The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas field, a joint venture between Mauritania and Senegal, has exported 8.5 shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the third quarter of 2026, slightly exceeding expectations. According to quarterly results published by US-based Cosmos Energy, one of the project's partners, this brings the total number of shipments exported since the start of the year to 27. The field's production is on track to meet the upper end of its 2026 target of 32-36 shipments.
The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim field, operated by British oil major BP, began producing LNG in February 2025 and exported its first shipment in April 2025. The field's production in Q3 2026 was equivalent to 2.44 million tons per year, slightly lower than expected due to high temperatures during the summer months. Despite this, sales of LNG from the field's first phase rose to 1.208 million barrels of oil equivalent, up 22% from the same period last year.
The cost of production in the first phase fell to $56.1 million, down from $59.4 million in the same period last year. Cosmos Energy's CEO, Andrew Inglis, said that production was "continuing strongly with good performance from the reservoir." He also noted that he had met with the presidents of Mauritania and Senegal in the past two months, and that there was a shared vision to prioritize supplying gas to the domestic market at a lower cost, while also exporting.
On the Senegalese side, construction of the first section of a pipeline connecting the gas field to the 230-megawatt Gandon power plant was over 25% complete as of October. The pipeline will enable the gas field to supply electricity to both Mauritania and Senegal. The project is a major milestone in the development of the region's energy resources.
The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim field is located in the Atlantic Ocean on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal. The field is expected to produce 8-9 shipments in the fourth quarter of 2026, with each shipment having a capacity of around 170,000 cubic meters. If production meets expectations, the field will reach the upper end of its 2026 target.
In related news, Mauritania's Ministry of Energy and Oil signed two contracts with US-based Murphy Oil on Tuesday to explore and produce hydrocarbons in the C10 and Teuf blocks. The deals are part of efforts to boost exploration and production of oil and gas in the country.
The strong performance of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim field is a positive sign for Mauritania and Senegal, which are looking to develop their energy resources to meet growing demand for electricity and to boost economic growth. The field has the potential to make a significant contribution to the region's energy needs.
Key points
- - 8.5 shipments of LNG exported in Q3 2026 - 27 shipments exported since the start of 2026 - Production on track to meet upper end of 2026 target
