The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commenced the export of a new crude oil grade known as Cawthorne, in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s oil production and strengthening its presence in the global energy market.
Cawthorne blend, classified as a light, sweet crude with an API gravity of 36.4, is comparable to Nigeria’s premium Bonny Light crude oil and is expected to attract strong demand due to its high yields of petrol and diesel.
The company confirmed that the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was loaded on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel and exported to the Netherlands for entry into the international market.
The shipment was facilitated through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, located offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The facility is designed to enhance crude evacuation from OML 18 and improve operational efficiency, export reliability, and energy security.
NNPC said the introduction of the new crude grade aligns with its broader strategy to unlock value from existing assets, expand its export offerings, and support national production targets of three million barrels of crude oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2030.
The development follows recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate crude grades, reflecting a structured effort to optimise production and reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global oil market.
Speaking on the milestone, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the collaboration of OML 18 partners and regulators, including the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
“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,” he said.
NNPC Ltd reiterated its commitment to leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to maximise the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while ensuring long-term energy security and economic growth.
