Good morning. Ambassador Gene Cretz expressed his pleasure at the interest in the event and the services provided by Crowley Maritime and its local partner IbisTek in Ghana. He voiced support for Crowley's expansion into Africa and its partnership with IbisTek.
Crowley is recognized as one of the oldest shipping companies globally, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century when founder Thomas Crowley started with an 18-foot rowboat in San Francisco Bay. Over 125 years, this initial $80 investment has grown into a company with global revenues exceeding $2 billion.
Crowley Maritime's involvement in the oil industry dates back nearly to its founding. Thomas Crowley designed one of the first barges for transporting refined petroleum products. Today, Crowley leads in serving global petroleum companies worldwide, focusing on quality service and safe operations.
The success of international companies often depends on their choice of local partners. In Ghana, Crowley has partnered with IbisTek, which has been operating since 2005, providing solutions in energy and civil infrastructure sectors. With a solid management team and local knowledge, IbisTek aims to transform maritime services in Ghana alongside Crowley's experience and strength.
Ambassador Cretz highlighted the significant role played by the U.S. private sector in developing local economies worldwide, including Ghana. He emphasized five features associated with American companies: innovation, reliance on local talent, strong business values, sound environmental practices, and community commitment—all evident in the joint venture between Crowley and IbisTek.
Ghana's maritime industry is crucial for economic development, with ports like Tema and Takoradi serving not only Ghana but also inland countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. The full utilization of these assets is vital for Ghana's future growth.
The oil and gas industry is another key economic driver for Ghana. Competent maritime service providers like IbisTek-Crowley are essential for fully developing offshore petroleum resources' potential. Ambassador Cretz anticipates positive contributions from this American company to Ghana's development.
He acknowledged the Government of Ghana's efforts to build local companies' capacity to compete economically. The partnership between IbisTek and Crowley exemplifies an effective approach to enhancing Ghanaian companies' capacity and contribution to national development.
Ambassador Cretz concluded by celebrating another U.S. company's establishment in West Africa. He praised the mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Ghana based on shared values and visions of prosperity for all. He looks forward to hearing about IbisTek-Crowley's success in coming years.