BP's FPSO Unit Arrives at Grand Tortue Ahmeyim Gas Project, Marking Key Development

BP has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 LNG project with the arrival of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The FPSO, constructed by COSCO Qidong Shipyard in China, is now moored at its final location 40 kilometers offshore Mauritania and Senegal in a water depth of 120 meters.

The FPSO is expected to process and transfer over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) vessel at the Hub Terminal, approximately 10 kilometers offshore. This development is part of GTA Phase 1, which aims to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually for more than 20 years.

The GTA project features the deepest subsea infrastructure in Africa, with wells located in water depths of up to 2,850 meters. The FPSO unit, which traveled over 12,000 nautical miles from China, will play a vital role in processing the gas extracted from these deepwater reservoirs.

Why this matters: The development of the GTA project has significant implications for the energy sector and the economies of Mauritania and Senegal. The successful completion of the project could lead to increased energy production, economic growth, and improved energy security for the region.

Dave Campbell, BP's senior vice president for Mauritania and Senegal, highlighted the significance of this development: "BP is investing in today's energy system - and tomorrow's too, and GTA Phase 1 represents this investment in action." He described the project as "an innovative LNG development that is leading the way in unlocking gas resources for Mauritania and Senegal."

BP operates the GTA project in partnership with PETROSEN, Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), and Kosmos Energy. The project has been designated as a National Project of Strategic Importance by the Presidents of Mauritania and Senegal, underscoring its economic and strategic significance.

The FPSO unit is an engineering marvel, equivalent in size to two football fields and standing 10 stories high. It is composed of over 81,000 tons of steel, 37,000 meters of pipe spools, and 1.52 million meters of cables. During normal operations, the FPSO will accommodate up to 140 personnel.

The gas processed by the FPSO will be transferred via pipeline to the FLNG vessel, where it will be liquefied and stored before being exported. This process involves removing water, condensates, and impurities from the gas, ensuring it meets the necessary specifications for liquefaction.

The GTA Phase 1 project represents a significant investment in the future of energy for Mauritania and Senegal. The project's progression towards the start of gas production promises to provide a reliable source of clean energy and generate substantial economic benefits for the region.

The successful arrival and installation of the FPSO unit mark a major step forward in the GTA project. The focus now shifts to completing the installation and testing phases, paving the way for the commencement of gas production, which will open new energy opportunities for both countries.

Key Takeaways

• BP's GTA Phase 1 LNG project reaches milestone with FPSO vessel arrival.
• FPSO will process 500 million scf/day of gas for FLNG vessel at Hub Terminal.
• GTA project aims to produce 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually for 20+ years.
• FPSO unit traveled 12,000 nautical miles from China to Mauritania and Senegal.
• Project promises to provide clean energy and economic benefits for the region.