Leighton O’Brien & partner Universal Engineering win major UST testing project in West Africa

Leighton O’Brien, in partnership with Licensed Service Partner Universal Engineering Services, has won a major contract with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in Ghana to integrity test more than 1,800 fuel retail sites throughout the country.

The deal marks the largest international testing contract for Leighton O’Brien and its first major inroad into the burgeoning West African region.

The NPA is Ghana’s key industry regulator overseeing the project which aims to assess the tightness of underground storage tanks (USTs) and lines and develop a comprehensive database of test dates and UST status for compliance monitoring and follow up testing.

Leighton O’Brien Regional Director for EMEA, Munir Azizullah, said: “This is a significant project and recognition of the quality of our leak detection technology and country expertise of our partner Universal Engineering. As environmental regulations grow, we’re well positioned to support the increased focus on environmental standards and protocols to monitor and lower UST risk in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.

“Universal offers national coverage and sound technical expertise, having completed ATG rollout projects as well as ongoing routine maintenance for multi-national oil companies throughout Ghana,” Mr Azizullah said. “They are an excellent partner and a leader in the region, underpinned by a strong team from management to technicians, supported by a professional approach and a real focus on safety.

Universal Managing Director Richard Atalobra said: “We’re pleased to be awarded this key project to provide technical services for integrity assessment of UST and pipelines on retail sites in key regions throughout Ghana. The depth and breadth of our expertise in fuelling infrastructure combined with Leighton O’Brien’s best-in-class testing solution will ensure we fulfil this contract to the highest standard and progress the key objectives of the NPA.”

About Universal Engineering

Universal Engineering (UECSL) began its journey in 2003 with a team of technical experts with various years of experience in the petroleum industry. One of the largest independent Petroleum Service providers in Ghana, providing a one stop solution to the challenges facing Oil Marketers. The company is headquartered in Accra, Ghana and has its operations and Service Centers in all ten (10) regions of Ghana. UECSL currently has a total work force of 120+, comprising Engineers, Technicians, Marketing, Finance and Administration.