Niger Delta Blue Economy partners Caverton to promote safer, climate-friendly water transport

The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit has entered into a strategic partnership with Caverton Marine to advance safer, more efficient, and climate-conscious marine transportation across the Niger Delta.

The collaboration was formalised after a high-level meeting between the Summit’s organising committee and Caverton Marine in Lagos. 

It is designed to tackle longstanding safety concerns on the region’s waterways and accelerate the deployment of modern, low-emission passenger vessels.

Caverton Marine, an indigenous boat manufacturer and marine logistics provider, has earned national recognition for its contributions to water transport development in Lagos, particularly through public-private partnerships that produced recent world-class passenger ferries for the state government.

Speaking after the engagement, Cedric Ogwu, a member of the Summit’s organising committee, said the initiative seeks to replicate successful models already delivering results in Lagos.

He explained that the Summit would provide a platform for governments, investors, and operators to advance infrastructure that improves safety, boosts commuter confidence, and supports sustainable economic activity in coastal communities.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Caverton Offshore Group, Bode Makanjuola, welcomed the partnership and described the Summit as timely. 

He noted that Caverton is already collaborating with some states in the Niger Delta but expressed readiness to expand its footprint in the region.

Makanjuola added that the company now manufactures passenger boats that meet global safety and quality benchmarks, including fully electric ferries designed to cut operating costs and reduce long-term environmental impact. 

According to him, many waterway accidents stem from avoidable equipment failures and the use of substandard vessels.

Co-convener of the Summit, Dr. Uche Igwe, said Caverton’s progress in electric ferry manufacturing aligns directly with global energy transition priorities. 

He noted that the adoption of electric ferries presents significant opportunities for the Niger Delta in emissions reduction and green investment attraction.

The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit will hold from 9–11 February at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The event will convene policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and development partners to explore investment prospects across the region’s emerging blue economy. High-level speakers, including former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa, have confirmed attendance.

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