In The Spotlight
Drilling operations have begun in the deepwater Baobab field. (Image source: Vaalco)
Vaalco Energy has announced the successful completion of its Phase 3 drilling programme offshore Gabon, and the commencement of drilling on its Baobab Phase 5 programme offshore Côte d’Ivoire
Offshore Gabon
Vaalco holds a 58.8% working interest in and operates the Etame Marin block, located offshore Gabon. Vaalco has successfully drilled, completed and placed on production the ETSEM-3H development well in an attic position within the SE Etame field, with a lateral wellbore of 300 meters of net pay in high-quality Gamba reservoir sands. Achieved stabilized initial flow rate of approximately 2,000 gross barrels of oil per day (“BOPD”), 1,140 BOPD net to Vaalco. This represents the final well in the Phase 3 drilling programme which is now complete, and Drill rig (Borr Norve) has been demobilised from the field.
Offshore Côte d’Ivoire
Following completion of its planned dry dock refurbishment in February 2026, the Baobab FPSO returned to Côte d’Ivoire and was successfully reconnected to field infrastructure in early April 2026.
Production resumed from all producing wells in June 2026. Followng the successful re-start of the deepwater Baobab field, the Baobab Phase 5 drilling operations have begun with the batch-setting of top-holes by the operator. After the top-hole sections of all wells are drilled, the wells will then be completed and placed on production sequentially. The current plan for the Phase 5 drilling campaign consists of four producers, three water injectors and two workovers. The first producer well is anticipated to come online towards the end of 2026, with meaningful production growth expected in 2027.
Vaalco acquired a 27.4% non-operated working interest in Block C1-4o offshore Côte d’Ivoirein 2024 through its acquisition of Svenska, , containint the Baobab producing field and the significant Kossipo discovery. It is now confirmed as operator of the Kossipo field with a 60% working interest, with a field development plan being actively progressed toward completion in the first half of 2027.The company sees Côte d’Ivoire as strategically expanding its West African focus area with a sizable producing asset that has significant upside potential and future development opportunities, and regards Côte d’Ivoire as an investment-friendly country.
Vaalco owns a diverse portfolio of production, development, and exploration assets spanning Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It sees the Baobab restart and recent drilling results in Gabon as playing a significant role in supporting its future growth plans.
George Maxwell, Vaalco’s chief executive officer, commented, “Our continued success and organic project pipeline support Vaalco’s strategic focus on growing production, reserves and value for our shareholders.'
Morocco is looking to develop its hydrocarbon resources to reduce its dependence on imported energy. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Geoscience specialist Viridien has announced a landmark multi-client collaboration agreement with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco's national agency for hydrocarbon and mineral resource development
The collaboration defines a joint framework for providing integrated subsurface data and analytics across Morocco's extensive and underexplored offshore and onshore sedimentary basins.
Through this collaboration, Viridien and ONHYM are looking to set new standards for subsurface evaluation, technical rigour and knowledge exchange, reinforcing Morocco's standing as an attractive destination for hydrocarbon investment in North Africa.
Amina Benkhadra, CEO of ONHYM, said, “This collaboration reflects ONHYM’s commitment to fostering innovation and international partnerships that unlock Morocco’s hydrocarbon potential. By combining our regional expertise and geoscientific knowledge with Viridien’s advanced technologies and capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to enhance subsurface understanding, attract investment and accelerate exploration opportunities across Morocco.”
Dechun Lin, head of Earth Data, Viridien, said, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Viridien as we deepen our presence in Africa and forge an enduring, partnership-driven relationship with ONHYM. By integrating our industry-leading imaging and data science capabilities with ONHYM's regional expertise, we are well positioned to support Morocco’s hydrocarbon potential.”
The development comes as Morocco, which remains heavily dependent on imported energy, is accelerating exploration and infrastructure development for gas in particular, with a view to diversifying energy supply for growing power generation and industry demands. Several key basins, both onshore and offshore, have demonstrated commercial gas potential.
Petralon 54 has revamped its production capacity significantly.
Petralon Energy is an African exploration and production company with proven capacity to acquire, develop, finance, and operate oil and gas assets
Operating through its subsidiary Petralon 54, the company holds a 100% working interest in the Dawes Island Field in the Eastern Niger Delta.
In just under six months, Petralon 54 has revamped its production capacity significantly through its recently established DI-3 well. Operations began on 14 March 2026 and has since delivered average additional daily production of approximately 2,800 barrels of oil per day (bopd), bringing the field's combined production capacity to approximately 4,800 bopd.
DI-2 has been onstream since October 2025 and DI-3 builds directly on the performance of its predecessor. Together, the two wells have sustained back-to-back drilling programme on a field that was non-producing at the time of Petralon's acquisition in 2021. Till date, the company has exported over 350,000 barrels of oil from the field via the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, which is located around 30km from the field. The DI-3 well became operational with zero lost-time incidents and it reflects the company's commitment to world-class health, safety, and environmental standards across its operations.
Dawes Island is located approximately 15km from Port Harcourt in the Eastern Niger Delta. The island covers roughly 46 sq km and holds an estimated 17.6 mn barrels of recoverable oil. “Our success at Dawes Island was built on the conviction that Nigerians could acquire, develop, and operate world-class energy assets. That conviction once required courage, today, it stands on proof. The easy thing after DI-2 would have been to pause, but the determination and resilience of every single member of the Petralon team drove us forward, and DI-3 is the result of that effort. Progress like this is only possible through the strong collaboration we have built with our host communities, our regulator, and our partners. This is only the beginning of what Dawes Island can deliver," said Ahonsi Unuigbe, founder and chief executive officer of Petralon Energy.
Through the commencement of DI-3 production, Petralon Energy validates another major step in the phased development of Dawes Island. The company stays focused on growing production, strengthening its position as a leading indigenous operator in Nigeria's upstream sector, and advancing its longer-term ambition for the field.
ADIPEC 2026 will welcome its strongest-ever participation from Asia, with 353 companies and six country pavilions – China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea – taking part in this year’s event
The Asian organisations will join more than 2,250 exhibitors across 16 halls and 30 international pavilions, where companies from across the global energy value chain will showcase technologies, infrastructure solutions and industrial capabilities. Asia will also be strongly represented across the conference programme, with senior leaders from across the region among ADIPEC’s more than 1,800 confirmed speakers.
Confirmed participating companies include Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, Petronas, PTTEP, INPEX, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hengyun, Baofeng Steel Group Co. Ltd, Beijing JJC Technology Co. Ltd., Mitsui & Corp, Daechun, DRC, GS Energy Corporation, HADO, Panduit, TMEIC, CATL, Envision Energy, FLARE INTERNUSA, PT Petra Konsulindo Utama, KYK Group, Thai Benkan Co. Ltd., Bajaj Power Equipments Ltd., Babcock Power APAC Pvt Ltd, and Axis Solutions Ltd.
Hosted by ADNOC and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, ADIPEC will connect Asian policymakers, producers, buyers and industry leaders with the global investors, technology companies, project developers and partners as the region’s expanding economies drive new requirements for energy supply, infrastructure, capital and technology.
Asia is expected to be the primary engine of global energy demand growth over the coming decades. China is forecast to account for close to half of worldwide electricity demand growth through 2030, while India is expected to remain the single largest contributor to global energy demand growth through 2035. Southeast Asia is projected to contribute around a quarter of global energy demand growth through 2035 as industrialisation, urbanisation and digitalisation accelerate across the region.
Meeting that demand will require significant investment in energy supply and infrastructure, particularly as electricity consumption and data-centre capacity continue to grow.
For Asia, sustaining economic growth means securing reliable, affordable energy for its industries, cities and digital infrastructure today, while investing in the supply, capacity and more resilient energy systems it will need over the next decade. ADIPEC 2026 brings that agenda to Abu Dhabi, connecting the region’s growing requirements with the global organisations, capital and capabilities that can help deliver them.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Chairman, ADIPEC 2026, said: “Asia is at the centre of global energy demand growth. As economies expand and energy needs rise, meeting that demand will require greater collaboration between producers, buyers, investors and technology leaders, alongside continued investment in supply and capacity. That is why ADIPEC is attracting record participation from across Asia, providing a platform where strategies are advanced, partnerships are formed and opportunities are turned into action.”
“Abu Dhabi is particularly well positioned to support this growth. Its proximity to some of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets, long-standing partnerships across Asia, and track record of providing reliable, flexible and competitive energy supply put it at the heart of supporting the region’s next phase of economic growth.”
Reflecting Asia’s growing influence on global energy markets, confirmed speakers at ADIPEC include:
• Wang Yuetao, Chairman, ZhenHua Oil
• Takayuki Ueda, Representative Director, President & CEO, INPEX
• Rajarshi Gupta, MD & CEO ONGC, Videsh Ltd
• Prof. Haruhiko Ando, CEO, Japan Cooperation Centre for Petroleum and Sustainable Energy
• Charlotte Wolff-Bye, VP & Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Petronas
• Prashant Ruia, Group CEO, Essar Group
• Koji Yamamoto, CTO and Senior Councilor, JOGMEC
• Nobuo Tanaka, CEO, Tanaka Global
• Massimo Danieli, CEO, Business Unit Grid Automation, Hitachi Energy
These executives will join more than 1,800 speakers participating across ADIPEC’s 13 conference programmes, where issues critical to Asia’s energy and economic development will feature prominently. Within the Strategic Conference, the Natural Gas & LNG programme will bring producers, buyers and infrastructure developers together to examine how supply can be expanded and diversified for import-dependent Asian markets, from contracting and market access through to the shipping and regasification capacity needed to maintain flexibility.
The Grids, Infrastructure & Industrial Execution programme will address the generation, transmission, storage and infrastructure capacity required to support Asia’s industrial, urban and digital growth, while the Finance & Investment programme will look at how capital can be mobilised for the region’s expanding infrastructure pipeline, including the risk allocation to commercial structures that move projects from plan to delivery.
The Maritime & Logistics programme will focus on the ports, fleets and shipping routes connecting global energy producers with Asian buyers, and the partnerships needed to maintain supply chain reliability as volumes grow.
Meanwhile, the AI, Digital & Technology Innovation programme will examine how artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics are being embedded into energy systems to sharpen performance and decision-making, alongside the increasing power requirements created by Asia’s rapidly expanding data-centre and digital economy.
New Leadership Dialogues will bring these themes directly into the boardroom, including a session on ‘Asia’s power squeeze: integrating renewables and gas in high-growth power systems’ and a Boardroom Roundtable on ‘The new technology frontier: Asia’s role in shaping global innovation’. ADIPEC will confirm speakers for these sessions in the coming weeks.
Christopher Hudson, President, dmg events, the organisers of ADIPEC, said: “Asia’s influence on the global energy system now extends far beyond demand. The region is increasingly shaping technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and the commercial relationships behind the industry’s next phase of growth.
“ADIPEC has always evolved with the industry, responding each year to where the biggest shifts are happening and where the greatest opportunities lie. Our role is to create the platform where those changes can be translated into decisions, partnerships and progress.”
ADIPEC 2026 will take place from 2-5 November in Abu Dhabi and is expected to welcome more than 239,000 attendees from across the global energy ecosystem.
Shearwater Geoservices, in partnership with Harvex Geosolutions, has conducted a 3D marine seismic survey on behalf of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Matrix Energy on blocks OML 100 and OPL 2010 offshore Nigeria
The two-month survey acquired high-quality 3D data using a towed-streamer configuration with an undershoot. The SW Duchess served as the primary seismic vessel, with the SW Gallien acting as the dedicated source vessel. The programme builds on Shearwater’s growing footprint in Nigeria and follows an expanding sequence of work in the wider West African region.
'Shearwater is pleased to complete this 3D towed-streamer and undershoot survey offshore Nigeria, which continues our strong relationship with TotalEnergies and builds on a programme of work in Nigeria and across the region', said Shearwater CEO Irene Waage Basili.
Previously, the company has been in partnership with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to begin fresh multi-client seismic project, including 3D survey. The high-end vessel SW Duchess was deployed for the project.
“This project underscores the growing momentum of our multi-client business and our key role in supporting exploration across key global basins,” Basili had said. “By investing in high-quality seismic data, where we can both capture rapid returns and create longer-term value, we are enabling smarter decisions and helping to shape the future of energy security in West Africa and beyond.”
Perenco started a new five well drilling campaign on the Masseko field.
Perenco Congo has completed drilling campaign on the Tchibouela East field offshore Republic of Congo
The results of the five infill well campaign, which concluded at the end of 2025, now show a sustained material uplift in production, providing an additional 6,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd).
The drilling campaign entailed advanced offshore drilling techniques, including horizontal and u-shaped wells, which resulted in higher oil recovery, while reducing operational risks.
Following the posiIve results from the Tchibouela East campaign, Perenco Congo has now started a new five well drilling campaign on the Masseko field, designed to increase producIon from the field as well as testing a new geological horizon.
“We have seen a sustained uplift in production following the recent five well infill campaign on the Tchibouela East field. This positive result clearly demonstrates our ability to extend field life and maximise the value of acreage for the benefit of all stakeholders. Tchibouela East has been in production for almost thirty years and we are pleased to help ensure that the field can produce for many more years to come. The operational tempo continues and we are now drilling on the Masseko field, where initial results from first production are encouraging,” said Gregoire de Courcelles, managing director of Perenco
Congo.
Puma Energy Ghana boosts LPG distribution through local partnerships.
In line with Ghana's goals to reach 50% liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) penetration by 2030, Puma Energy Ghana has formalised a strategic partnership with local LPG distributors -- Earth Energy, Sandhill Oil and Gas, Riet Company Ltd, Hamcom, and StepGas
The agreements fall in place with the Government’s Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), which advances the country's transition from traditional station refill methods toward a decentralised, community-based retail network that brings safe cooking gas directly to households, particularly across peri-urban and rural areas.
The initiative builds around Puma Energy’s 3y3 Good Exchange scheme, under which consumers can swap old gas cylinders for new, certified units at no initial cost. By removing the upfront financial barrier, the programme aims to encourage wider adoption of clean cooking, improve indoor air quality, and mitigate deforestation caused by wood and charcoal use.
“We are introducing a new distribution philosophy today, bringing safe and affordable energy closer to Ghanaians. This initiative marks a significant step forward, and we are leveraging our capabilities to support the government’s goal of achieving 50% LPG penetration by 2030,” said Lanzeni Coulibaly, General Manager, Puma Energy Ghana.
“Energy security and safety must be intrinsically linked. By collaborating with these five distributors, we are contributing to a more robust LPG value chain, providing Ghanaian homes and businesses with confidence in the safety, quality, and reliability of their supply,” added Coulibaly.
“For years, we have observed LPG distribution from the sidelines. Today, Puma Energy has equipped us, as Ghanaian entrepreneurs, with the resources, cylinders, and technology to take the lead. We are ready to bring safe gas to every neighbourhood in Accra,” said Torgbigah Adamah III, StepGas Ltd.
Petralon 54 has revamped its production capacity significantly.
Petralon Energy is an African exploration and production company with proven capacity to acquire, develop, finance, and operate oil and gas assets
Operating through its subsidiary Petralon 54, the company holds a 100% working interest in the Dawes Island Field in the Eastern Niger Delta.
In just under six months, Petralon 54 has revamped its production capacity significantly through its recently established DI-3 well. Operations began on 14 March 2026 and has since delivered average additional daily production of approximately 2,800 barrels of oil per day (bopd), bringing the field's combined production capacity to approximately 4,800 bopd.
DI-2 has been onstream since October 2025 and DI-3 builds directly on the performance of its predecessor. Together, the two wells have sustained back-to-back drilling programme on a field that was non-producing at the time of Petralon's acquisition in 2021. Till date, the company has exported over 350,000 barrels of oil from the field via the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, which is located around 30km from the field. The DI-3 well became operational with zero lost-time incidents and it reflects the company's commitment to world-class health, safety, and environmental standards across its operations.
Dawes Island is located approximately 15km from Port Harcourt in the Eastern Niger Delta. The island covers roughly 46 sq km and holds an estimated 17.6 mn barrels of recoverable oil. “Our success at Dawes Island was built on the conviction that Nigerians could acquire, develop, and operate world-class energy assets. That conviction once required courage, today, it stands on proof. The easy thing after DI-2 would have been to pause, but the determination and resilience of every single member of the Petralon team drove us forward, and DI-3 is the result of that effort. Progress like this is only possible through the strong collaboration we have built with our host communities, our regulator, and our partners. This is only the beginning of what Dawes Island can deliver," said Ahonsi Unuigbe, founder and chief executive officer of Petralon Energy.
Through the commencement of DI-3 production, Petralon Energy validates another major step in the phased development of Dawes Island. The company stays focused on growing production, strengthening its position as a leading indigenous operator in Nigeria's upstream sector, and advancing its longer-term ambition for the field.
Drilling operations have begun in the deepwater Baobab field. (Image source: Vaalco)
Morocco is looking to develop its hydrocarbon resources to reduce its dependence on imported energy. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The survey will span across 34,000 kms offshore Egypt. (Image source: TGS)
Energy data and intelligence provider, TGS, has partnered with Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), to initiate a large-scale 2D seismic reimaging campaign, the EGY-2DRE2026 project
The survey will span across 34,000 kms offshore Egypt, which will be further integrated to the GeoStreamer 2016, 2018 and 2023 surveys. The compilation will comprise other available conventional 2D data as well, building single and consistent regional framework for interested operators to refer to across the offshore basins. The vast and insightful dataset will be fed into an advanced velocity model building and pre-stack depth migration workflow, including TGS' proprietary DM-eFWI technology, to generate credible images of pre-, intra- and post-Messinian salt intervals in high definition.
The reimaged dataset that spans offshore Nile Delta, Herodotus Basin, and wider Eastern Mediterranean Basin will support clients to better resolve these intervals, giving a sharper, basin-wide structural framework to support prospect identification and maturation. This will play a significant role in decision making for operators to channelise exploration budgets in the right direction ahead of upcoming licensing rounds.
To support resource development, TGS has lately been taking up region-specific projects in Africa that aligns with a rising global demand for basin-wide reimaging and data integration across frontier and mature basins globally.
Final products for a priority subset of 2D lines are scheduled for delivery in Q2 2027, with the remaining full project scheduled for completion in Q1 2028.
"EGY-2DRE2026 will give our customers a modern, regionally consistent view of a basin that has historically been difficult to image beneath its complex Messinian section," said David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client at TGS. "By combining our latest imaging technology with the depth and breadth of our existing coverage, we're able to de-risk exploration decisions and support our customers as they evaluate future opportunities in this highly prospective part of the Egyptian offshore."
The project is supported by industry funding.
Offshore Sao Tome and Príncipe is a challenging subsurface environment. (Image source: TGS)
The TESCOM RC-X motorised injection rate control valve. (Image source: Emerson)
Emerson has launched the TESCOM RC-X motorised injection rate control valve, which helps offshore refineries achieve accurate, repeatable chemical injection, reducing chemical waste, downtime and overall operating costs
Flow assurance is critical for offshore production facilities, especially as the industry moves to deeper water, longer tiebacks, deeper wells and higher temperature and pressure reservoirs, where conditions such as hydration, corrosion or the buildup of wax, asphaltene, scale and emulsion can restrict flow.
Chemical treatment can help mitigate these blockages, but there are dangers with over or under injection of chemicals. Over injection increases chemical consumption and resulting costs as well as additional field trips to replenish chemical storage tanks. It can also adversely impact downstream processing or treatment programmes and result in contamination penalties. Under injection can be ineffective, risking mechanical integrity and production output.
“Proper chemical dosing in deepwater and high-pressure/high-temperature refining environments can prevent blockages and flow instability, helping to ensure optimum fluid behaviour, protect asset integrity and stimulate production,” said Julia Villa, product marketing manager with Emerson´s fluid and motion control business, noting the TESCOM RC-X control valves enable accurate dosing that reduces downtime and chemical waste associated with over injection.
The value is specifically designed to work with Micro Motion Coriolis flow meters in offshore chemical injection processes, which deliver reliable flow measurement for liquids, gas or slurries.
Product features
- Precise flow assurance - With a short-stroke design (less than 1/8 of an inch), TESCOM RC-X control valves are accurate up to 15,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and offer ultra-low flow rates of 0.02-500 liters per hour and repeatable function with 4-20 milliampere (mA) control
- Electric actuation eliminates air requirements, an advantage when compressed air is unavailable or unreliable.
- Available in medium- and high-pressure models
- Lightweight and compact
- Fewer moving parts than comparable products, reducing risk of mechanical failure over time, performing more consistently and requiring less maintenance.
- Explosion-proof, waterproof (IP67-rated) and corrosion resistant (compliant to NACE MR0175).
SLB to deploy subsea production system for Rovuma development.
The new standard represents an important step towards optical modem interoperability for subsea systems. (Image source: SWiG)
First gas from NT-1 and NT-2 is targeted for December.
The giant Ntorya gas field development in Tanzania is anticipated to deliver vital domestic energy supplies, alleviate local energy poverty, and drive long-term industrial and economic growth for the country
Tanzanian government authorities have recognised the urgency of the project's advancement and to make sure there is no delay, an optimised timetable has been established in consultation with the joint venture partners involved in the field's development. Designed with an aim to achieve first gas production by December, the packed schedule includes critical well workovers, testing, and accelerated drilling. Fully funded field operations and pipeline infrastructure integration will prepare the site for production generation.
Aminex has reached an agreement on the sequencing and implementation of the Ntorya gas development following a meeting convened by the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy
Key stakeholders convene
Representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), ARA Petroleum Tanzania Limited (APT), the operator of the Ruvuma PSA, and Aminex's wholly owned subsidiary, Ndovu Resources Limited (Ndovu) were present at the meeting.
While the government did not approve the operator's proposal to extend and delay the project timetable, it did confirm a revised implementation schedule with all the parties involved. This schedule comprises workover of the Ntorya-1 well (NT-1) in October, the testing of the Ntorya-2 well (NT-2) in November and the drilling of a newly planned NT-Central well (NT-C) in December.
First gas from NT-1 and NT-2 is targeted for December. Drilling of the Chikumbi-1 well (CH-1) is to proceed after NT-C is drilled. Following the change of management at ARA Petroleum LLC and a technical reappraisal of the Ntorya project, APT had proposed bringing forward NT-C, previously planned as a development well for a later phase of field development, in place of CH-1, with the drilling of CH-1 deferred. The revised implementation schedule plans to drill the NT-C first, followed by the drilling of CH-1.
It was also confirmed at the meeting that the Ntorya to Madimba pipeline will be completed in time to receive first gas from the Ntorya field in December 2026.
APT confirmed to the parties that it had all necessary funds to carry out the revised programme for the development of the Ntorya field.
The parties agreed that APT should execute the planned activities in accordance with the revised implementation schedule and without unnecessary delay. The revised programme will now be progressed through the formal Joint Venture approval process in accordance with the Joint Operating Agreement.
Economic impact of the project
Charles Santos, executive chairman of Aminex, said, "I would like to thank Dr James Mataragio, Permanent Secretary for Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy, for convening the meeting last week and for the constructive approach taken by all parties. Our focus now is on working together to implement the agreed programme and deliver first gas without further delay.
"The revised implementation programme establishes clear near-term operational milestones, targets first gas for December 2026 and provides for the drilling of a newly planned well, NT-Central, while ensuring that the CH-1 well is also drilled.
"Together, these activities form just the beginning of the development of the giant Ntorya field which is expected to deliver large volumes of gas supplies to Tanzanians, helping alleviate energy poverty, boost industrial development and fuel Tanzania's economic growth."
Puma Energy Ghana boosts LPG distribution through local partnerships.
The coming months will see a significant increase in operational activity at Ntorya.
The consistent market launches come from optimised production.
In line with Nigeria's strategy to expand reach in export market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has globally released its new crude grade – Cawthorne
With an API gravity of 36.4 that denotes the light and sweet kind, the Cawthorne crude rules global market demand because of its unmatched petrol and diesel yields. Comparable to Bonny Light, Cawthorne crude blend is the latest from Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, building on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate.
The consistent market launches come from optimised production, helping Nigeria to solidify its base in the export market with diverse offerings. The Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, which is strategically positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State for enhanced energy security and operational efficiency in easy crude evacuation from OML18, comprised the maiden 950,000 barrels cargo for export. Loaded on an MT Eburones vessel, it headed to the Netherlands, and unto the global market.
As Nigeria aims to attain crude production of three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, the international launch of Cawthorne will unlock value from its asset base and deepen market competitiveness.
“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.
"The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier. We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations,” said Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, as he acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and OML 18 partners' strong collaboration in achieving the milestone.
Technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline will remain central to NNPC Limited's vision as the organisation works towards value creation from Nigeria's vast hydrocarbons resources.
The MoU was signed in China. (Image source: NNPC)
Africa’s refining landscape is diverging.
Energy leaders from across Africa will participate in the Strategic Conference. (Image source: dmg events)
The upcoming edition of ADIPEC 2026 will feature a strong contingent of African government leaders, underlining the continent's growing importance in shaping the future of global energy markets
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2026 will take place in Abu Dhabi from 2 to 5 November 2026, convening policymakers, industry executives, technology innovators and investors from around the world.
Senior ministers and energy leaders from across Africa are expected to participate in the event's Strategic Conference and high-level discussions, bringing perspectives from some of the world's fastest-growing energy markets. Their participation reflects increasing collaboration between African nations, the Middle East and international partners to expand energy access, attract investment and advance sustainable economic development.
Among the confirmed speakers are: Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Honourable James Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum; Honourable July Moyo, Zimbabwe's Minister of Energy and Power Development; and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, Libya's Minister of Oil and Gas.
Also participating are: His Excellency El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, Senegal's Minister of Energy and Petroleum; His Excellency Tiémoko Traoré, Mali's Minister of Energy and Water; and His Excellency Karim Badawi, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. They will be joined by Proscovia Nabbanja, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), representing one of Africa's most closely watched emerging energy companies.
Africa is home to vast oil, gas and renewable energy resources and is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting rising global energy demand while supporting economic growth across the continent. Many countries are pursuing strategies that balance energy security, industrial development and emissions reduction, creating new opportunities for investment, technology deployment and cross-border collaboration.
At ADIPEC 2026, African leaders will engage with global decision-makers on topics including energy security, gas development, infrastructure investment, energy access, digitalisation and the pathways to a lower-carbon future. Their presence will reinforce ADIPEC's role as a leading platform for international dialogue and partnership, bringing together governments and industry to accelerate progress toward a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
To register to attend ADIPEC 2026, visit https://www.adipec.com/
The event will convene the global energy industry in Abu Dhabi. (Image source: dmg events)
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Block 1 CBK spans 19,929 sq kms.
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The coming months will see a significant increase in operational activity at Ntorya.
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The Ima gas field will be connected to Nigeria LNG.
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The event will convene the global energy industry in Abu Dhabi. (Image source: dmg events)
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The new standard represents an important step towards optical modem interoperability for subsea systems. (Image source: SWiG)
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The TESCOM RC-X motorised injection rate control valve. (Image source: Emerson)
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Essar lies in the concession area C 103.
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Petrobras secures several PSCs with Petroci. (Image source: Petrobras)
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Eni has invested in Ghana Blocks in line with IILX strategy.
More Articles
SLB to deploy subsea production system for Rovuma development.
The new standard represents an important step towards optical modem interoperability for subsea systems. (Image source: SWiG)
The TESCOM RC-X motorised injection rate control valve. (Image source: Emerson)
PipeSense deployed PipeScan, a pressure-pulse technology, to locate obstructions in two offshore pipeline networks. (Image Source: PipeSense)
The submissions reveal an industrial shift towards smart, resilient and efficient energy systems.
MODEC's mooring system to support Coral Norte.
Construction vessels FDS and Shen Da will be deployed.
SLB launches digital marketplace for energy companies. (Image source: SLB)
The Technical Conference is organised by SPE. (Image source: dmg media)
Baker Hughes and NLNG collaboration continue to run strong. (Image source: Baker Hughes)
Baker Hughes offering lifecycle solutions for ANOH Gas project.