NNPC launches Cawthorne crude export as maiden cargo departs for the Netherlands market

Nigeria marks a new oil milestone as NNPC exports 950,000 barrels of Cawthorne crude to the Netherlands, targeting 3 million barrels per day by 2030.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 3:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

Strategic Expansion of Nigeria’s Export Portfolio

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has officially announced the successful export of a new crude oil grade named Cawthorne. This development is part of a deliberate effort to diversify the nation’s exportable crude streams and enhance Nigeria’s competitive standing in the international energy sector. According to Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh, the addition of this new grade allows the national oil firm to unlock greater value from its existing asset base while supporting broader national production goals.

Technical Specifications of the Cawthorne Blend

The new Cawthorne grade is classified as a light, sweet crude with an API gravity of 36.4. This classification places it in a similar category to the well established Bonny Light, which is highly prized in global markets for its high yields of petrol and diesel during the refining process. By introducing a grade with these specific chemical properties, the NNPC aims to attract international buyers seeking premium crude varieties that offer high operational efficiency and lower processing costs.

Maiden Cargo and Logistics Offshore Bonny

The inaugural export consisted of 950,000 barrels of crude, which were lifted on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The shipment was facilitated via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading vessel, which is strategically positioned offshore Bonny in Rivers State. Loaded onto the MT Eburones, the cargo is destined for the Netherlands, representing the first step in establishing Cawthorne as a reliable staple in the European and global markets.