bp Loads First LNG Cargo from Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Offshore Africa

bp announced the successful loading of its first LNG cargo from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project, located approximately 120 km offshore Mauritania and Senegal’s maritime border. The cargo, designated for export, was loaded onto bp’s floating LNG (FLNG) vessel 10 km offshore. This loading follows first gas flow from GTA in early 2025.

“This is the culmination of years of work from the entire project and operations teams, and congratulations to all who were involved in safely reaching this landmark,” said Gordon Birrell, Executive Vice President of Productions & Operations, bp. “I would also like to thank the governments of Mauritania and Senegal, and our partners Kosmos Energy, PETROSEN, and SMH for their ongoing support and collaboration.”

Prior to the FLNG loading, GTA’s floating production, storage, and offloading vessel, located approximately 40 km offshore, removed water, condensate, and impurities from the gas. Once on the FLNG, the natural gas was cryogenically cooled, liquefied, and stored before transfer to local LNG carriers.

LNG cargo loading operation; image credit: bp

“This is a very proud day for Mauritania and Senegal,” said Dave Campbell, Senior Vice President, bp Mauritania, and Senegal. “Throughout the development of this project, we have built strong relationships with the project’s host governments, local communities, and our partners, and we look forward to strengthening these in years to come as we continue ongoing operations.”

About GTA LNG

GTA LNG Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 2.4 million tons of LNG annually once fully commissioned. It’s one of the deepest offshore developments in Africa, with gas deposits located in water depths up to 2,850 meters. Mauritania and Senegal declared GTA a project of strategic national importance, satisfying global energy needs and providing gas to both domestic markets.

bp entered Mauritania and Senegal in 2017 and, since then, the company established a multi-million-dollar social investment program to improve local communities and create long-term development opportunities. It also launched an apprentice training program to develop local talent, with 47 technicians preparing to enter offshore operation. GTA construction work has generated over 3,000 local jobs and engaged with around 300 local companies in the region.

“This first cargo from Mauritania and Senegal marks a significant new supply for global energy markets,” said Birrell. “Starting exports from GTA Phase 1 is an important step for bp and our oil and gas business as we celebrate the creation of a new production hub within our global portfolio.”

More bp News

In early April 2025, bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) began gas production at the Cypre subsea development project which, at its peak, is expected to deliver approximately 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The Cypre field is 78 km off Trinidad’s southeastern coast in the East Mayaro Block, with water depths of nearly 80 meters. In 2024, bpTT completed Cypre’s first development phase, constructing four wells that will be connected to the company’s existing Juniper platform.

The total project scope will include seven wells, with the additional three assets scheduled for construction later this year. Cypre is bpTT’s third subsea development project and second start-up in 2025, following first gas at the Raven field offshore Egypt.