Nigeria Expands Oil Frontiers as NNPC Launches Cawthorne Crude into Global Market
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has launched a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, into the international market, successfully exporting its first cargo to the Netherlands in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s production capacity and diversifying export streams.
The development was announced in a press release issued on April 7, 2026, by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh.
According to the statement, the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels of the Cawthorne blend was loaded on the MT Eburones vessel on April 5 and shipped to the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s oil sector.
NNPC Ltd described the new crude grade as a light, sweet blend with an API gravity of 36.4, comparable to Bonny Light crude oil, making it highly attractive in the global market due to its superior petrol and diesel yield.
“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,” the statement said.
The cargo was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel located offshore Bonny in Rivers State, a facility expected to enhance crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and improve operational efficiency.
NNPC noted that the introduction of Cawthorne aligns with the Federal Government’s target of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the collaboration of key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, in achieving the milestone.
“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,” Ojulari said.
He added that the initiative forms part of a structured strategy to optimise production and expand Nigeria’s footprint in the global crude oil market.
“We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations,” he stated.
NNPC further assured that it will continue to leverage innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while ensuring long-term energy security and economic growth.
