EMEA News
Ghana Bunkering Industry Needs Investment
Ghana's bunkering industry is suffering from a lack of investment, the news site Ghana Web reports.
Since Shell Ghana, Total Ghana, and Mobil Oil sold their shares of Ghana Bunkering Services (GBS) to Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) 13 years ago, the bunkering infrastructure has deteriorated, private bunkering firms say.
GBS still uses storage tanks built by the private shareholders and is often unable to deliver the quantities of fuel ordered by the bunkering firms.
"GOIL currently needs private bunkering companies to help build more storage tanks since it is always complaining of lack of funds," said an official of one of the private bunkering firms.
Many fishing vessels must sail offshore for refuelling, which means less revenue for the Ghana government.
"Both GBS and GOIL do not have competent hands to handle a sophisticated business like bunkering," a GBS employee said, speaking anonymously.
"GOIL should collaborate with private bunkering services companies to grow the industry... As we speak, we don't have enough marine oil in our storage tanks to meet the ever-increasing demand from vessels."
Last year, the head of Ghanaian bunker supplier Inter Maritime Services called for tighter regulation and more government support for the bunker industry, saying change was needed to give ship owners confidence in bunker providers.
