Nigeria’s coffers are poised for a major boost as NNPC Limited marks a historic milestone: exporting 950,000 barrels of the new Cawthorne Blend crude to global markets.
The breakthrough came via the FSO Cawthorne vessel, Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal in 50 years. Sahara Group hailed the achievement in a statement on Monday, March 30, 2026, confirming earlier media buzz about this light sweet crude’s debut this March under NNPC chief Bayo Ojulari’s leadership.
This export underscores NNPC’s push to diversify and ramp up oil revenues amid economic pressures.
“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.
According to a Channels report, 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, Channels Television reports
The report added that Sahara commended NNPC for its leadership of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and surrounding assets in the eastern Niger Delta, 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.
Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head, Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group Upstream company), 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 optimisation, and long‑term value creation.
“The transition of FSO Cawthorne into active export is consistent with our upstream growth strategy, prioritising 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.”
Etomi also commended host communities and key regulatory and operational institutions, including the NUPRC, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), for their support in ensuring seamless operations.
A spokesperson of the NNPC told Reuters last month that the Company was expected to strengthen the country’s position within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries as it seeks a higher production target amid improving output levels.
According to Reuters, the launch of the new grade is part of Nigeria’s broader push to lift production, which has been constrained for years by crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and security challenges in the Niger Delta.
Cawthorne crude, which has an API gravity of 36.4, is similar in quality to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light, a grade widely valued by refiners for its high yields of gasoline and diesel.
The introduction of the grade could increase Nigeria’s crude and condensate supply from about 1.65 million barrels per day to roughly 1.7 million barrels per day for the rest of the year, depending on operational stability and market demand.
~Report courtesy of Channels Television
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