NNPC Ltd Announces Export of Cawthorne Crude to Global Markets

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced the commencement of exports for its new crude grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to boost Nigeria’s crude oil production and diversify its export portfolio. 

Cawthorne Blend crude, a light, sweet oil with an API gravity of 36.4 similar to Bonny Light, was loaded on the MT Eburones vessel on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and has been sent to the Netherlands for export to the global market. The maiden cargo consisted of 950,000 barrels and was transported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, strategically positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State.

The FSO enhances crude evacuation from OML 18, improving Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and energy security. The launch of Cawthorne aligns with NNPC’s broader strategy to unlock value from its assets, strengthen market competitiveness, and achieve national targets of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.

This development follows recent additions of Nembe and Utapate grades, reflecting NNPC’s structured approach to optimising production and expanding Nigeria’s presence in the global oil market.

NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy reforms and the collaborative efforts of OML 18 partners, NUPRC, and other stakeholders in reaching this milestone. He emphasised NNPC’s focus on partnerships, operational discipline, and innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and energy security.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to resource monetisation and value creation. The successful export of Cawthorne is part of a strategic plan to grow production, enhance market relevance, and position Nigeria as a dependable global energy supplier."

Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC’s dedication to leveraging innovation, partnerships, and disciplined operations to maximise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while securing the nation’s long-term energy needs and economic growth.

The company remains committed to transforming Nigeria’s resource potential into tangible benefits for the economy and the energy sector.