Nigeria’s revenue is set to witness a boost as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has recorded a significant milestone with the introduction and lifting of 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne Blend crude into the global market.
The feat was achieved through the FSO Cawthorne vessel, Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal in 50 years, according to a statement by the Sahara Group on Monday, as the company said it welcomed the development.
It confirms media reports on the exportation of a new light sweet crude called Cawthorne, this March, under the Bayo Ojulari‑led NNPC.
“Over the weekend, the first shipment of 950,000 barrels from FSO Cawthorne, Nigeria’s newest oil terminal, was initiated following its licensing and gazetting by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)”, the statement read in part.
FSO Cawthorne serves as a critical offshore production support asset, providing storage and offtake capabilities for crude produced from OML 18 and nearby producing assets.
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 recognised the advanced technologies deployed on FSO Cawthorne, noting that the facility incorporates cutting‑edge systems supported by artificial intelligence‑enabled monitoring and robust QHSE frameworks, enhancing operational efficiency, asset integrity, safety performance, and environmental stewardship.
