The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has commenced the export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s production capacity and expanding its presence in the global energy market.
The company confirmed that the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was loaded on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel and shipped to Netherlands, marking the official entry of the Cawthorne blend into international trade.
Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, is classified as a light, sweet grade—similar to Bonny Light crude oil—and is expected to attract strong demand due to its high yield of premium petroleum products such as petrol and diesel.
The export was carried out via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, located offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The facility is designed to improve crude evacuation from OML 18, while enhancing operational efficiency, export reliability, and national energy security.
NNPC Ltd stated that the introduction of the new crude grade aligns with its broader strategy to optimise asset value, diversify export streams, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global oil market. The development also supports the Federal Government’s target of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The launch follows recent additions to Nigeria’s crude portfolio, including Nembe and Utapate, reflecting what the company described as a structured approach to expanding market offerings and improving production efficiency.
Commenting 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 among OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders.
Ojulari said the achievement underscores NNPC Ltd’s focus on execution, partnership, and value creation, noting that the company is transitioning from resource potential to full-scale monetisation of assets.
He added that the successful export of the Cawthorne crude is part of a broader strategy to grow production, enhance market relevance, and position Nigeria as a reliable global energy supplier.
NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to maximise the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, while supporting long-term energy security and economic growth.
