Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Initiates Exports of Cawthorn Blend Crude Oil
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has officially begun exporting a new crude oil grade known as Cawthorn Blend to the Netherlands. This initiative represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s strategic push to boost oil production and diversify its export portfolio and revenue streams.
In a statement published on its website on Tuesday, NNPC highlighted that the newly introduced crude grade is classified as light and sweet, boasting an API gravity of 36.4. This positions it favorably alongside Bonny Light, making it appealing in international markets due to its high yields of gasoline and diesel.
According to NNPC, the inaugural shipment of Cawthorn Blend was loaded on Sunday aboard the MT Evrones and is en route to the Netherlands to meet global market demands. The company reported that approximately 950,000 barrels were exported using the Cawthorn floating storage and offloading vessel (FSO) stationed offshore Bonny in Rivers State.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Credibility
The floating storage vessel linked to Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 is anticipated to enhance crude oil removal processes, boost efficiency, and fortify Nigeria’s credibility within the export domain. This strategic move aligns with NNPC’s broader goals of optimizing resource extraction and increasing competitiveness.
Moreover, the introduction of Cawthorn Blend complements NNPC’s ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s footprint in the global crude oil market. It follows the recent introductions of other grades, such as Nembe and Utapate, signifying a concerted effort to diversify the nation’s crude oil supply.
Aligning with National Energy Goals
NNPC emphasized that the launch of Cawthorn Blend is synonymous with its overarching strategy to extract greater value from its assets. The company is committed to supporting the federal government’s target of ramping up crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day and gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day by the year 2030.
Mr. Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, stated that this achievement is indicative of ongoing sector reforms and successful collaboration among key industry participants, including the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and OML 18 partners. He emphasized that the development underscores a focus on partnerships, operational efficiency, and innovation as key drivers of growth and energy security.
Mr. Ojulari noted, “This milestone reflects the transition from resource potential to resource monetization, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.” He further added that the export of Cawthorn Blend forms part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a reliable supplier within the global energy market.
NNPC reiterated its dedication to harnessing innovation, fostering partnerships, and maintaining operational discipline to maximize the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, thereby supporting long-term economic growth.
