The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has achieved a major milestone with the export of 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne Blend crude to the international market.
This marks Nigeria’s first crude export from a newly developed terminal in five decades, signalling a significant step forward for the country’s oil and gas sector.
The export was executed through the state-of-the-art Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Cawthorne vessel, highlighting renewed momentum in crude production and a strategic push toward expanding infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.
The development also confirms the emergence of a new light sweet crude grade, Cawthorne Blend, which was exported in March under the leadership of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.
The maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was lifted over the weekend from the newly approved FSO Cawthorne terminal, following regulatory clearance from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), officially kickstarting export operations at the facility.
Positioned offshore, the FSO Cawthorne serves as a critical asset, providing storage and export capabilities for crude from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and nearby fields, thereby boosting efficiency and flexibility in the region.
Sahara Group, which supported the deployment of the facility, described it as vital to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security through dependable production, storage, and evacuation systems. The company noted that the vessel is equipped with advanced technologies, including AI-powered monitoring and strong Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) systems, aimed at improving performance, safeguarding assets, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Sahara Group also praised NNPCL’s leadership in OML 18, where it operates as a joint venture partner, adding that collaboration among stakeholders continues to drive stronger performance and value creation in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Reacting to the development, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, Dr Tosin Etomi, described the crude lifting as a landmark achievement for both the asset and the wider oil and gas industry.
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