First export from Nigeria’s newest oil terminal in 50 years signals fresh momentum for output growth and energy security…..
Nigeria’s oil industry may be entering a new phase of expansion as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited successfully introduced a new crude grade, Cawthorne Blend, into the international market, marking a major milestone for the sector.
The breakthrough came with the lifting of 950,000 barrels of the new light sweet crude from the FSO Cawthorne facility Nigeria’s first newly developed crude oil terminal in about five decades. The shipment, completed over the weekend, followed the terminal’s official licensing and gazetting by regulators, paving the way for commercial export operations.
The development confirms earlier indications that NNPC, under its current leadership, is pushing to expand Nigeria’s crude portfolio and strengthen its production capacity.
Cawthorne Blend is sourced primarily from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and surrounding assets in the eastern Niger Delta. The offshore facility plays a central role in supporting production by providing storage and enabling efficient offtake of crude from nearby fields.
Energy giant Sahara Group, a key partner in the OML 18 operations, welcomed the milestone, describing it as a significant boost to Nigeria’s upstream sector. The company emphasized that the FSO Cawthorne facility represents a strategic investment in infrastructure that enhances reliability across production, storage, and export processes.
According to Sahara, the terminal is equipped with advanced technologies, including AI-driven monitoring systems and robust safety frameworks, designed to improve operational efficiency while maintaining high environmental and safety standards.
Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, noted that the successful crude lifting marks a defining moment not only for the asset but also for the broader partnership driving operations in OML 18.
He highlighted that the achievement reflects the strength of collaboration among stakeholders and aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to build a resilient and scalable upstream portfolio. This strategy, he said, focuses on optimizing assets, expanding indigenous participation, and delivering sustainable value.
Etomi also pointed out that Sahara’s growing oilfield services capabilities are helping to drive innovation and efficiency across its operations, while its commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility remains a key pillar of its success.
Industry stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and host communities, were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring smooth operations leading up to the export milestone.
The introduction of Cawthorne Blend comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as the country seeks to increase crude production after years of setbacks caused by oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and security challenges in the Niger Delta.
With an API gravity of 36.4, the new crude grade is comparable to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light, known globally for its high-quality yields of refined products such as petrol and diesel.
Analysts suggest that the addition of this new stream could modestly increase Nigeria’s daily crude and condensate output—from around 1.65 million barrels per day to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day—depending on operational consistency and market demand.
Beyond the immediate production gains, the move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position within the global oil market and potentially support its case for higher production targets within OPEC.
More broadly, the launch of Cawthorne Blend and the activation of the FSO Cawthorne terminal signal renewed efforts to modernize Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams in a highly competitive global energy landscape.
If sustained, industry observers believe this could mark the beginning of a more stable and growth-oriented chapter for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, one driven by stronger partnerships, better technology, and a clearer focus on long-term value creation.
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