Caverton, NNPC, Other Launch Unity Shipping to Expand Nigeria’....

Samuel Mobolaji

Caverton Marine Limited, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Swedish shipping giant Stena Bulk to launch Unity Shipping Worldwide—an ambitious joint venture aimed at transforming Nigeria into a major force in global energy logistics.

The agreement was formalised in April 2025 at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, signalling a strategic shift in NNPC’s maritime operations and the country’s broader efforts to strengthen indigenous participation in international shipping.

In a corporate disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday, the parties announced that the venture is designed to boost Nigeria’s maritime transport capacity, support NNPC’s energy export operations, and deepen local expertise in the global shipping value chain.

NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bayo Ojulari, described the partnership as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s energy logistics roadmap. “Shipping is central to our growth strategy, and this venture represents a historic and unprecedented leap forward for NNPC and for Nigeria. This partnership is a critical part of our transformation agenda, helping us diversify and enhance our operations in the maritime sector,” he stated.

Caverton’s role as the Nigerian partner underscores its extensive track record in maritime and aviation logistics, particularly within the oil and gas sector. The company currently provides services to top-tier clients such as Shell, Chevron, Total, and Nigeria LNG, bringing operational excellence and deep local insight to the partnership.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, hailed the initiative as a “bold step towards promoting local content and advancing industrial reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.” He praised Caverton’s central involvement as a strong signal of the government’s commitment to indigenous empowerment and sustainable economic growth.

Echoing the sentiment, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the alignment of the venture with Nigeria’s renewed push to reclaim a significant share of global maritime trade. “This partnership will help increase Nigeria’s shipping capacity and contribute to economic growth,” he said.

Unity Shipping Worldwide is projected to create jobs, expand maritime capacity, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

Caverton Marine has also reiterated its call for stronger safety enforcement on all waterways as part of efforts to support the sector’s growth potential.