Fire at Cawthorne channel 1 barges successfully extinguished –NNPC Ltd.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) yesterday, said it successfully contained a fire outbreak that occurred at Cawthorne Channel 1 in Rivers State, preventing what could have been a major disruption to oil operations in the area.

The incident, which happened at approximately 14:10 hours on Wednesday, started on the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 and spread to nearby barges. However, due to the swift and coordinated response of NNPC Ltd.’s emergency teams, working in collaboration with industry partners and firefighting experts, the fire was quickly brought under control.

In a statement, NNPC Ltd’s Spokesman, Femi Soneye, confirmed that all personnel at the site were safely evacuated, and no casualties were recorded. Furthermore, the fire did not impact flow station operations, ensuring that crude oil production and transportation in the area continued without disruption.

“The safety of our personnel, assets, and the environment remains our top priority. We are relieved to report that there were no injuries or fatalities, and our operations at the flow station have not been affected,” the company stated.

As part of its commitment to safety, NNPC Ltd. has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the fire and implement any necessary preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.

The company reaffirmed its dedication to environmental stewardship and operational integrity, assuring stakeholders that strict safety protocols are always in place across its facilities to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies.

NNPC Ltd. further expressed its appreciation to its emergency response teams, industry partners, and local authorities for their rapid intervention, which played a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing significant damage.

The national oil company further assured the public, investors, and industry stakeholders that it remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, protecting the environment, and ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.