Ghana is best destination for bunkering activities — Energy Minister

The Minister of Energy, Mr Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has assured players in the marine industry that Ghana still remained the best destination for bunkering (refuelling of ships).

He said Ghana was considered around the world to be one of the best countries to conduct bunkering activities in West Africa.

According to him, this position has even been further strengthened following the construction of a 13.5 million litre marine gas oil storage facility at the Takoradi port and the construction of a four million litre storage facility at the Sekondi Naval base by the Ghana Oil Company (GOIL).

He said this would ensure regular and reliable supply of products.

The Minister said this at the opening of the Maritime Week Africa 2018 conference which was organised by Petrospot.

“The hosting of this conference in Ghana is not by accident.

Ghana is still a destination of choice for bunkering activities and is widely considered around the world to be one of the best countries in which to conduct bunkering activities in West Africa,” he stated.

Production of oil and gas

Mr Agyarko also pointed out that the production of oil and gas in Ghana had boosted the country’s trading position.

He said the port expansion projects in Takoradi and Tema would further ensure that the needs of bigger vessels operating in the oil and maritime business were better served.

“It is important to state that the recent ruling of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in favour of Ghana, in respect of its maritime boundary dispute with La Cote d’Ivoire, means that our exploration partners can now push forward with their projects which had to be put on hold for a number of years,” he said.

“The entry of Exxon Mobil and Aker Energy in Ghana is the latest indication of our commitment to attract credible investors to our oil and shipping industries following others such as Tullow Oil, Kosmos Energy and ENI, who have already laid a strong foundation”, he added.

About Maritime Week Africa

The Maritime Week Africa conference is the only international bunkering event focused entirely on Africa.

This year’s programme focused on what Africa is doing to prepare for the 2020 global 0.50 per cent Sulphur cap.

The conference also examined the options for African refiners and suppliers.