The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the successful launch of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, marking an expansion of Nigeria’s export portfolio in the global energy market.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, confirmed that the first cargo of the new blend has already been exported to Europe.
The maiden shipment, comprising 950,000 barrels, was loaded on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel and delivered to the Netherlands.
Cawthorne crude is classified as a light, sweet grade with an API gravity of 36.4, placing it in the same category as Nigeria’s premium Bonny Light crude. Its quality is expected to make it highly desirable in international refining markets.
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The export operation was executed via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility located offshore Bonny in Rivers State, a move aimed at improving crude evacuation and boosting operational efficiency.
According to NNPC, the introduction of the new crude stream aligns with its broader strategy to enhance production capacity, maximise asset value, and reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global oil sector.
The development also supports national production targets of reaching three million barrels of crude oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas daily by 2030.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reiterating the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.
