Odita Sunday 
By Goodness Anenih
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the successful launch of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, into the international market, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s oil production and export diversification efforts.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday by Andy Odeh, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
According to the statement, the company has already completed the export of the first cargo of the new crude blend, signaling a strategic push to expand Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.
The maiden shipment of 950,000 barrels was loaded aboard the MT Eburones vessel on April 5, 2026, and exported to Netherlands.
Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, is categorized as a light, sweet crude similar to Bonny Light crude, making it highly attractive for refining due to its high petrol and diesel yield.
The crude was evacuated through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading facility located offshore Bonny in Rivers State, enhancing efficiency and reliability in crude export operations.
NNPC noted that the introduction of the new grade is part of a broader strategy to maximise value from its asset base while strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global crude oil market.
The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s target of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and increasing gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The statement added that the Cawthorne blend joins other recently introduced grades such as Nembe and Utapate, underscoring a structured approach to boosting production and diversifying export streams.
NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, commended the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key industry stakeholders, reaffirming the company’s commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainable growth in the global energy sector.
About the Author
