Overview of the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline Project
The consortium comprising French firms Phénixa and Oréade-Brèche, American company CSA Ocean Sciences, and Moroccan firm Ziz Geo Consulting has been tasked with conducting environmental studies for the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline by the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). On July 14, 2026, the consortium detailed a Moroccan segment of the pipeline that spans an impressive 2,220 kilometers, featuring four compression stations, with commercial operations projected to commence in the second quarter of 2031. This extensive pipeline project is estimated to cost approximately $25 billion and will traverse about 6,900 kilometers, cutting through 13 countries along Africa's Atlantic coast before connecting to the European network via Morocco. The report characterizes the pipeline as "one of the largest gas transportation infrastructure projects in Africa," dividing the Moroccan section into 1,830 kilometers of land-based pipeline and 390 kilometers of underwater pipeline.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The Atlantic African Gas Pipeline aims to transport Nigerian gas reserves to West African nations, subsequently reaching Morocco and extending to Europe. Its creators envision the pipeline as a crucial infrastructure that will enhance "the energy security of the countries it traverses," while also servicing urban and industrial centers along the coast. The design includes four compression stations strategically located near Boujdour, Tan-Tan, Agadir, and Safi, spaced approximately 300 to 320 kilometers apart. Each station, covering around 64 hectares, will maintain the gas pressure as needed, ensuring efficient flow over long distances. These locations were selected to facilitate access to ports and transportation networks, thus streamlining equipment logistics and service accessibility. Notably, the 48-inch diameter of the pipeline is designed to meet initial needs while allowing for future increases in gas volumes as production and consumption rise in the serviced countries.
Furthermore, the Moroccan segment will also feature two reception stations. The first will receive gas from Mauritania via the underwater section, while the second will serve as the termination point of the land segment, directly connecting to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline. This connection is expected to enable the transfer of gas through the existing network to European markets. The preparations for construction include plans for six temporary camps along the Moroccan route, providing accommodation for workers, storage areas for pipes, and maintenance workshops. Each camp will span approximately 300 kilometers and accommodate between 1,000 and 1,200 workers during the construction phase, prioritizing local employment and specialized training programs.
The construction will be segmented into distinct engineering, procurement, and construction lots, awarded to various contractors to facilitate simultaneous operations on the pipeline, compression stations, and reception terminals. This method aims to shorten project timelines while distributing work and risks among specialized contractors.
As for the underwater section of the pipeline, it will extend about 390 kilometers through Moroccan waters, running from the maritime border with Mauritania to the Dakhla region, at depths ranging from 15 to 100 meters. Close to the shore, the pipe will be gradually buried over nearly eight kilometers, employing concrete weighting, anti-corrosion coating, and cathodic protection to ensure its stability and safety over an estimated lifespan of 40 years. The Moroccan section falls under Phase B1, which stretches from Kayar in Senegal to the connection point with the Maghreb-Europe pipeline in Morocco. The timeline indicates that a final investment decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, paving the way for a shift from studies and design to execution. Construction on Moroccan territory is slated to commence following this decision in late 2026, with commercial operations anticipated in the second quarter of 2031.
Initially, developers considered a fully underwater pipeline parallel to the Atlantic coast but dismissed this option due to construction and maintenance costs, technical challenges, and potential harm to marine ecosystems. The selected mixed route, combining land and sea, aims to mitigate these issues while ensuring gas supply to urban and industrial areas along the route and maintaining connectivity with the Moroccan gas network. Adjustments have also been made to the land route to avoid densely populated areas and protected spaces, imposing a minimum distance of one kilometer from sensitive ecological habitats. The project is currently at the stage of completing the required environmental, social, and regulatory assessments before commencing construction.
As reported by barlamane.com.
