BP, a UK-based energy company, has successfully loaded its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project, located offshore Mauritania and Senegal. The cargo, approximately 174,000 cubic meters, was transferred from the floating LNG (FLNG) vessel Gimi to the LNG carrier British Sponsor. A second carrier is positioned near the hub terminal, ready for the next cargo transfer.

First LNG cargo loading at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim

Kosmos Energy, a partner in the project, highlighted the milestone’s significance. Andrew G. Inglis, Kosmos Energy’s Chairman and CEO, stated: “The first LNG cargo is a significant milestone, enabling Mauritania and Senegal to become gas exporting nations from this project of national strategic importance. We continue to work with bp, SMH, and PETROSEN to safely ramp up the project to its full capacity as well as deliver expansion that leverages the infrastructure put in place for this initial phase.”

The Gimi, operated by Golar LNG and located 10 kilometers offshore, processes natural gas by cooling, liquefying, and storing it. Golar LNG recently secured financing from Chinese leasing firms to refinance the vessel’s debt. The vessel, with a capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), is on track for commercial operations in Q2 2025, initiating a 20-year lease agreement.

BP, holding a 56% stake, operates the GTA project alongside Kosmos Energy (27%), Petrosen (10%), and Société Mauritanienne Des Hydrocarbures (SMH) (7%). The first cargo follows gas production in late 2024 and LNG production in February 2025. Gordon Birrell, BP’s Executive Vice President of Production & Operations, said: “This first cargo from Mauritania and Senegal marks a significant new supply for global energy markets. 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.”

A minor leak detected at a project well in February was resolved, with inspections in March confirming no surface residue. The GTA project, situated in waters up to 2,850 meters deep, is among Africa’s deepest offshore developments. Once fully operational, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce 2.4 mtpa of LNG, with plans to supply gas to domestic markets in Mauritania and Senegal when infrastructure allows.

This milestone is BP’s third major upstream project launch in 2025, following gas production starts in Trinidad and Tobago and Egypt. The company aims to initiate ten projects by 2027 to expand its global energy operations.