Caverton Marine’s New CCO Sessou-Diop Targets Sustainable Fleet Expansion

Caverton Marine Limited has appointed Pauline Sessou-Diop, the former general manager of Euronav’s London commercial office, as its new chief commercial officer (CCO).

Announcing her appointment on Friday, Caverton Marine states that this strategic leadership addition is poised to accelerate the company’s growth ambition by clearly focusing on sustainable fleet expansion and enhanced market presence, particularly within the West African marine transportation sector.

The company said her role will define the commercial and business development strategy, focusing on eco-effective fleet expansion in oil, gas, and bulk marine transportation worldwide and focusing on the West African market.

Caverton Marine noted that deregulation of the downstream sector and implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act have encouraged increased domestic and foreign investment from the private sector.

Welcoming Sessou-Diop to his team, the chief executive officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, 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 to company strategy, time charter negotiations, and vessel acquisitions. As appetite for accessing the West African region expands, we want to offer a differentiated service that investors can trust.”

Sessou-Diop brings over 21 years of experience in the tanker industry, with much of her career spent with the owner of 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 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 Arts 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 has obtained an advanced diploma in Ship Sale and Purchases and Shipping Business.

Caverton Marine Limited is the shipping arm of the Nigerian publicly 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 was a specialised service provider in marine and special transportation services, providing its clients with small tankers, boats, barges, and allied equipment. Today, Caverton Marine contributes significantly to the commercial ferry sector, focusing on efficient and reliable transportation services.