gas from deep-water reservoirs, about 120km offshore. The process involves a subsea system channeling gas to a floating production and storage offloading (FPSO) vessel for initial processing. The gas is then piped to the FLNG vessel at the GTA Hub, where it undergoes cryogenic cooling in four liquefaction trains before storage and eventual transfer to LNG carriers. The Gimi FLNG vessel, capable of storing up to 125,000m³ of LNG, embarked on a 9,000 nautical mile journey from Singapore to its current location, reflecting the project’s global scale and ambition.

Constructed over more than 36 million hours, Gimi represents a significant engineering achievement. The project’s infrastructure, set in water depths reaching up to 2,850m, stands as the deepest subsea development in Africa. Recognized by the Presidents of Mauritania and Senegal as a National Project of Strategic Importance, the multibillion-dollar investment highlights the commitment to sustainable energy production and economic growth.

Transforming the Energy Landscape

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project is more than an energy venture; it’s a beacon of progress for Mauritania, Senegal, and the broader region. By leveraging the latest in LNG technology and sustainable practices, the project is set to play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands while fostering economic development and regional cooperation. As the GTA project advances, it brings the promise of a more sustainable and prosperous future for all involved.