THE RISE OF AN INDIGENOUS OIL BUNKERING SERVICE PROVIDER - 10TH MARITIME WEEK CELEBERATIONS

AI Energy, an indigenous Ghanaian oil marketing company with operations spanning upstream to downstream, as part of its commitment to the development of the maritime industry, supported the 10th Maritime Week Africa 2018 celebrations organized by Petrospot earlier this month.

The event held from July 9-12, 2018 brought together local bunker suppliers, regulators as well as international traders and buyers aiming to develop business in Africa.

Commenting on the rationale for sponsoring the event which they did in 2017 as well, the Chief Executive Officer of AI Energy, Mrs. Abigail Harlley asserted that in line with the company’s vision statement “to develop AI Energy Group into a world class Integrated Energy and Petroleum, Logistics and Support Services Organization dedicated to total client satisfaction” AI is committed to the development of the maritime industry.

The Maritime Week Africa is the only international bunkering event focused entirely on Africa. This year’s programme focused on Africa’s preparations towards the 2020 global 0.50% Sulphur cap. The conference also sought to examine the options for African refiners and suppliers and look to bunker quality issues.

For the past 10 years, Maritime Week Africa has facilitated business partnerships and fostered trading activity between sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. To date, 196 companies have benefitted from this unique event which has built an unrivalled reputation for enabling individuals to meet important new contacts and build new, strong and lasting business relationships.

Speaking at the opening of the celebrations, Minister for Energy Hon. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko affirmed Ghana as being a destination of choice for bunkering activities.

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

According to the Minister, production of oil and gas in Ghana has boosted Ghana’s trading position. In addition the port expansion projects at Takoradi and Tema will further ensure that the needs of bigger vessels operating in the oil and maritime business are better served. “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.

The Managing Director of Petrospot Limited, Llewellyn Bunkes-Hughes expressed his heartfelt appreciation to sponsors of the event such as AI Energy, adding that the event was made possible courtesy of support such as theirs.

AI Energy has attained the enviable Integrated Management System (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment) and has successfully fulfilled all the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified by TUV Intercert Saar. This significant attainment makes AI Energy stand out as the only Oil Marketing Company (OMC) with such international excellence.

The company also has Trace International Certification.