By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
ABUJA – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has begun exporting its latest crude oil grade, Cawthorne, in a move hailed as a major step forward in the company’s drive to boost domestic production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive energy products.
The company confirmed that on Sunday, 5th April 2026, the Cawthorne blend was loaded onto the MT Eurones vessel and dispatched to the Netherlands, from where it will enter the wider international market.
The maiden cargo, comprising 950,000 barrels, was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, strategically positioned offshore Bonny in Rivers State.
In a press statement issued by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd in Abuja, the company explained that the FSO improves crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, while also enhancing Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall market competitiveness.
The new Cawthorne grade has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category comparable to the well-regarded Bonny Light. It is expected to be highly sought after in global markets due to its superior yields of petrol and diesel.
The statement read in part: “The introduction of Cawthorne to the international market underscores NNPC Ltd’s deliberate strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market relevance, and reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global crude oil market.”
The launch of Cawthorne builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting what the company describes as a sustained and structured approach to optimise production and expand market offerings. The move also supports the Presidential mandate to scale 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, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction and sector reforms, as well as the collaboration shown by OML 18 partners and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
“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,” Mr Ojulari said.
He stressed that NNPC Ltd is focused on deepening partnerships, strengthening operational discipline, and deploying innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and energy security for the nation.
The GCEO added that the successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade was not an isolated achievement, but part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier.
“NNPC Limited will continue to leverage innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while ensuring Nigeria’s long-term energy security and economic growth,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to disciplined execution and value delivery, adding: “We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations.”
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