NNPCL Successfully Contain Fire at Cawthorne Channel 1 Barge, No Casualties Reported

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that a fire outbreak on a dry crude storage barge at Cawthorne Channel 1 in Rivers State has been successfully contained. The incident, which occurred around 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, was promptly addressed by emergency teams and industry partners, preventing further damage to the surrounding facilities.

Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, assured the public that the incident did not impact the operations of the nearby flow station, and there were no casualties. “Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry partners, the fire was successfully contained. The incident did not affect flow station operations,” Soneye said in a statement.

The fire initially broke out on the BESTAF5 barge at Cawthorne Channel 1 and spread to nearby barges. The Cawthorne Channel is a major hub for oil and gas facilities, located near the boundary between Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas in Rivers State. Fortunately, quick action by the emergency teams ensured that the fire did not escalate further, and all personnel involved are safe.

Soneye emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and environmental protection, stating, “NNPC Ltd. prioritizes safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity.” Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire to prevent future incidents.