Intertek extends oil and gas capabilities in Ghana
As part of its continued growth in Africa, Intertek, a leading global quality solutions provider, has invested in the expansion of its services to the petroleum industry in Ghana.
Intertek technical manager Frederick Atike with some of the advanced calibration technology in the Takoradi facility
Intertek has opened a new technologically advanced calibration laboratory in its Takoradi Port facility, launched earlier this year to provide independent petroleum industry testing and inspection. The introduction of calibration services will build on this to serve a wider customer base in the growing market.
Intertek has invested approximately £600,000 in Ghana since last year, with the opening of its office in Accra and now the combined comprehensive calibration, testing and inspection facility in Takoradi which will help energy companies in the area undertake efficient operations through the most accurate measurement and testing.
Africa is estimated to have 70% of the world’s undiscovered oil, according to the African Economic Outlook report, and Ghana has seen a number of significant oil finds such as the Jubilee field which may hold up to one billion barrels.
Augustin Bogoloh, Regional Manager, Ghana and French West Africa, for Intertek, said: “We have seen significant growth in Ghana’s petroleum industry and Intertek aims to provide the best service to oil and gas companies in Ghana and the wider region. The new first class laboratory for calibration expands on our existing services in Ghana and underlines our commitment to West Africa. We look forward to growing our business to provide continued support to Ghana’s petroleum industry, and also in other countries in Africa.”
The facility in Takoradi has the capability to test and inspect a wide range of crude oil and refined petroleum products, including marine fuel, lube oils, diesel and gasoline. The addition of the new calibration laboratory provides the ability to certify the accuracy of instruments used to measure electrical, pressure, temperature and torque parameters.
Frederick Atike, who has 12 years’ experience in industry, has joined the team as technical manager to manage the calibration facility. Intertek also recently employed Greg Dinkelman as business development manager to expand the company’s calibration and metering service offering in Sub Saharan and West Africa. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr Dinkelman is responsible for developing the business as part of Intertek’s growth strategy, which will also see further development of local offices in the region.
Intertek has been in Ghana since 1984 and currently employs almost 200 staff and contractors in its operations across the country. Intertek will continue to recruit, train and transfer its specialised skills to achieve its primary objective of expansion of its activities in Ghana’s downstream and upstream markets. Intertek’s current business streams in Ghana are oil and gas, minerals and agriculture, with other bases in Accra and Tarkwa.
