• NNPC exports first Cawthorne crude cargo to Netherlands
• New light sweet grade targets European, U.S. refining markets
• Move supports Nigeria’s strategy to expand crude export portfolio

Nigeria’s state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has exported its first cargo of Cawthorne crude to the Netherlands. The shipment totaled about 950,000 barrels and was loaded from the Cawthorne floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit offshore Bonny in Rivers State. The FSO is linked to production license OML 18, the main source of the new grade.

Cawthorne crude has an API gravity of 36.4, classifying it as light and sweet. Its profile is close to Bonny Light, making it attractive to refiners for its high gasoline and diesel yields. This makes it particularly appealing in key markets such as Europe and the United States.

The export is part of Nigeria’s strategy to broaden its crude slate. Following the launch of the Nembe and Utapate grades, the country is expanding its range of offerings to strengthen its position in international markets.

Recovery Still Constrained

The development comes as oil output recovers gradually. Nigeria produced around 1.4 million barrels per day in March, according to OPEC data, still below capacity. The gap reflects years of underinvestment, crude theft and operational disruptions in the Niger Delta.

Higher output from OML 18 and nearby fields could lift total crude and condensate production to nearly 1.7 million barrels per day for the rest of the year. That outlook depends on improved operational stability and infrastructure security.

Nigeria is also operating under OPEC+ production limits of around 1.5 million barrels per day. As output rises, the country is nearing that ceiling and is pushing for a higher quota. The challenge will be balancing production growth with OPEC+ constraints.

Rising Competition in Export Markets

The launch comes as competition intensifies, particularly in Europe. In 2025, the region accounted for about 46% of Nigerian exports, or 588,000 barrels per day, down from 50% in 2024. The decline reflects stronger competition from suppliers such as Brazil, Guyana and some Mediterranean producers.

These competitors offer similar grades, often at more competitive terms, as refiners seek stable, affordable alternatives to Russian crude. Nigeria must adjust its export mix to defend market share and attract new buyers. Recent sales of Utapate crude in Spain and on the U.S. East Coast show the country can secure demand beyond Africa. Cawthorne follows the same strategy of geographic and quality diversification.

For NNPC, the first cargo marks progress in reshaping its business model. The company is focusing on execution, partnerships and value creation, with the aim of improving how it generates revenue from its assets. The Cawthorne FSO supports that shift by strengthening export capacity and reliability.

Olivier de Souza