One of Caverton’s talented naval architects has emerged victorious in a prestigious paper competition organised by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Western Europe Section, in the quality of resolving the waterways electrification menace in the world.
Caverton made this known through a statement on Sunday. According to the statement, the winning paper, titled “Electrification of Inland Waterway Transportation in Lagos State,” showcases ground-breaking solutions for sustainable marine mobility, an initiative that resonates deeply with Caverton Marine’s vision for a greener future.
The paper, authored by David Okafor, delves into the electrification of inland waterways transportation in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city. With the city’s rapidly growing population and increasing traffic congestion.
Okafor’s research investigates the feasibility and benefits of transitioning from conventional petrol-powered ferries to electric-powered vessels. “This transition not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to enhance operational efficiency and reliability in Lagos’ underutilised inland waterways.”
The study highlights several key considerations, including the design of electric ferries, the placement of charging infrastructure, and the integration of these vessels into Lagos state’s existing multimodal transportation systems.
Through simulations and comparative analyses, Okafor’s research demonstrates a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent and operational costs by around 70 per cent.
Speaking of the feat, the CEO of the parent company of Caverton Marine, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, said, “We are immensely proud of David’s achievement. His innovative approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and the advancement of marine technology.
“This recognition from SNAME underscores our dedication to exploring and implementing eco-friendly solutions in the maritime sector and ferry design and transportation in particular.”
According to Makanjuola, such revolutions are at the heart of Caverton’s partnership towards integrating innovative electric board systems into its water transportation project in Lagos.
“It is in line with these innovative strategies that Caverton Marine partnered with ExploMar (Suzhou) Energy Technology Co., Ltd, China to integrate cutting-edge electric outboard systems into its OMIBUS passenger ferries. Commissioned by the Lagos State government, these ferries are designed to revolutionize public transportation in the region, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol-powered vessels.
“The electrification of waterways transportation is not just a technical challenge; it is a strategic opportunity for Lagos State to address pressing environmental concerns while improving public transportation options. With the support of the Lagos State government’s Climate Action Plan, this research provides a roadmap for sustainable practices that can be adopted in other coastal and inland regions,” he stated further.
In celebrating the laudable achievement from as far as Europe, he said Caverton Marine remains dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainability in maritime operations. He described the award as a testament to the talented individuals within the organisation who are driving “these vital changes.”
