The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has recorded a major milestone with the export of 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne blend crude into the global market through the ultramodern FSO Cawthorne vessel, Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal in five decades.
In a statement, Sahara Group confirmed that the development followed the successful launch of a new light sweet crude known as Cawthorne blend, produced under the leadership of NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.
According to Sahara Group, the first shipment of 950,000 barrels from the FSO Cawthorne vessel was initiated over the weekend after the facility received the necessary licensing and gazetting from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The company explained that the floating storage and offtake facility serves as a critical offshore production support asset, providing storage and export capabilities for crude oil produced from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and nearby producing assets.
Sahara Group, a global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, described the development as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s energy security through reliable production, storage, and evacuation infrastructure.
The firm also highlighted the advanced technologies deployed on the FSO Cawthorne vessel, noting that the facility incorporates cutting-edge systems supported by AI-enabled monitoring and robust Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) frameworks.
According to the company, these technologies enhance operational efficiency, improve asset integrity, strengthen safety performance, and support environmental stewardship.
Sahara Group further commended NNPC Ltd for its leadership of the OML 18 partnership, where the company operates as a joint operator and joint venture partner.
It noted that the collaboration has continued to drive operational improvements and deliver value across Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, Sahara Group’s upstream subsidiary, Dr. Tosin Etomi, described the crude lifting from the FSO Cawthorne facility as a defining moment for the OML 18 partnership and Nigeria’s oil industry.
He said the successful commencement of crude exports from the vessel demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration, technical expertise, and a shared strategic vision among partners.
Etomi explained that the milestone aligns with Sahara Group’s broader upstream strategy focused on building a resilient and scalable production portfolio through strong partnerships, asset optimisation, and long-term value creation.
According to him, the activation of the FSO Cawthorne export facility reflects the company’s commitment to operational excellence, indigenous participation, and infrastructure capable of sustainably supporting Nigeria’s production ambitions.
He added that Sahara Group’s upstream portfolio also includes a growing oilfield services division designed to enhance innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across 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 also stressed the importance of community engagement and sustainable social impact initiatives in driving the success of upstream operations.
Etomi said Sahara Group remains committed to aligning its operations with global environmental, social, and governance standards while maintaining strong partnerships with host communities.
He commended host communities and key regulatory and operational institutions for supporting the seamless commencement of crude exports from the facility.
Among the institutions acknowledged were the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Industry analysts say the launch of the Cawthorne crude export terminal marks a significant development for Nigeria’s upstream sector, potentially improving crude evacuation capacity and boosting export volumes.
