Nigeria’s oil sector took a strategic leap forward today with the unveiling of a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel of 2.2 million barrels capacity. The project was jointly launched by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Sahara Group, in collaboration with Eroton Exploration & Production and Bilton Energy, to support crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease 18 (OML 18).
The FSO, christened Cawthorne, was commissioned offshore Bonny and marks Nigeria’s first wholly owned floating export terminal in over half a century. Its double-hulled structure was converted from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) and fitted with digital systems intended to streamline crude storage and ship transfer operations.
Officials described the commissioning as a key turning point in Nigeria’s effort to reduce dependence on pipelines and mitigate risks associated with theft, vandalism, and logistical bottlenecks. The FSO will receive crude from OML 18 and surrounding fields, storing it until export vessels are ready.
At the ceremony, Udobong Ntia, Executive Vice President (Upstream) of NNPC, representing the Group CEO, emphasized that the project reflects the strength of public–private partnerships and underpins the administration’s drive toward optimized output. Seyi Omotola, NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, called the FSO “a renewed hope” for Nigeria’s upstream sector.
From the regulator’s side, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, representing the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), noted the facility aligns with regulatory goals of accelerating reliable and sustainable production.
Challenges Addressed, Prospects Ahead
The FSO initiative was conceived to resolve persistent export challenges—limited barge capacity, delays in ship-to-ship transfers, siltation of berthing channels, and pipeline vulnerability. The partners believe the new system will deliver greater resilience in evacuation logistics and support OML 18’s target of 50,000 barrels per day in 2025.
Engineers involved in the conversion report that the vessel is equipped to host up to 50 personnel, and meets global maritime safety and environmental standards. The digital instrumentation on board is designed to automate import/export functions and reduce carbon exposure from barge operations.
Beyond its present role, FSO Cawthorne is intended as a scalable platform, capable of accommodating future production increases and tie-ins from neighboring oil fields. According to Dr. Tosin Etomi, head of commercial planning at Sahara’s upstream arm, the vessel fuses innovation with necessity and underscores the “drive to turn complex energy challenges into sustainable solutions.”
Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Sector
The commissioning of a wholly owned FSO is a bold shift in Nigeria’s oil infrastructure strategy. It could help Nigeria regain flexibility in crude exports and reduce losses from pipeline theft and downtime.
It also reflects confidence in local capability—previously many export terminals or offshore infrastructure were managed through foreign contractors or firms. This move may enhance national control over core petroleum export assets.
Still, outcomes depend on effective operations, maintenance, and integration with upstream output. If Cawthorne performs as intended, Nigeria may see gains in export volumes, improved revenue capture, and more dependable oil flows to international markets.
