…Exports first Cargo to Netherlands, reinforcing production growth, export diversification strategy
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced export of its latest crude oil grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in the company’s drive to raise Nigeria’s crude production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive export streams.
NNPC Ltd confirmed that on Sunday, 5th April, 2026, the Cawthorne blend was loaded on the MT Eurones vessel and dispatched to the Netherlands and onto the global market.
The maiden 950,000-barrel cargo was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, strategically located offshore Bonny, Rivers State.
A press statement issued by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd ,Abuja said the FSO enhances crude evacuation from OML 18 and strengthens Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency and overall market competitiveness.
The Cawthorne grade, which has an API gravity of 36.4, falls firmly within the light, sweet category comparable to Bonny Light, and is highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields.
Statement reads in part:
The introduction of Cawthorne to the international market underscores NNPC Ltd’s deliberate strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market relevance, and reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global crude oil market.
The launch of the Cawthorne grade builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a sustained and structured approach by NNPC Ltd to optimise production, expand market offerings, and support the Presidential mandate of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction and sector reforms, as well as the tremendous collaboration shown by OML 18 partners and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited — one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes,” Ojulari said.
He stressed that NNPC Ltd is focused on deepening partnerships, strengthening operational discipline and deploying innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and energy security for the nation.
Ojulari added that the successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement, but part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier.
“NNPC Limited will continue to leverage innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while ensuring Nigeria’s long-term energy security and economic growth,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to disciplined execution and value delivery, adding: “We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations.”
