NNPCL exports first Cawthorne crude, Ships 950,000 Barrels

By: Amarachi Okonkwo 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector with the successful lifting of 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne blend crude into the international market, marking the operational debut of the country’s first new crude oil terminal in five decades.

The export, executed through the ultramodern Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Cawthorne vessel, signals the official entry of a new light sweet crude grade Cawthorne into Nigeria’s export portfolio under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.

According to a statement issued by Sahara Group, the maiden shipment was initiated over the weekend following the licensing and gazetting of the facility by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. The development confirms earlier indications that Nigeria was set to introduce a new crude stream to global buyers.

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The FSO Cawthorne serves as a critical offshore asset, providing storage and evacuation support for crude produced from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and surrounding fields. Industry analysts say the deployment of the facility is expected to enhance production efficiency, reduce evacuation bottlenecks and improve Nigeria’s ability to meet export commitments.

Sahara Group, a joint operator and partner in OML 18, described the milestone as a major boost for Nigeria’s energy security architecture. The company highlighted that the facility is equipped with advanced technologies, including AI-enabled monitoring systems and robust quality, health, safety and environmental (QHSE) frameworks designed to improve operational performance, asset integrity and environmental compliance.

The Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, Tosin Etomi, described the crude lifting as a defining moment for the OML 18 partnership and the broader oil and gas industry.

He noted that the commencement of exports from the FSO Cawthorne reflects the success of collaborative efforts among stakeholders and aligns with Sahara Group’s long-term upstream growth strategy, which prioritises resilience, scalability and responsible resource development.

“The successful commencement of crude lifting from FSO Cawthorne is a strong demonstration of what can be achieved through shared vision, technical discipline and committed collaboration,” Etomi said.

He added that the transition of the facility into active export status underscores the importance of indigenous participation and infrastructure development in achieving Nigeria’s production ambitions. According to him, Sahara’s expanding oilfield services capabilities are playing a key role in driving operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability across its upstream portfolio.

The company also reiterated its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, noting that community engagement and sustainable social impact initiatives remain central to its operations.

Sahara further commended key regulatory and operational agencies—including the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority—for their support in ensuring seamless execution of the export process.

Market observers say the successful introduction of the Cawthorne crude grade could improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global oil market, particularly in the light sweet crude segment, while also strengthening foreign exchange inflows and reinforcing investor confidence in the country’s upstream sector.