Galp Energia Company in The Gambia recently inaugurated a new gas station at Latrikunda German’s Kotu junction.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Fernando Gomes, Group Head of Oil Exploration and Production Business and CEO of Galp Gambia, revealed that Galp Energia group dates back to the early development stages of the domestic oil and natural gas industry in the 18th century.
Galp Energia is now an integrated multi-energy operator, present in all stages of the oil, natural gas and electricity value chain, expanding strongly their activities worldwide, he said, adding that the company inherited the essential courage and determination to meet the present and future challenges together with a business culture based on strong ethical principles.
“Our core activities are in the exploration and production of oil mainly in Angola and Brazil; the processing of oil into refined petroleum products and the marketing and sale of oil products and natural gas,” he said.
He added that Galp Energia operates in 14 countries across south America, Africa, the Iberian peninsula and East Timor and owns more than 1,600 services managed by a total workforce of over 8,000 employees.
Galp Energia started its operations in The Gambia in 2008, he noted.
He said they currently own 10 service stations and an aviation fuel depot at the Banjul International Airport, and have engaged a workforce of 70 employees for the management of their distribution and procurement operations, all Gambian, except Paul Lopes, MD of Galp Gambia.
Since 2008 they have invested D300 million to entrench their presence in The Gambia, through mainly the rehabilitation and rebranding of the acquired assets from Shell, construction of the two service station investments among others.
“We are thus partners in the growth and development process of The Gambia we pursue to realize and uphold the noble mission of Galp Energia in the global platform and in The Gambia in particular.”
Mr. Carlos Bayan, Director of International Oil Business, thanked and appreciated the people of The Gambia, especially their esteemed customers without whose patronage the investment would not have come to reality.
He also thanked and commended all government institutions, public and private establishments who contributed immensely to the achievement of this project.
He thanked and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
Mr. Carlos further registered his thanks and appreciation to the Fire and Ambulance Service, the Police and other security forces for their partnership in their service delivery as well as all those they partner with in one way or the other in the processes involving the project.
He also extended appreciation to the Gambia government for creating what he called an environment conducive for private sector participation in all spheres of trade and development in the country.