According to tender documents seen by Reuters, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has issued a tender for a 950,000-barrel cargo of Cawthorne crude scheduled to load on September 21 and 22. The state-owned energy company is offering the oil on a free-on-board basis, with bids closing at 8 p.m. West Africa Time on August 4.
Cawthorne Crude Seeks Permanent Footing in International Markets
The latest tender gives Cawthorne another opportunity to establish itself in the international crude market. Nigeria launched the grade in March 2026 as part of broader efforts to reverse years of production decline and broaden its export portfolio, adding it to newer streams like Nembe and Utapate. NNPC also offered a separate 950,000-barrel cargo of Bonny Light for loading between September 30 and October 1.
Did you know? Cawthorne is exported through a floating storage and offloading vessel located offshore Bonny in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta. According to NNPC, this facility strengthens crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease 18, improves operational efficiency, and reduces producer dependence on older pipeline infrastructure.
Middle East Tensions Elevate West African Crude Prospects
Cawthorne is a light, sweet crude with low density and sulphur content, making it attractive to refiners because it yields higher-value products like petrol and diesel with less complex processing. The grade shares similar qualities with Bonny Light, a longstanding favourite among refiners in Europe and Asia.
Bonny Light Remains Central to Exports
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key characteristics of Cawthorne crude?
Cawthorne is a light, sweet crude with relatively low density and sulphur content, allowing refiners to produce petrol and diesel with less complex processing.
When do bids close for the September Cawthorne cargo?
According to tender documents seen by Reuters, bids for the 950,000-barrel cargo close at 8 p.m. West Africa Time on August 4.
Where is Cawthorne crude exported from?
The grade is exported through a floating storage and offloading vessel located offshore Bonny in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, serving Oil Mining Lease 18.
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