Add us on Google
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced export of its newly introduced crude grade, Cawthorne, with the first cargo shipped to the Netherlands, marking a key step in efforts to boost production and diversify Nigeria’s export streams.
NNPC Ltd disclosed that the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was loaded on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel for delivery to the European market. The development signals the entry of Cawthorne crude into the global oil market and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a competitive supplier of light, sweet crude grades.
According to the company, the Cawthorne blend has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it within the light, sweet category. This makes it comparable to Bonny Light and attractive to refiners due to its high petrol and diesel yields.
The crude was exported through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, located offshore Bonny, Rivers State. NNPC Ltd said the facility plays a strategic role in enhancing crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, improving export reliability, operational efficiency and overall energy security.
The introduction of the Cawthorne grade forms part of NNPC Ltd’s broader strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market competitiveness and support national production targets. The Federal Government has set a goal of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
Industry observers note that the addition of Cawthorne builds on recent crude streams such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured effort by NNPC Ltd to expand Nigeria’s crude portfolio and respond to evolving global demand.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, attributed the milestone to policy direction and reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as collaboration with OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other stakeholders.
Ojulari said the company remains focused on strengthening partnerships, maintaining operational discipline and deploying innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth in the energy sector.
He added that the export of the Cawthorne crude reflects NNPC Ltd’s shift towards translating resource potential into measurable commercial value, while reinforcing Nigeria’s standing as a reliable global energy supplier.
NNPC Ltd reiterated its commitment to leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to maximise the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, while supporting long-term energy security and economic growth.
