NNPC Limited has commenced the export of a new crude grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to boost Nigeria’s oil production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive export streams.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Andy Odeh, on Wednesday.
Cawthorne Blend Crude is the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of crude grades. It has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category – comparable to Bonny Light, and highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields.
https://x.com/nnpclimited/status/2041792672537391476
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NNPCL confirmed that the maiden cargo of the Cawthorne blend crude was loaded on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel and shipped to the Netherlands for entry into the international market.
The firm added that the first shipment, comprising 950,000 barrels, was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading vessel located offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The facility is designed to enhance crude evacuation from OML 18 while improving export reliability, operational efficiency, and energy security.
The introduction of the Cawthorne grade reflects NNPC’s strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market competitiveness, and support national targets to scale crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The development also builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate crude grades, highlighting a structured approach by the company to optimise production and expand Nigeria’s presence in the global oil market.
Commenting on the milestone, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu and acknowledged the collaboration of OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders.
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He stressed that NNPC Ltd is focused on deepening partnerships, strengthening operational discipline and deploying innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and energy security for the nation.
“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,” Ojulari stated.
