By Rareview Energydesk
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has introduced a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, into the international market, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s push to boost production and diversify its export portfolio.
The oil company confirmed that the maiden cargo of the new crude blend — approximately 950,000 barrels — was exported on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel to the Netherlands, signaling the official entry of the grade into global trading circuits.
Cawthorne crude, classified as a light, sweet blend with an API gravity of 36.4, is comparable to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light crude and is expected to attract strong demand due to its high yields of petrol and diesel.
According to the company, the cargo was lifted from the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility, strategically positioned offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The FSO is designed to enhance evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, improving export efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s supply reliability.
Industry analysts say the introduction of the new grade reflects a broader strategy by NNPC Ltd to optimise its upstream assets and respond to evolving global market dynamics.
“This is about product differentiation and market positioning,” an energy analyst said. “By expanding its crude slate, Nigeria is better able to meet varying refinery specifications and capture value in different markets.”
The development aligns with the Federal Government’s ambition to scale crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030 — a target tied to broader economic and energy security objectives.
In recent years, NNPC Ltd has introduced additional crude streams, including Nembe and Utapate, in what observers describe as a structured effort to deepen competitiveness and maximise revenue from the country’s hydrocarbon resources.
Commenting on the milestone, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, attributed the achievement to policy reforms and stakeholder collaboration.
“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation,” Ojulari said. “We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.”
He added that the successful export of the Cawthorne grade forms part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a reliable global energy supplier.
“The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global energy market,” he said.
Ojulari also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policy direction and reforms in the energy sector, as well as the collaborative efforts of OML 18 partners and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in achieving the milestone.
Energy experts note that as global demand patterns shift and competition intensifies, Nigeria’s ability to introduce high-quality crude grades could play a crucial role in maintaining its relevance in international markets.
The launch of Cawthorne crude is expected to enhance Nigeria’s export flexibility, attract a wider range of refiners, and support long-term revenue generation, even as the country navigates the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
NNPC Ltd said it would continue to leverage innovation, partnerships, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources while ensuring sustained economic growth and energy security.