NNPC Exports First Cargo of New Cawthorne Crude to Global Market

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has successfully exported its first cargo of the newly introduced Cawthorne crude grade, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to boost oil production and strengthen its position in the global energy market.

The maiden shipment, estimated at about 950,000 barrels, was loaded in early April aboard the MT Eburones vessel and shipped to the Netherlands for international refining and distribution. The crude was lifted from the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility located offshore Bonny in Rivers State, which supports production from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18.

Cawthorne crude is classified as a light, sweet blend with an API gravity of approximately 36.4, placing it in the same category as Nigeria’s highly sought-after Bonny Light. Its quality makes it particularly attractive to global refiners due to its high yield of refined products such as petrol and diesel.

The export is part of NNPC’s broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s crude oil portfolio and expand its range of exportable blends. It follows recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a deliberate effort to improve market competitiveness and increase revenue streams.

NNPC said the development aligns with the Federal Government’s target of ramping up crude oil production to about three million barrels per day by 2030. The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the shipment as a milestone in transitioning from resource potential to value-driven commercial output, emphasizing stronger partnerships, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Industry analysts say the introduction of the Cawthorne grade could further enhance Nigeria’s appeal in international crude markets, especially at a time when the country is working to recover from years of underinvestment, oil theft, and production disruptions.

The launch of the new crude grade also underscores ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector aimed at improving infrastructure, ensuring energy security, and reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable supplier in the global oil market.