NNPC launches new Cawthorne crude export to bost Nigeria’s oil output
NNPC
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has started exporting its new crude grade, Cawthorne, as part of efforts to ramp up production and compete globally.
In a statement on Wednesday, NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh announced, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has commenced export of its new crude grade – Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s drive to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive export streams.”
The light, sweet Cawthorne blend, with an API gravity of 36.4, rivals Bonny Light and offers high petrol and diesel yields.
Its maiden 950,000-barrel cargo loaded on April 5 aboard the MT Eburones vessel, bound for the Netherlands, departed from the Cawthorne FSO offshore Bonny, Rivers State.
NNPC Group CEO Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari hailed the launch, saying, “This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation.
“The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production.”
The move supports Nigeria’s goal of 3 million barrels per day by 2030 and follows recent grades like Nembe and Utapate.
