MWUN Congratulates Caverton CEO On Launch Of Unity Shipping Worldwide

MWUN Congratulates Caverton CEO On Launch Of Unity Shipping Worldwide
……. describes launch as “groundbreaking”

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has extended warm congratulations to Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, on the successful launch of Unity Shipping Worldwide (USW)—a groundbreaking Nigerian national shipping line established through a strategic public-private partnership.

The USW initiative is a collaboration among the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Swedish global shipping giant Stena Bulk, and Caverton Offshore Support Group, with the goal of revitalizing Nigeria’s shipping industry and boosting the country’s oil and gas logistics infrastructure.

In a congratulatory letter dated May 19, 2025, signed by Acting Secretary General of MWUN, Comrade Oniha Erazua, the union praised the visionary leadership of Mr. Makanjuola, noting that his track record and Caverton’s reputation in the oil and gas sector make him a fitting leader for such a monumental initiative.

“Your company has built an unassailable reputation in the oil & gas sector over the years and this is attributable to astute leadership the likes of which you provide and represent at all times,” the letter stated.

The union also highlighted the provision of a $700 million cabotage fund, aimed at empowering indigenous shipowners to acquire new vessels, as a critical component of the broader maritime reform. They expressed optimism that the initiative would spark a “positive revolution” in both the maritime and oil & gas sectors.

MWUN, representing a wide network of workers across the maritime and oil industries, voiced its anticipation of the long-term economic and employment benefits the Unity Shipping Worldwide project promises to bring.

“As a maritime union with numerous members working on oil & gas platforms, we look forward to the positive compounding effects of this unique and great economic initiative,” the union added.

The launch of Unity Shipping Worldwide is seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to revive its national shipping capacity, enhance local content in the maritime industry, and stimulate economic growth through strategic global partnerships.