The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has commenced the export of its new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand its footprint in the global oil market.
The maiden shipment, loaded aboard the MT Eburones vessel, departed on April 5, 2026, headed for the Netherlands. NNPC confirmed that the cargo, estimated at 950,000 barrels, was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel located offshore Bonny, Rivers State.
Andy Odeh, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, described the launch of Cawthorne crude as a milestone in the company’s strategy to diversify export streams and strengthen revenue generation. He noted that the blend, with an API gravity of 36.4, is a light, sweet crude comparable to the highly sought-after Bonny Light.
“The Cawthorne blend enhances crude evacuation from OML 18 and strengthens Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall energy security,” Odeh said.
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The new crude grade follows previous additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured effort by NNPC to optimise production and expand Nigeria’s crude portfolio for international markets.
Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, stated that the maiden export underscores the company’s shift towards commercial efficiency and value creation. “We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes,” he said. Ojulari added that the initiative also aligns with the federal government’s ongoing reforms in the energy sector.
Nigeria has faced declining crude output in recent years due to pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and underinvestment in upstream operations. The introduction of Cawthorne crude aims to bolster production, attract foreign investment, and position Nigeria as a reliable global energy supplier amid changing global oil dynamics.