NNPC Launches New Tender for Cawthorne Crude as Nigeria Expands Export Portfolio
Summary Points
- Cawthorne crude stream launched from FSO Cawthorne offshore export terminal earlier in 2026
- Grade positioned as light sweet crude comparable to Bonny Light with API gravity of 36.4
- FSO infrastructure reduces Nigeria's dependence on onshore pipeline networks for crude evacuation
- New grades Nembe and Utapate target premium international refining markets in Europe and Asia
- Specialized low-sulfur crude grades expected to significantly expand Nigeria's oil export capacity
NNPC Opens Fresh Cawthorne Crude Tender to Boost Exports
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has launched a new tender for Cawthorne light crude oil cargoes, strengthening efforts to establish the grade in global markets and expand Nigeria's export portfolio.
What Readers Should Know
- NNPC has opened a fresh tender to sell Cawthorne light crude oil cargoes
- Cawthorne is a light sweet crude with API gravity of 36.4, comparable to Bonny Light
- The blend features low sulphur content and high petrol and diesel yields
- India's Jamnagar refinery received the first Cawthorne cargo of 950,000 barrels
- The export project uses FSO infrastructure to reduce dependence on onshore pipelines
- NNPC has also launched Nembe and Utapate grades for European and Asian markets
Why NNPC Is Pushing Cawthorne Crude
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the opening of a fresh tender to sell its Cawthorne light crude oil cargoes. The move is aimed at strengthening efforts to establish the new oil grade in global markets and enhance the country's export portfolio.
Earlier this year, NNPC launched a sales round following the introduction of the Cawthorne crude stream from the FSO Cawthorne offshore export terminal. NNPC first presented the grade in April as a light sweet crude with an API gravity of 36.4, positioning it alongside Bonny Light blend. Furthermore, the blend has low sulphur content and high petrol and diesel yields.
First Cawthorne Cargo Enters Asian Market
India's Jamnagar refinery had received the first Cawthorne light crude cargo, carrying around 950,000 barrels, marking the blend's entry into the Asian market.
Infrastructure Supporting Cawthorne Exports
The Cawthorne export project comprises a floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit connected to a single-point mooring system. The infrastructure will help the country boost its crude evacuation from OML 18, which in turn will reduce dependence on onshore pipeline networks.
Nigeria's Expanding Crude Export Portfolio
In addition, the NNPC has launched new specialized, low-sulfur crude oil grades such as Nembe and Utapate, targeting premium international refining markets in Europe and Asia. The new oil grades are likely to significantly expand Nigeria's oil export capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cawthorne crude oil?
Cawthorne is a light sweet crude oil grade with an API gravity of 36.4, positioned alongside Nigeria's flagship Bonny Light blend. It features low sulphur content and high petrol and diesel yields.
Why is NNPC tendering Cawthorne cargoes?
NNPC is opening fresh tenders to establish the Cawthorne grade in global markets and enhance Nigeria's crude oil export portfolio.
Where did the first Cawthorne cargo go?
India's Jamnagar refinery received the first Cawthorne light crude cargo, which carried around 950,000 barrels, marking the blend's entry into Asian markets.
What infrastructure supports Cawthorne exports?
The Cawthorne export project uses a floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit connected to a single-point mooring system, helping boost crude evacuation from OML 18.
What other crude grades has NNPC launched?
NNPC has also launched specialized low-sulfur crude grades including Nembe and Utapate, targeting premium refining markets in Europe and Asia.
SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the opening of a fresh tender to sell its Cawthorne light crude oil cargoes. The move is aimed at strengthening efforts to establish the new oil grade in global markets and enhance the country's export portfolio.