By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Sahara Group, Eroton E&P, and Bilton Energy Limited have jointly commissioned Nigeria’s first wholly owned 2.2 million-barrel capacity Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Named FSO Cawthorne, the facility is Nigeria’s first crude oil terminal to be commissioned in five decades. It is designed to enhance crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and neighboring assets, bolstering energy reliability, security, and sustainability across the country.
Partners in the OML 18 joint venture include NNPCL, Eroton E&P, OML Eighteen Energy Resource Ltd. (a Sahara Group company), and Bilton Ltd.
Speaking at the commissioning, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, who represented the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, described the project as “a bold achievement” that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to optimize upstream production.
Stationed offshore Bonny, the double-hull FSO Cawthorne has a storage capacity of 2.2 million barrels and is designed to receive, store, and offload crude oil to export tankers. It is expected to address long-standing logistical challenges and improve Nigeria’s crude evacuation capacity.
NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Seyi Omotola, who officially commissioned the vessel, said the project represents “renewed hope for Nigeria’s upstream sector,” reaffirming the country’s growing capacity to compete globally in the energy space.
Representing the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, commended the milestone, describing it as a step aligned with NUPRC’s vision of accelerating production sustainably.
He noted that the FSO would enhance export reliability and strengthen the global energy supply chain by unlocking the potential of OML 18 and nearby assets.
Managing Director of Niger Delta Exploration and Production Offshore Limited (NEOL), Ibiyemi Asaolu, praised the collaboration that birthed the vessel, saying it “demonstrates what is possible when innovation, collaboration, and execution excellence align.”
Similarly, Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group upstream subsidiary), described FSO Cawthorne as “a symbol of innovation meeting necessity,” highlighting its digital and environmentally friendly features that reduce carbon emissions and enhance safety.
According to Sahara Group, the project addresses key challenges in Nigeria’s crude evacuation system, including limited barging capacity and delays from ship-to-ship transfers. The conversion of the vessel from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) into a fully integrated FSO involved extensive engineering upgrades and compliance with international maritime and environmental standards.
Equipped with a Marine Control System—the first of its kind in the region—FSO Cawthorne integrates Artificial Intelligence to automate import/export processes and operational controls. It can also accommodate up to 50 personnel, offering a safe and efficient operational environment.
Beyond its immediate impact, the vessel is designed to serve as a scalable platform capable of handling future production tie-ins from surrounding fields, positioning it as a strategic national asset that will support Nigeria’s goal of achieving energy independence and stability.
