Gas production has not stopped at the joint field between Senegal and Mauritania.

Gas Production Continues at the Joint Turtle Ahmeyim Field Between Senegal and Mauritania

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Mauritania has confirmed that production operations at the large Turtle Ahmeyim (GTA) field, a joint venture between Mauritania and Senegal, are continuing despite a recent oil spill. The spill occurred on February 19 at one of the wells located 120 kilometers off Mauritania’s coast. This incident raised significant concerns among partners and investors regarding its economic and environmental impact.

Repair Efforts Underway

The Ministry confirmed that the necessary parts to repair the spill were successfully delivered to the Nouakchott port and transported to the field by a dedicated ship. Technical teams are working on securely sealing the wellhead of well “A02” to resolve the issue and prevent any further complications.

Major Equipment Arrival

On February 26, an Antonov Ukrainian cargo plane, one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, arrived at Nouakchott airport carrying the essential equipment required for the repairs. This shipment is a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to address the oil spill.

BP’s Statement on Environmental Impact

BP (British Petroleum), the operator of the Turtle Ahmeyim field, reassured the public that the company is actively addressing the spill. BP also stated that the environmental impact is minimal. Monitoring operations conducted by technical teams from Mauritania, Senegal, and BP found no materials on the water’s surface.

LNG Exports Begin

Mauritania and Senegal began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Turtle Ahmeyim field on February 21. The first shipment, weighing approximately 76,000 tons, was loaded onto the “British Sponsor” gas carrier. This marks a significant milestone for the project, which is set to become a major development in the region.

Project Overview and Future Plans

The total cost of the project is estimated at 4.8 billion USD. BP manages 56% of the assets, with American company Kosmos Energy holding 27%. The governments of Mauritania and Senegal own 7% and 10%, respectively. The field’s estimated gas reserves range from 20 to 25 trillion cubic feet. The project aims to increase production to 10 million tons annually by 2030.

Sources:

• Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Mauritania
• BP (British Petroleum)
• Reuters
• Energy Platform