By Ayo Kehinde
Nigeria has taken a decisive step to strengthen its global energy footprint as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited successfully exported the maiden cargo of its new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, to Netherlands.
Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd, disclosed that the first shipment, consisting of 950,000 barrels, was loaded aboard the MT Eburones vessel on April 5, 2026, marking a significant milestone in NNPC Ltd’s strategy to diversify Nigeria’s crude portfolio and reinforce its production growth.
The Cawthorne blend, a light, sweet crude with an API gravity of 36.4, is comparable to Bonny Light crude oil and is highly sought after in the international market for its superior petrol and diesel yields. The export of this premium-grade crude underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to delivering globally competitive energy products while unlocking value from its asset base.
The cargo was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, strategically positioned offshore Bonny in Rivers State. This infrastructure not only facilitates efficient crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, but also strengthens Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall energy security.
The launch of Cawthorne builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a deliberate and structured approach by NNPC Ltd to expand market offerings, optimise production, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a reliable supplier in the global crude oil market.
The initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s targets of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction and sector reforms, highlighting the collaborative effort of OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders in achieving this milestone.
Ojulari emphasised that the Cawthorne export is not an isolated success, but part of a broader strategy to move from resource potential to resource monetisation.
“We are focused on execution, partnership, and value creation. Every asset is expected to deliver measurable commercial outcomes”, he said, reaffirming NNPC Ltd’s commitment to operational discipline, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Industry analysts note that the addition of Cawthorne to Nigeria’s crude basket enhances the nation’s appeal to international refiners and supports diversification of revenue streams amid evolving global market dynamics. The move also signals operational resilience and improved infrastructure in the Niger Delta, reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing production efficiency.
NNPC reiterates its commitment to continue leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and disciplined operations to maximise the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, ensuring energy security and contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth.
