Quick Action Prevents Disaster: Fire Contained at NNPC’s Cawthorne Channel Facility

A fire that broke out on a dry crude storage barge at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s Cawthorne Channel 1 facility in Rivers State on Wednesday has been successfully contained, the company announced. The fire, which began at approximately 2:10 PM on the BESTAF5 barge, spread to other barges in the area.

NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, commended the swift response of emergency teams and industry partners, stating that their efforts prevented further damage and ensured that operations at the nearby flow station were unaffected. Crucially, no casualties were reported, and all personnel are safe.

“Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry partners, the fire was successfully contained. The incident did not impact flow station operations,” Soneye said. “Most importantly, there were no casualties, and all personnel are safe.”

NNPCL reiterated its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

See the full statement below:

Press Release

Fire Outbreak at Cawthorne Channel 1 Barges Successfully Contained.

At approximately 14:10 hours on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a fire broke out on the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 at Cawthorne Channel 1, Rivers State, spreading to other barges.

Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry partners, the fire was successfully contained. The incident did not impact on flow station operations.

Most importantly, there were no casualties, and all personnel are safe.

NNPC Ltd. prioritizes safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity.

Olufemi Soneye

Chief Corporate Communications Officer

NNPC Ltd

Abuja

20th February, 2025