Caverton, ExploMar partner on electric water transport in Africa
Caverton Marine, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with ExploMar to advance sustainable marine transportation across SubbSaharan Africa. The agreement was formalised on
Caverton Marine, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with ExploMar to advance sustainable marine transportation across SubbSaharan Africa.
The agreement was formalised on March 29, 2026, at the Shanghai Boat Show, where both parties signed orders for 20 electric engines and battery systems, alongside plans to develop supporting onshore charging infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Olabode Makanjuola, described the collaboration as a major step toward transforming water transportation in the region. According to him, the partnership will focus on developing a standardised and scalable electric ferry platform tailored to the realities of African waterways.
He emphasised that cities like Lagos, despite being surrounded by water, still rely heavily on congested road networks, while waterways remain underutilised. He noted that conventional fuel-powered ferries are becoming increasingly expensive and less suitable for dense urban environments, making electric alternatives a viable solution.
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At the heart of the initiative is the upgraded OMIBUS EV 2.0 ferry. The vessel features two 300-horsepower electric engines delivering a combined output of 600 horsepower, powered by four 90kWh battery units with a total capacity of 360kWh. This marks a significant improvement from earlier versions and is designed to provide a zero-emission, cost-efficient transport option.
The partnership combines Caverton Marine’s expertise in vessel design and operations within African waters with ExploMar’s strength in electric propulsion and control systems. Both companies aim to develop an integrated model where vessels and charging infrastructure are designed together, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
ExploMar CEO, Alex Dong, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding electric maritime solutions beyond developed markets. He noted that Africa’s waterways present a major opportunity for sustainable transport innovation and expressed confidence that the OMIBUS EV 2.0 will set new performance standards in emerging markets.
Makanjuola added that pilot operations are already underway in Lagos, with ongoing collaboration involving key regulatory bodies such as the National Inland Waterway Authority and the Lagos State Waterways Authority to ensure smooth integration into the transport system.
He stressed that the initiative is no longer conceptual, as implementation has already begun, positioning Lagos as a potential model for wider adoption across Africa.
Caverton Offshore Support Group is a leading Nigerian provider of marine and aviation logistics services, while ExploMar specialises in high-performance electric marine propulsion and control technologies.
