Goodness Anenih
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has recorded a significant milestone with the successful introduction of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, into the international market, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence in the global energy space.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, confirmed that the maiden export cargo of the crude blend has been successfully delivered to an international destination.
The historic shipment, comprising 950,000 barrels, was loaded aboard the vessel MT Eburones on April 5, 2026, and transported to the Netherlands, marking the crude’s official entry into global trade.
Cawthorne crude, described as a light and sweet blend, boasts an API gravity of 36.4, placing it in the same premium category as Nigeria’s widely sought-after Bonny Light, known for its high refining efficiency and market value.
The export operation was executed via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading facility situated offshore Bonny in Rivers State, underscoring improved logistics and evacuation capacity within Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
NNPC noted that the introduction of the new grade reflects a strategic push to optimise production streams and broaden Nigeria’s portfolio of exportable crude blends in a highly competitive global market.
The development aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy ambitions, including plans to ramp up crude oil production to three million barrels per day and scale gas output to 12 billion cubic feet daily by 2030.
Cawthorne joins other recently unveiled crude streams such as Nembe and Utapate, reinforcing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s market relevance and diversify its oil offerings to global refiners.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, lauded the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the collaboration across the oil and gas value chain that made the breakthrough possible.
Ojulari reaffirmed the company’s resolve to harness innovation, strengthen partnerships and maintain operational discipline in driving sustainable growth, positioning Nigeria as a dependable supplier in the evolving global energy landscape.