Caverton Marine has appointed Pauline Sessou-Diop as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Based out of London, her role will consist of defining the commercial and business development strategy focusing on eco effective fleet expansion in oil, gas and bulk marine transportation worldwide, with a particular emphasis on the West African market.

Caverton Marine Limited is the shipping arm of the Nigerian public listed Caverton Offshore Support Group, a fully integrated offshore support company specialising in providing top-tier marine and aviation logistics services primarily within the oil and gas industry. Founded in 1999, Caverton Marine originated as a specialised service provider in marine and special transportation services, providing small tankers, boats, barges, and allied equipment to its clients.

Deregulation of the downstream sector and implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act has encouraged an increase of both domestic and foreign investment from the private sector. As major oil marketers shift towards becoming importers of petroleum products, the demand for reliable petroleum shipping services to facilitate the safe movement of products between domestic and international markets has increased – a trend that is set to continue.

Bode Makanjuola, CEO, Caverton Offshore Support Group said: “We want to strengthen Caverton Marine as a reliable energy transport partner, delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable shipping solutions. Pauline brings a wealth of knowledge in company strategy, time charter negotiations and vessels acquisitions. As appetite for accessing the West African region expands, we want to offer a differentiated service that investors can trust.”

Pauline Sessou-Diop

Sessou-Diop brings more than 21 years’ experience of the tanker industry with much of her career spent with tanker owner, Euronav. Her last appointment was general manager of its London-based commercial office, including representing the company in the Tankers International VLCC pool. At Caverton Marine, she is tasked with identifying potential markets, evaluating expansion options, and negotiating strategic alliances and acquisitions to deliver growth. She will also represent Caverton in the Unity Shipping Worldwide joint venture set up between Caverton, Stena Bulk and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Pauline Sessou-Diop commented: “I am excited and proud to join a dynamic and already successful team and eager to bring my knowledge and experience to support Caverton Marine’s growth ambitions. As a company, we have unparalleled regional expertise with government bodies and organisations across the West African region. We want to open this up to the marine industry and enable customers to benefit from this booming market.”

Sessou-Diop studied in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Neoma Business School in France and a Bachelor of Art in European Business studies from the University of Lincoln in Hull, UK, majoring in Economics, International Finance, Marketing and Management. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and obtained an Advance diploma in Ship Sale and Purchases and Shipping Business.
Source: Caverton Marine Limited