NNPC Launches Cawthorne Crude, Ships First Cargo To Netherlands
New Crude Grade Enters Global Market
NIGERIAN National Petroleum Company has announced the export of a new crude oil grade, known as the Cawthorne blend, marking a fresh milestone in Nigeria’s oil sector.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the national oil company confirmed that the maiden cargo of the crude was shipped to the Netherlands, signaling a strategic push to expand Nigeria’s export portfolio and boost revenue generation.
Maiden Shipment and Key Details
The first shipment of the Cawthorne blend, estimated at about 950,000 barrels, was loaded aboard the MT Eburones and exported through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility located offshore Bonny in Rivers State.
Linked to Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, the FSO is designed to improve crude evacuation and enhance operational efficiency, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s export reliability in the global energy market.
High-Quality Blend Targets Global Demand
NNPC described the new crude grade as light and sweet, with an API gravity of 36.4. This places it in the same category as premium Nigerian blends such as Bonny Light, making it attractive to international refiners due to its high yields of petrol and diesel.
The company noted that such qualities position the Cawthorne blend competitively in global markets, particularly in Europe where demand for cleaner crude grades remains strong.
Driving Production and Revenue Growth
According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, the introduction of the new grade reflects broader efforts to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.
He credited ongoing reforms and collaboration with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, for enabling the milestone.
“This reflects our transition from resource potential to resource monetisation,” Ojulari stated, emphasizing the company’s focus on delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
Part of a Broader Energy Strategy
NNPC said the launch of the Cawthorne blend aligns with national targets to increase crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The company also highlighted that the new grade builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, demonstrating a structured approach to diversifying Nigeria’s crude offerings.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Position
With the introduction of Cawthorne, NNPC aims to reinforce Nigeria’s standing as a reliable supplier in the international oil market.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, partnerships, and operational discipline to maximise value from the country’s hydrocarbon resources while supporting long-term economic growth.
