Kosmos Energy’s GTA Project: Transforming Africa’s LNG Production Landscape Through Cross-Border Innovation

In a groundbreaking development that marks a new chapter in African energy production, Kosmos Energy and bp achieved first gas at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project on the final day of 2024. This milestone represents more than just another LNG facility—it’s a testament to unprecedented cross-border cooperation between Mauritania and Senegal.

Operating in ultra-deepwater conditions reaching depths of 2,850 meters, the GTA project stands as a marvel of modern engineering and diplomatic achievement. With an annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes of LNG, this development is reshaping West Africa’s role in global energy markets while setting new standards for regional cooperation.

Introduction to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG Project

First gas at GTA was achieved by Kosmos Energy and bp on December 31, 2024. The offshore development, located between Mauritania and Senegal, will produce 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually. Operating in water depths up to 2,850 meters, the project ranks among Africa’s export facilities. Both Mauritanian and Senegalian governments designated GTA as a project of strategic national importance in 2021.

Technical Details and Infrastructure of the GTA Project

Phase 1 of the project includes four gas production wells in ultra-deepwater conditions. The FPSO vessel, stationed 40 kilometers offshore, processes 500 million cubic feet of gas daily. A 35-kilometer pipeline system connects to the Floating LNG vessel “Gimi,” which has a LNG market outlook capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per annum. The project taps into estimated gas resources of 15 trillion cubic feet.

Economic Impacts on Mauritania and Senegal

The GTA project created over 3,000 local jobs during construction and partnered with 300 companies across both nations. A revenue sharing agreement splits proceeds equally between Mauritania and Senegal. The project includes a social investment program and a four-year apprentice training initiative for workforce development. Local communities benefit from the allocation of gas for domestic consumption, while the project strengthens both countries’ positions in global energy markets.

West Africa’s Emergence as an LNG Export Hub

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project marks Mauritania and Senegal’s entry into LNG exports. The development opens a new gas basin in the region, with plans for Phase 2 expected to add 3 million tonnes per annum to production capacity. The project strengthens West Africa’s position in global energy markets, as both countries join nimble export facilities like Nigeria and Angola. Additional gas discoveries in the area point to further growth potential.

Global LNG Supply and Demand Dynamics

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project adds substantial LNG capacity to international markets, with first cargo expected in Q1 2025. The development’s 2.3 million tonnes annual production strengthens Africa’s position in sharing insights elevates impact supply chains. The project’s 20-year operational timeline indicates long-term stability for international buyers seeking diversified supply sources. This development comes as African LNG exports gain prominence in meeting worldwide natural gas demand.

Environmental Considerations of the LNG Project

The GTA project incorporates environmental safeguards through its gas processing systems. The FPSO vessel removes heavier hydrocarbon components, water, and impurities from extracted gas. This processing meets international environmental standards while preparing the gas for liquefaction. The phased development approach allows for environmental monitoring and adaptation of protection measures based on operational data. The project’s offshore location reduces impact on coastal ecosystems while maintaining efficient production methods.

Kosmos Energy’s Financial Outlook and Growth Strategy

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project supports Kosmos Energy’s target of 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day production. The company focuses on generating free cash flow while reducing financial leverage to less than 1.5x. Revenue recognition from first gas at GTA begins with the first LNG cargo shipment in Q1 2025. The development strengthens the company’s position in African energy markets as West Africa expands its LNG export capabilities.

Challenges Faced and Overcoming Development Hurdles

The GTA project faced significant technical hurdles operating in waters up to 2,850 meters deep. The cross-border nature of the development required careful coordination between Mauritanian and Senegalian authorities, leading to a formal cooperation agreement in 2018. The construction and transportation of massive FPSO and FLNG vessels presented logistical complications, requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Teams overcame these obstacles through inter-governmental collaboration and advanced offshore engineering solutions.

Future Projections for LNG Demand and Discoveries

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project demonstrates potential for expansion beyond 10 million tonnes per annum in subsequent phases. Recent drilling at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim-1 in 2019 identified additional gas reserves, pointing to sustained production growth. The announced Phase 2 development will increase capacity by 3 million tonnes annually. This growth aligns with LNG market outlook demands, as African gas exports meet international energy requirements. The project’s success sets a precedent for future offshore developments in Mauritania and Senegal’s shared waters.

Local Market Dynamics and Job Creation

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project allocated gas for domestic use in Mauritania and Senegal, supporting local energy needs. The development brought 3,000 construction jobs and partnerships with 300 regional companies. The four-year apprentice program builds technical skills among local workers, creating sustained employment opportunities. Project managers worked with community leaders to identify priority areas for skills training, focusing on LNG operations, maintenance, and safety protocols.

Energy Security and Geopolitical Implications

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project strengthens Mauritania and Senegal’s energy independence while adding diversity to global LNG supply chains. The development positions West Africa as a key LNG production center, joining established amid gas scramble exporters like Nigeria and Angola. This shift in regional energy dynamics creates new trade relationships and bolsters Africa’s role in international gas markets. The 50-50 revenue sharing agreement between Mauritania and Senegal demonstrates successful cross-border energy cooperation, setting standards for future regional developments.

Investment and Regulatory Environment in West Africa

The 2018 inter-government cooperation agreement between Mauritania and Senegal created clear guidelines for LNG development at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. Both nations granted the project “National Project of Strategic Importance” status, showing strong governmental backing. The successful participation of major international companies like bp and Kosmos Energy demonstrates West Africa’s ability to attract large-scale energy investments. The regulatory framework provides stability for international investors while protecting national interests through structured revenue sharing and local content requirements.

The Future of African LNG Production

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project represents more than just an engineering achievement—it’s a blueprint for future cross-border energy developments in Africa. With its successful implementation of revenue sharing agreements, local workforce development, and environmental safeguards, GTA establishes a new paradigm for sustainable energy projects on the continent.

As Phase 2 development looms on the horizon and additional gas discoveries point to further growth potential, the project’s impact extends beyond immediate economic benefits. It demonstrates Africa’s capacity to execute complex energy projects while balancing national interests, environmental responsibilities, and global market demands.

Source: Kosmos Energy