The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Sahara Group have launched a state-of-the-art Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel with a capacity of 2.2 million barrels, marking a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s crude oil export capacity.
Named FSO Cawthorne, the facility is the country’s first wholly owned crude oil terminal to be commissioned in five decades. The project was executed in collaboration with Eroton Exploration & Production Company and Bilton Energy Limited under the OML 18 partnership.
The double-hull vessel, situated offshore Bonny, is designed to improve crude evacuation efficiency from OML 18 and nearby fields, reduce export bottlenecks, and support the government’s drive for increased oil production and energy security.
Speaking during the commissioning, NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Upstream, Udobong Ntia—who represented Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari—said the launch of FSO Cawthorne reflects President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving optimal upstream output and energy sustainability.
According to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the project aligns with national objectives to accelerate oil production in a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible manner. The commission’s representative, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, described the facility as a “strategic addition” that would enhance Nigeria’s export reliability and boost global market confidence in its crude supply chain.
The vessel was converted from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) into an advanced FSO unit equipped with artificial intelligence-driven control systems, modern mooring technology, and enhanced safety and environmental features. It can accommodate up to 50 personnel and is capable of supporting future production tie-ins from nearby oil fields.
Sahara Group executives described the commissioning as a milestone that underscores Nigeria’s ability to deliver large-scale energy infrastructure. Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, said the FSO symbolizes innovation and resilience in the nation’s upstream sector, providing “assurance of continuity, reliability, and value creation.”
The Cawthorne FSO project was conceived to address recurring evacuation challenges—such as limited barging capacity and delays in ship-to-ship transfers—while supporting a targeted daily output of 50,000 barrels from OML 18.
Partners in the project include NNPCL, Sahara Group’s OML Eighteen Energy Resource Ltd, Eroton E&P, and Bilton Ltd, with each company emphasizing its commitment to building a more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive oil sector for Nigeria.
