LAGOS, NIGERIA – 26 JUNE 2015 – Caverton Offshore Support Group PLC (COSG), a leading provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria is pleased to announce that SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY has exercised contract extension options with its subsidiary Caverton Helicopters Limited for a two year period.
Caverton won a 5 year contract with SHELL in 2010 for the operation of 6 helicopters servicing Shell Companies in Nigeria. The extension will see Caverton servicing the company till 2017.
Olabode Makanjuola, Caverton’s Chief Executive Officer, said ‘We are delighted and encouraged that Shell continues to build on this partnership started years ago.” Over a four year period prior to the award of the contract, through a rigorous process of engagements, audits and reviews, our processes had been honed in accordance to Shell’s requirements and operating standards. As part of Shell’s commitment to grow in-country capacity, Caverton participated and won a five (+2) year tender to provide 6 x AW139 helicopters for Shell operations in Nigeria. To further demonstrate commitment to National Content Development, Shell provided opportunity for a ‘soft’ loan knowing full well the challenges present in the financial sector of the Nigerian economy. This investment has positioned Caverton as one of the biggest aviation logistics provider in the sub-Saharan region.
During the five years of the contract, through a structured performance monitoring system, Shell has encouraged Caverton in building capacity in safety and quality standards thus positioning Caverton as a reference point for best global aviation practices.
It should be recalled that in 2014, The Production Directorate of Shell awarded Caverton the ‘Safety Conscious Contractor of the Year Award’ in the Medium and High Risk Category while commemorating 75 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hours. Justifying the award Shell said: “Caverton Helicopters developed safety programs to improve staff safety culture. Raising the bar engagement sessions, Safety Survey and ‘Aim for Zero’ Campaign and actively ready to learn from previous incidents.”
Caverton has in turn demonstrated commitment to Nigerian Government’s ‘Local Content Policy’. Caverton has trained and has given type rating training to many local pilots and engineers. There is also an ongoing program to train local pilots and engineers year on year. Some Nigerians in Diaspora have been encouraged to come home and take up senior positions within Caverton.
In summary, Mr. Bode Makanjuola Caverton’s CEO stated “All in all, our story cannot be written without Shell. Caverton is a testament to Shell’s commitment to building in-country capacity and giving back as a responsible corporate citizen.”
