By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it has commenced export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, as part of efforts to boost production and expand Nigeria’s footprint in the global market.
In a statement on Tuesday by Andy Odeh, NNPC chief corporate communications officer, the company said the maiden cargo of the Cawthorne blend was shipped on April 5 aboard the MT Eburones vessel to the Netherlands.
The company announced the new crude grade in February.
NNPC said the 950,000-barrel cargo was loaded via the Cawthorne floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel located offshore Bonny, Rivers state, adding that the facility is expected to improve evacuation from oil mining lease (OML) 18 and strengthen export efficiency.
“Cawthorne blend crude, the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category, comparable to Bonny Light, and highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields,” the statement reads.
“NNPC Ltd confirms that on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Cawthorne blend crude, which was loaded on the MT Eburones vessel, is headed to the Netherlands and onward to the global market.”
The company said the introduction of the new grade aligns with its strategy to optimise production, diversify export streams, and improve competitiveness in the international oil market.
NNPC added that the development supports the federal government’s target of ramping up crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The firm said the launch of Cawthorne builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate crude grades, reflecting a “structured approach” to expanding Nigeria’s crude oil portfolio.
Commenting on the development, Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of NNPC, attributed the milestone to policy reforms under President Bola Tinubu and collaboration with industry stakeholders, including the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
He said the export marks a shift towards value-driven operations.
“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited, one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation,” he said.
Ojulari also said that the company remains focused on translating resource potential into commercial value, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier.
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