Nigeria Achieves New Oil Export Milestone with Launch of Cawthorne Crude

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has marked a major milestone in the country’s oil industry with the successful export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s production capacity and global market presence.

In a statement released by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said the development strengthens the nation’s portfolio of exportable crude grades and signals its commitment to boosting competitiveness in the international energy market.

The newly introduced Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, falls within the light, sweet category—comparable to the highly sought-after Bonny Light—making it particularly attractive for petrol and diesel production.

The maiden export shipment of 950,000 barrels was lifted on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel, bound for the Netherlands before reaching broader international markets. The cargo was dispatched via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State, enhancing crude evacuation from OML 18 and boosting Nigeria’s operational efficiency and energy security.

According to NNPC, the launch of Cawthorne aligns with the company’s strategy to maximise value from its assets and support the Presidential goal of raising crude production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. The new blend builds on previous additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured approach to optimising production and expanding Nigeria’s crude offerings.

Commenting on the milestone, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to government policy, effective stakeholder collaboration, and innovative operational strategies.