Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Boakye Agyarko revealed that the country is creating a Ship-to-Ship and Bunker Zones outside Tema and Takoradi Ports to safeguard Ghana’s future liquid cargo sector.
According to local media, these zone will be created to reduce the risk of piracy during offshore bunker operations, and improve maritime security. If these targets are achieved, Ghana will have more chances in improving its regulatory monitoring and compliance.
The minister also revealed Ghana’s ambitions to become a petroleum hub for the whole of West Africa. In order to do this, Mr. Agyarko called investors to invest Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
He also added that the country’s oil and gas industry has received a boost after the building of a 13.5 million liters marine gas oil storage facility at the Takoradi Port and a 4 million liter storage facility at the Sekondi Naval, which ensures regular supply of products.
Another reason why Ghana is planning the creation of these bunkering zones, is to comply with upcoming environmental regulations. Namely, Ghana needs cleaner fuels so as to provide a a better environment.
Under this, the African country aims to reduce CO2 shipping emissions by 80% until 2050.
