Mauritania-Senegal natural gas project: a key milestone reached

The arrival of a floating unit marks a major turning point for the natural gas project between Mauritania and Senegal.
Avancée majeure pour le gaz Mauritanie-Sénégal

Partagez:

The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field recently saw the arrival of the floating production and storage unit (FPSO). Located between Mauritania and Senegal, this major development comes after months of travel and numerous delays due to the pandemic. The unit, now anchored in the Atlantic, is ready to start production. It is also essential for gas production.

FPSO operation and capacity

Stationed around 40 kilometers offshore, the FPSO is connected by pipeline to the extraction wells located 80 kilometers further out to sea. It receives, processes and sends the natural gas to another floating unit, which liquefies it for transport. This floating infrastructure plays an important role in the gas value chain.

Economic impact and projections

The GTA project represents a multi-billion dollar investment. It is initially designed to produce around 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year. This production should not only satisfy domestic demand but also enable substantial exports. The entry of Senegal and Mauritania into the circle of gas producers is seen as an economic opportunity. In particular, with spin-offs expected in several sectors of their economies.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the strategic importance of this project, it has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. This was due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its construction in China. Added to this are the necessary adjustments in the Singapore shipyards. The Mauritanian and Senegalese oil ministers recently indicated that production should begin in the third quarter of 2024. This start-up will mark the beginning of a new energy era for both countries.
The arrival of the FPSO at the GTA project symbolizes a significant step towards achieving the energy ambitions of Mauritania and Senegal. The project promises to transform the regional energy landscape and provide an economic boost to both nations.

The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.
In response to rising summer electricity consumption, Egypt signs import agreements covering 290 shipments of liquefied natural gas, involving major international firms, with financial terms adjusted to the country’s economic constraints.
Egyptian fertilizer producers suspended their activities due to reduced imports of Israeli gas, following recent production halts at Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas fields after Israeli strikes in Iran.