Nigeria Launches First New Crude Terminal in 50 Years as FSO Cawthorne Exports 950,000 Barrels of ‘Cawthorne Blend’

FSO Cawthorne exports 950,000 barrels of new Cawthorne Blend crude, marking a historic expansion in Nigeria's oil infrastructure and energy security.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

A Historic Shift in Nigeria’s Upstream Infrastructure

Nigeria has officially expanded its crude oil export capacity with the commissioning of the FSO Cawthorne, the nation’s first new crude terminal in 50 years. This landmark achievement was solidified over the weekend with the successful lifting of 950,000 barrels of the "Cawthorne Blend," a new light sweet crude grade. The vessel, which has been fully licensed and gazetted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represents a significant leap forward in the federal government’s efforts to modernize the petroleum sector. Industry experts view this as a direct result of the policy reforms initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at maximizing national oil output.

Technological Innovation and AI-Driven Monitoring

The FSO Cawthorne is not merely a storage asset but a sophisticated offshore production support facility equipped with cutting-edge technology. Sahara Group, a joint venture partner in the OML 18 asset, highlighted that the vessel incorporates artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring systems and robust Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) frameworks. These advanced systems are designed to enhance asset integrity and ensure environmental stewardship during the storage and evacuation of crude. By deploying AI, the terminal can achieve higher operational efficiency and more accurate real-time data tracking, setting a new standard for offshore operations in the Gulf of Guinea.

Strengthening the OML 18 Partnership and Energy Security

The successful export of the Cawthorne Blend is a defining moment for the OML 18 partnership, where Sahara Group’s upstream arm, Asharami Energy, serves as a joint operator. Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, emphasized that this milestone is the result of technical discipline and a shared vision between the NNPCL and its private partners. The FSO Cawthorne serves as the primary evacuation point for crude produced from OML 18 and surrounding assets, providing a reliable infrastructure that bolsters Nigeria’s energy security. This localized evacuation capability reduces the logistical bottlenecks that have historically hampered production in the Niger Delta.