The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has successfully exported its first cargo of the newly introduced Cawthorne crude grade to the Netherlands, marking a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand oil production and diversify export streams.
The maiden shipment, consisting of approximately 950,000 barrels, was loaded on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel and dispatched to the European market. This development signals the official entry of the Cawthorne blend into the global crude oil market.
Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, falls within the light, sweet category—making it comparable to Nigeria’s widely traded Bonny Light crude oil. The grade is expected to attract strong demand internationally due to its high yields of petrol and diesel.
The export was facilitated through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, located offshore in Bonny, Rivers State. The facility plays a key role in improving crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s export reliability.
The introduction of the Cawthorne grade forms part of NNPC’s broader strategy to maximise value from its assets, increase production capacity, and reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market. It also aligns with the Federal Government’s target of ramping up crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
This latest addition builds on recently introduced crude streams such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured push to broaden Nigeria’s export portfolio and attract a wider range of international buyers.
Commenting on the milestone, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised ongoing sector reforms and collaboration among stakeholders, including the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. He noted that the achievement underscores the company’s commitment to execution, partnerships, and value creation.
Ojulari emphasized that the export of Cawthorne crude is part of a long-term strategy aimed at translating Nigeria’s resource potential into tangible economic gains while positioning the country as a reliable global energy supplier.
NNPC Ltd reiterated that it will continue to leverage innovation, strategic alliances, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources and support long-term energy security and economic growth.