Senegal and Mauritania have officially commenced gas production at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, marking a pivotal milestone in the region’s energy sector.
Senegalese Oil Minister Biram Souley Diop announced the start of production during a Friday briefing, describing it as a “historic” achievement for both nations.
The GTA field, located along the maritime border shared by Senegal and Mauritania, began operations on December 31. Gas extraction is being carried out in the first phase of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, with production facilities situated aboard a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. 
British Petroleum (BP), a primary operator in the project, confirmed the development in a statement released Saturday, noting that gas is now flowing from the initial wells. U.S.-based Kosmos Energy, along with Mauritania’s Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH) and Senegal’s Petrosen, are also partners in the venture.
The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim field is expected to produce approximately 2.5 million tonnes of LNG annually. Each country will receive an initial allocation of 35 million cubic feet of gas daily, according to Minister Diop.
He stressed that the project aims to meet local energy demands while also generating revenue through exports to international markets.
On Wednesday, the two nations celebrated the launch of the first offshore well, symbolizing a step forward in their shared vision for economic transformation.
While Senegal and Mauritania’s production levels may not rival those of global gas heavyweights like Qatar or Russia, the project is projected to deliver significant financial benefits to both countries, supporting domestic growth and infrastructure development.
The venture represents six years of planning and collaboration, with Oil Minister Diop emphasizing its dual purpose: to provide a sustainable energy supply locally and to position Senegal and Mauritania as emerging players in the global energy market.
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