Nigeria’s NNPC launches Cawthorne Crude onto global market

Business

ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced export of its new crude grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to boost crude oil production and diversify its export portfolio.

Cawthorne blend crude, the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of grades, has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category. Comparable to Bonny Light, it is highly valued internationally for its superior petrol and diesel yields.

NNPC Ltd confirmed that on 5 April 2026, the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was loaded onto the MT Eburones vessel via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility offshore Bonny, Rivers State, and shipped to the Netherlands. The FSO enhances crude evacuation from OML 18, strengthening Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and energy security.

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According to a statement signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, the launch of Cawthorne underscores NNPC Ltd’s deliberate strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen competitiveness, and support the Presidential mandate of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.

Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction and sector reforms, as well as the collaboration of OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and other stakeholders. He stressed that NNPC Ltd remains focused on disciplined execution, innovation, and partnerships to ensure sustainable growth and energy security.

Ojulari added: “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 Cawthorne follows recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier. NNPC Ltd pledged to continue leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while safeguarding long‑term energy security and economic growth.