The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited exported 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne blend crude to the global market through the FSO Cawthorne vessel, Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal developed in 50 years.
The shipment marked the export of a new light sweet crude known as Cawthorne under the leadership of NNPC’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari.
According to Sahara Group, the first shipment of 950,000 barrels commenced over the weekend after the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission granted licensing approval and officially gazetted the facility.
The company explained that FSO Cawthorne operates as an offshore production support facility, providing storage and offtake services for crude produced from OML 18 and nearby assets.
Sahara Group stated that FSO Cawthorne supports Nigeria’s energy supply by enabling steady production, storage, and evacuation of crude oil.
The group also noted that the vessel uses advanced technologies, including AI-enabled monitoring systems and established QHSE standards, to support operational efficiency, asset integrity, safety performance, and environmental management.
Sahara Group commended NNPCL for its role in leading operations at OML 18, where Sahara participates as a joint operator and partner, adding that collaboration among partners continues to improve operations across Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, said the crude lifting from FSO Cawthorne represents an important step for the asset, the OML 18 partnership, and the oil and gas sector.
Etomi said the start of crude lifting reflects coordinated efforts, technical discipline, and cooperation among project partners.
He added that the development aligns with Sahara Group’s upstream strategy, which focuses on building a resilient and scalable production portfolio through partnerships, asset optimization, and long-term value creation.
Etomi explained that bringing FSO Cawthorne into export operations supports the company’s growth plans, which prioritize operational efficiency, local participation, and infrastructure that can sustain Nigeria’s production objectives.
He noted that Sahara Group continues to expand its oilfield services division to improve innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the sector.
According to Etomi, the company’s oilfield services capabilities help enable more efficient operations and responsible resource development.
He added that community engagement and social impact initiatives remain part of the company’s upstream activities, alongside efforts to align operations with global environmental, social, and governance standards.
Etomi also acknowledged the support of host communities and regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, for ensuring smooth operations.
It was mentioned that FSO Cawthorne is an important offshore facility that helps store and transport crude oil produced from OML 18 and nearby areas.
Reacting to the development, Sahara Group, a global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, reiterated the strategic role of FSO Cawthorne in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security through its reliable production, storage, and evacuation infrastructure.
Sahara Group also said it recognized the advanced technologies deployed on FSO Cawthorne, noting that the facility incorporates cutting-edge systems supported by AI-enabled monitoring and robust QHSE frameworks, enhancing operational efficiency, asset integrity, safety performance, and environmental stewardship.
Sahara commended NNPCL for its leadership of OML 18, where Sahara Group is a joint operator and joint venture partner, noting that the company’s collaborative approach continues to drive continuous improvement and value delivery across Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group upstream company, Dr. Tosin Etomi, said the crude lifting from FSO Cawthorne represents a defining moment for the asset, the OML 18 partnership, and the wider oil and gas sector.
“The successful commencement of crude lifting from FSO Cawthorne is a significant milestone for the OML 18 partnership and a strong demonstration of what can be achieved through shared vision, technical discipline, and committed collaboration,” Etomi said.
Etomi noted that the milestone aligns with Sahara Group’s broader upstream strategy, which is focused on building a resilient, scalable, and responsible production portfolio anchored on strong partnerships, asset optimization, and long-term value creation.
“The transition of FSO Cawthorne into active export is consistent with our upstream growth strategy, prioritizing operational excellence, indigenous participation, and infrastructure capable of sustainably supporting Nigeria’s production ambitions,” he said.
He noted that Sahara Group’s upstream portfolio includes a growing oilfield services division, which is redefining innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector.
“Our expanding oilfield services capabilities are integral to our upstream vision, enabling smarter operations, improved efficiencies, and responsible resource development,” Etomi said.
He added: “Sustainable social impact interventions and community participation have been key drivers of our upstream success, and we remain committed to aligning our operations with the highest global environmental, social, and governance standards.”
The Asharami boss also commended host communities and key regulatory and operational institutions, including the NUPRC, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, for their support in ensuring seamless operations.
source: punchng.com
African Energy Council