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New Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Milestone Achieved with Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Sail Away

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Tortue Ahmeyim

With the departure of the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel from China, the MSGBC’s first hydrocarbon production is officially drawing near, opening up new opportunities for broader economic growth

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, January 24, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Project partners bp and Technip Energy have announced that the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel has officially left China, heading towards the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) development on the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania.

The MSGBC region’s first hydrocarbon production is officially in sight, signaling new opportunities for widespread economic growth on the back of energy security and industrialization.

Sailing Towards First Gas, Improved Security

On January 20, the FPSO vessel officially left China, bound for Senegal and Mauritania via Singapore. It’s departure from China follows three years of construction and successful sea trials, with the facility – comprising eight processing and production modules and measuring 270m in length, 54m in width and 31.5m in depth – set to accommodate 140 people onboard while processing gas for the GTA’s associated Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility.

Representing a critical part of the wider GTA development, the FPSO vessel (https://bit.ly/3XTSvvT) will enable the processing of up to 500 million standard cubic feet of gas, as well as the production of 2.3 million tons of LNG per annum (mtpa) as part of the GTA’s first phase of development. In its second phase, this figure will increase twofold, with up to 10 mtpa set to be produced. 

Speaking to the achievement, Gordon Birrell, Executive Vice President of Production and Operations of bp, stated (http://bit.ly/3Hs4JGA) that, “This is a fantastic milestone for this important project, which is a great example of bp’s resilient hydrocarbon strategy in action. The team has delivered this in a challenging environment, including through COVID, always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do. With the continued support of our partners, Societé Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMHPM) in Mauritania, Petrosen in Senegal and Kosmos Energy, we remain committed to helping both countries to develop their world-class resources in a sustainable way.”

What Does First Production Mean for the MSGBC Region?

This is a fantastic milestone for this important project, which is a great example of bp’s resilient hydrocarbon strategy in action

Jointly developed by operator bp; Kosmos Energy; Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines; Senegal’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energies; as well as Mauritania’s National Oil Company (NOC) SMHPM and Senegal’s NOC Petrosen, with Technip Energies (http://bit.ly/3XUHM4w) having been awarded the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning contract, the GTA – as the largest hydrocarbon development underway in the region – is on track for first production by Q3 this year with the departure of the FPSO vessel. The project itself is set to transform the regional energy space by introducing a long-term and viable supply of natural gas, thereby opening up opportunities for power generation, industrialization and revenue generation via exports. Up to 15 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable reserves will be maximized at a time when global stakeholders are looking at capitalizing on African gas resources.

However, the celebration of first gas does more than demonstrate the resilience of the respective governments to monetize offshore gas resources. Quickly following the start of the GTA, Senegal’s pioneer oil development, the 100,000 barrel per day Sangomar Project, is also set to see first production, further solidifying the commitment of both the energy majors involved and regional governments. In early December 2022, project developer Woodside Energy announced that the FPSO vessel has completed construction for the Sangomar Phase 1 Field Development, with production now on track for late-2023.

With these developments, a new era of energy security is in sight for the region at a time when global markets are in a constant state of volatility. For Africa, first production at the GTA and Sangomar will kickstart industrialization and electrification, triggering opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy. For the global energy sector, a new supply of oil and gas will be on the market, enabling the transition away from Russian dependency and advancements in stability.

What’s more, the success of both GTA and Sangomar are set to create a ripple effect of project takeoffs across the region, with project developers hoping to mirror the success of these pioneering projects. Notably, GTA’s neighboring development, the 13 tcf Mauritania -based BirAllah project – representing the largest deepwater gas discovery of 2019 – has long been slated as a follow up to the GTA project itself. Following first production from the GTA, interest is expected to turn to BirAllah, with project developers looking towards a final investment decision (FID). Similarly, the bp-Kosmos partnership has earmarked this year for the securing of the FID of Senegal’s 20 tcf Yakaar-Teranga project (http://bit.ly/3XB54fK), a promising new development located in the Cayer Profond Block to the south of the GTA.

As such, the success of first hydrocarbon production will trigger growth across the entire energy industry and wider economy, with details of these benefits set to be unpacked during the 2023 edition of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition (http://bit.ly/3kcOx2O) – taking place from November 21-22 in Mauritania.

During the 2022 edition, project developer Kosmos Energy delivered an update on the GTA project, and now, during the 2023 edition in November, relevant parties will not only celebrate first production but discuss what happens next as well as the progress of other developments. 2023 is set to be the year of first hydrocarbon production for the MSGBC region, but 2024, the start of a new era of multi-project takeoff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Building a Knowledge Hub for China-ASEAN Energy Cooperation

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September 22, 2026

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NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2026 – During the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, China Southern Power Grid showcased a range of innovations designed to support energy cooperation between China and ASEAN. These included the DaWatt – Lao Language Large Language Model (LLM) for the Energy and Power Sector V2.0 and the Flexible Grayscale Intelligent Monitoring & Analysis Platform for power system cybersecurity, highlighting expanding opportunities for cooperation in digitalization, intelligent technologies and green energy.

The Lao-language LLM has been deployed at Electricité du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T), where it can automatically analyze thousands of inspection images within a short period of time. After its algorithms were optimized for Laos’ mountainous and rainforest terrain, the model completed intelligent inspection analysis for four transmission lines, processing 26,000 drone inspection images and identifying more than 3,600 equipment defects.

 




 
 

Liu Ying, general manager of the Digitalization Department at Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd., said the company has been building multilingual professional corpora for the power sector, covering ASEAN countries including Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia. Drawing on the capabilities of the DaWatt foundation model, the company is developing energy and power models tailored to ASEAN languages and real-world power industry applications.

Talent development is another focus of the cooperation. The China-ASEAN Institute of Energy, jointly established by Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. and Guangxi University, is exploring an industry-university training model with a strong emphasis on practical experience. So far, two cohorts totaling 53 students from ASEAN countries have enrolled.

Cooperation is also evolving from one-way training toward joint innovation. Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. and the Royal Academy of Cambodia have jointly established a laboratory for artificial intelligence and safety equipment, while the company has also launched peer-to-peer exchanges with Electricité du Laos on improving power supply reliability.

To address language barriers in cross-border technical exchanges, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. has developed an AI-powered translation platform backed by a specialized database containing terminology for more than 1,800 types of power equipment. The platform supports accurate translation between Chinese and English, Chinese and Lao, and Chinese and Vietnamese.

At a recent training program for Chinese and overseas engineers, the system supported one-click generation of bilingual course materials and real-time speech translation, helping participants navigate highly specialized power-sector terminology.

To support regular international exchanges, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. has also established an international talent pool covering management, technical and skilled personnel. It has developed 24 hours of courses on international affairs as well as 20 short-form video courses.

“This year, we will also explore joint postgraduate programs with universities in ASEAN countries,” said Sun Xiaohua, deputy director of the Human Resources Department at Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd.

Looking ahead, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. plans to further advance a development model featuring “R&D in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, integration in Guangxi, and application in ASEAN.” The company will continue expanding its multilingual power-sector corpora and explore a “Token Goes Global” model for power-sector AI, with computing resources and models based in Guangxi while knowledge services are delivered overseas. The effort is aimed at creating new forms of China-ASEAN energy cooperation and supporting the green development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0.
 




 

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24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival to Showcase Asia’s Spectacular Autumn Colors

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September 22, 2026

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BAZHONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2026 – The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival will run from October 1 to November 18 at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China.

Located in southwest China, Guangwu Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 97%, earning its reputation as a “natural oxygen bar.” Each autumn, 680 square kilometers of mountain forests burst into a dazzling palette. Over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples and lindens, weave the mountains into a stunning autumn landscape.

Known as “Asia’s longest natural red carpet,” the Mountain has become a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences, and is widely recognized as one of western China’s signature autumn attractions.

 




 
 

The tourism area caters to international visitors who prefer slower-paced, in-depth, off-the-beaten-path travel. The new Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, launched in May 2026, winds along mountain cliffs, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath visitors’ feet and brilliant foliage unfolding alongside the trail, creating the feeling of “stepping into a painting.”

Guangwu Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor attractions. Highlights include the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with stunning natural scenery.

The large-scale immersive production “New Dream of Guangwu Mountain” integrates cutting-edge light and visual technology with Bashan folklore and traditions, transforming the forest into an atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can also enjoy welcome performances and interactive robot activities, which offer more ways to discover the mountain’s late-autumn charm.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the newly completed Micang Avenue. Stretching 85 kilometers, the route connects seven core scenic spots, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River, reducing a four-hour drive to just one hour. Lined with continuous stretches of colorful forest and layered peaks, the avenue brings brand-new travel experiences for autumn foliage enthusiasts.

The festival will also feature cultural, sports and international exchange activities, including the third season of the “Sending You a Red Leaf” campaign, the China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race, and the “World Red Leaf Landmark” global collection campaign.

In addition, 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will provide special ticket offers and visitor benefits during the festival.

Across mountains and seas, Guangwu Mountain invites visitors from around the world to witness one of China’s most vibrant red-and-gold autumn displays.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
 
 




 

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Business

DHL Invests in Greater Middle East-Africa Connectivity with New Aviation Lane

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September 22, 2026

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The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 21, 2026/APO Group/ —
  • New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.

 




  

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

 

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

 

Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

 

 

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth. And Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is supporting customers across this dynamic lane.

 

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

 

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

 

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

 

 




 

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