BP, the UK-based energy giant, is making significant progress in its flagship Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project off the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal. The project, the largest in BP’s portfolio and one of Africa’s deepest and most intricate gas developments, has entered a critical stage with the full commissioning of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) infrastructure well underway.

A key milestone was achieved when feed gas from BP’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit was delivered to the FLNG Gimi on January 18, 2025. Prior to this, gas supplied by the British Sponsor LNG carrier was used for advanced commissioning work. This development accelerates the full commissioning process, setting the stage for the project’s first LNG export cargo, expected in the first quarter of 2025. Full commercial operations are projected to begin by the second quarter of 2025, subject to all conditions being met.

The successful delivery of gas to the FLNG will also trigger the final upward adjustment to the commissioning rate under the commercial reset agreed upon in August 2024. Upon achieving commercial operations, the project will initiate a 20-year lease and operate agreement, unlocking approximately $3 billion in adjusted EBITDA backlog for Golar LNG. This agreement will ensure recognition of contractual payments across both capital and operating elements in the company’s financial statements.

The GTA Phase 1 development is notable for having Africa’s deepest subsea infrastructure, with wells situated at depths of up to 2,850 meters. It is expected to produce around 2.3 million tons of LNG annually over its 20-year lifespan. Gas extracted from wells approximately 40 kilometers offshore flows to the FPSO, where water, condensate, and impurities are removed. The processed gas is then transported via pipeline to the FLNG Gimi for liquefaction.

BP holds a 56% operating interest in the project, alongside Kosmos Energy (27%), Petrosen (10%), and SMH (7%). The GTA field boasts an estimated 15 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, sufficient to sustain production for at least two decades. BP describes the GTA gas development as a cornerstone of its portfolio.

In addition to its activities in West Africa, BP is advancing other global projects. Recently, it completed drilling operations at two wells in the Mediterranean Sea, with plans to bring them online next month. Subsea commissioning work is ongoing, supported by a Valaris-owned drillship, which will move to its next drilling target in the East Mediterranean as part of BP’s expanding exploration agenda.