NNPC Expands Export Portfolio with Cawthorne Crude Shipment To Europe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially introduced a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, into the international market, marking a significant step in its efforts to boost production and diversify Nigeria’s export portfolio.
The company confirmed that the maiden cargo of the Cawthorne blend was exported on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel, destined for the Netherlands. The shipment, comprising approximately 950,000 barrels, represents the first international sale of the new crude grade.
Cawthorne crude, classified as a light sweet blend with an API gravity of 36.4, is comparable to Bonny Light and is expected to attract strong demand globally due to its high yield of premium petroleum products such as petrol and diesel.
The cargo was lifted from the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility located offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The facility plays a critical role in improving crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, while enhancing Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and energy security.
According to NNPC Ltd, the introduction of the Cawthorne blend aligns with its broader strategy to maximise value from its asset base, strengthen competitiveness in the global oil market, and support the Federal Government’s target of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The new grade joins recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting what the company described as a structured approach to expanding Nigeria’s crude offerings and consolidating its position as a major global energy supplier.
Commenting on the development, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, credited ongoing sector reforms and stakeholder collaboration, including contributions from OML 18 partners and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for making the milestone possible.
He emphasised that the company remains focused on strengthening partnerships, improving operational discipline, and deploying innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth.
Ojulari noted that the successful export of the Cawthorne crude is part of a broader strategy aimed at translating Nigeria’s resource potential into measurable economic value, while reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable player in the global energy market.
NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation and strategic collaboration to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, while ensuring long-term energy security and economic growth.
