Captains of industry networked with Captains of oceangoing ships, to ensure opinions were expressed and heard from every sector of the maritime community. “No cash MACN macaroons” with passion (fruit) flavour marked the start of the conference and the passionate drive towards greater compliance globally.

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We were honoured to have the presence and contributions of our Group CEO, Mr. Gerrit Van Der Merwe, whose insights and leadership continue to inspire us all. The event’s success was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our group, showcasing the collective effort of every participant.

This year’s meeting focused on crafting our future by discussing strategies, setting goals, and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the path forward. Through a series of thematic sessions, workshops, open discussions, and even fun games, this created an ambiance filled with memorable moments, laughter, and, admittedly, a bit of pain as some challenges proved tough. Yet, it was the prevailing team spirit and a competitive yet fun mindset that carried us through to the end.

The different themes explored during the meeting, coupled with interactive workshops and open discussions, allowed us to dive deep into the complexities and opportunities within our industry. The inclusion of fun games helped break the ice, foster teamwork, and create an atmosphere where ideas could flow freely, ensuring that every moment was not only educational but also enjoyable.

As we reflect on the success of this gathering, we were reminded of the power of unity and shared vision. The discussions we had and the goals we have set pave the way for a future where we not only meet the challenges of the logistics industry but also redefine its standards.

This meeting was a reminder of what we can achieve together, and it’s with great anticipation that we look forward to the road ahead.

The post Crafting Our Future: A Look Back at the Annual Logistics Country Managers Meeting 2024 appeared first on OMA Togo.

We were honoured to have the presence and contributions of our Group CEO, Mr. Gerrit Van Der Merwe, whose insights and leadership continue to inspire us all. The event’s success was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our group, showcasing the collective effort of every participant.

This year’s meeting focused on crafting our future by discussing strategies, setting goals, and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the path forward. Through a series of thematic sessions, workshops, open discussions, and even fun games, this created an ambiance filled with memorable moments, laughter, and, admittedly, a bit of pain as some challenges proved tough. Yet, it was the prevailing team spirit and a competitive yet fun mindset that carried us through to the end.

The different themes explored during the meeting, coupled with interactive workshops and open discussions, allowed us to dive deep into the complexities and opportunities within our industry. The inclusion of fun games helped break the ice, foster teamwork, and create an atmosphere where ideas could flow freely, ensuring that every moment was not only educational but also enjoyable.

As we reflect on the success of this gathering, we were reminded of the power of unity and shared vision. The discussions we had and the goals we have set pave the way for a future where we not only meet the challenges of the logistics industry but also redefine its standards.

This meeting was a reminder of what we can achieve together, and it’s with great anticipation that we look forward to the road ahead.

The post Crafting Our Future: A Look Back at the Annual Logistics Country Managers Meeting 2024 appeared first on OMA Togo.

Over 150 delegates participated in the meeting which included presentations on MACN’s work plan for 2022 and 2025 strategy, conversations with senior leaders in the shipping industry on how to tackle maritime corruption, updates from MACN’s local Collective Action Partners, and opinions on Compliance Trendspotting from distinguished international experts. Time was also set aside to meet the MACN Board and for voting on key governance decisions.

Our thanks go to John Sypnowich (Chair of MACN), Cecilia Müller Torbrand (MACN CEO), the MACN Board and Secretariat for putting together a most informative and productive meeting which can only serve to further advance the sharing and development of best practices to combat corruption in the maritime sector.

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Samad Osman is appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer effective March 2021. As Group COO, Samad is responsible for our business development strategy as well as the successful execution of our growth plans, particularly in logistics, ensuring that we continue to serve and create dynamic, innovative solutions for our customers’ needs.  Samad joined us from Hapag-Lloyd where he was Africa CEO and prior to this held various Director positions in the AP Moller Maersk Group.

OMA Group CEO Gerrit Van der Merwe commented: “We are excited to have Samad join OMA Group. He complements our strong performance-oriented culture, and we believe his impressive reputation for achieving growth makes him the right choice to lead the expansion of our business into the future.”

Charles Sugden is appointed Côte d’Ivoire Country Manager with effect from 1st May. Charles has been successfully running the OMA Senegal office for the last year and his move back to Côte d’Ivoire where he grew up, and most recently worked with APM Terminals, comes at the perfect time to push forward ambitious logistics plans in this fast-growing market.

Kurven Monien is appointed Senegal Country Manager with effect from May 1st. Kurven is a logistics professional whose recent experience in East Africa involved streamlining and implementing strategies on customs clearance, warehousing, and procurement procedures. He has previous experience working with Maersk in Senegal and knows the country well.

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MACN and its members promote good corporate practice in the maritime industry for tackling bribes, facilitation payments and other forms of corruption. MACN collaborates with key stakeholders, including governments and international organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to identify and mitigate the root causes of corruption in the maritime industry.

Neale Proctor, OMA Group Commercial Director  commented:
“Through our presence and experience in West Africa, we hope to contribute constructively and positively, as part of MACN’s mission to promote good corporate practice in the maritime industry. Being part of this initiative not only gives us the opportunity to share challenges and solutions with like-minded and committed organisations, but it also gives us comfort in knowing that we are part of a mindset keen to develop our strategically important industry, which lies at the heart of global trade.”

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Warmest greetings. It is a privilege to have this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself, the shipping services we at OMA provide to our customers and my role as the Group Sales & Commercial Director.

My association with West Africa began in 2008 when I moved to Lagos, Nigeria. It was there that I experienced what were probably some of my greatest and most interesting business challenges, managing companies involved in shipping, logistics, marine and manpower services. To say I learnt a lot, would probably be an understatement! Nonetheless, West Africa was in my blood and there it has stayed ever since.

Today, I have the good fortune to do work which not only allows me to interact with customers on a daily basis, but which also requires that I travel across West Africa from our head office in the Ghanaian capital, Accra to Mauritania in the north, through Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana and across into Togo, Benin and Cameroon.

From the outside looking into the region, the challenges may appear daunting, but from the inside looking out, there are huge opportunities for those who have the courage to make a long-term commitment to West Africa.

At OMA we are extremely proud of our 30+ years history, from humble beginnings in Togo in the 1980s, to where we are today as a leading, independent shipping, logistics and oil & gas support services operator in West Africa. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, our local knowledge & expertise and being responsive to customers’ needs. It’s all thanks to colleagues, who together, form a team of dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate individuals who are prepared to go that extra mile for the customer. We are undoubtedly a people business.

Our range of shipping services includes liner agency, general ships agency, protective agency and vessel husbandry. If it floats and carries people, and/or cargo, we can handle it!

Thanks to long-standing, trustworthy relationships developed with port authorities, customs, immigration, quarantine and port state control officials, port calls can be handled quickly and efficiently.

In Liner Agency, we are proud of our long association with one of the largest global container lines, Hapag-Lloyd. Since 2008, we have looked after Hapag-Lloyd’s interests in Benin & Togo and subsequently in the Ivory Coast. This year marked the start of our joint venture with Hapag-Lloyd in Ghana.

Our General Ships Agency service offers customers a full agency service provided by OMA’s team of professional and competent colleagues at every port and terminal in the countries in which OMA, and its partners, have a presence. All vessel types can be handled, including tankers, break-bulk, dry bulk, cruise, military, offshore supply vessels, ro-ro and project vessels. Since 2012, OMA has been the GAC Group global network agent in Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast and handled vessels for leading operators such as BP and Shell, amongst many others.

For customers wanting peace of mind when their vessels call at ports in West Africa, and who also want to be safe in the knowledge that their interests are being fully protected, OMA provides Protective Agency and Vessel Husbandry services. Whether it be the timely delivery of urgent spare parts, crew change arrangements, emergency medical assistance, customs clearance for temporary importation of offshore units, OMA is there to help.

I often say I have the best job in the world! In my role as the Group Sales & Commercial Director, it is my responsibility to develop relationships with existing customers and establish business relationships with new customers. It is not a job I do alone however. All colleagues at OMA are sales people. I believe that if you’re happy, dedicated and interested in your work, selling the OMA brand becomes second nature to everyone, because it is a brand we are all proud to be part of.

Getting to know customers the world over and their individual requirements is really quite fascinating. With marketing resources in Europe and the Far East, an OMA person is never too far away for a face to face meeting.

In 2017, OMA Group handled just under 8000 agency appointments at the various ports and terminals in the countries where it has a presence. One minute it’s dealing with a ship’s spares delivery in the port of Tema, the next minute it’s preparing for the arrival of a Navy ship at Cotonou and then in the middle of it all, there’s a medical evacuation off Senegal. We understand solid business relationships are built on consistently good service and trust, and we know they take time to develop. We are patient and most importantly, we listen to what our customers have to say.

Every customer, no matter how big or how small, is important to us; each has direct access not only to operations colleagues for routine matters, but also to the Country Managers and to myself for more complex or sensitive issues. It is our desire to develop relationships as customers and their businesses grow. We want to be part of our customers’ success!

It’s early 2018, but already I have high hopes that this year will be another good year for OMA in West Africa, despite mixed opinions on the outlook for the global economy. We already know we will be handling some interesting port calls, some of which will be for new customers.

With the settlement of the maritime boundary dispute between Ghana and Ivory Coast, we expect to see an increase in offshore activity in both countries. The MSGBC Basin (Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea Bissau-Conakry) looks set to see further offshore activity with Senegal strategically positioned to take full advantage of developments there. Cruise vessels will once again make a return to West Africa and with them, the passengers and their spending-power that the economies of West Africa welcome.

One thing is for sure; 2018 will be an exciting year for everyone at OMA as we look to grow our existing shipping services business and we develop new related services which our customers have asked for. Our plans for the future, both short term and long term continue to evolve and will be highlighted in future newsletters.

To all our valued customers far and wide, I would like to say a big thank you for your support. It really is

very much appreciated. To our new customers, I offer you a very warm welcome to the OMA Group. I hope you will take the time to get to know us and enjoy your “voyage” with us.

The post Focus on Shipping appeared first on OMA Togo.

Simon Milton, OMA CSR and Futurestars Director lead the event which showcased the work the project is doing in Ghana and Togo – as well as plans for the future – to 130 assembled guests.

All the Trustees were present including OMA Directors Gary Miller and Carine Noukpo, who had flown in from head office in Accra, and ex England captain Terry Butcher who travelled out to Ghana for the first time last September and spoke of his experiences there.

Gary Miller stressed that longevity and sustainability was one of the key tenets of the project, and that the founding partners; OMA Group and Yinson Production WA are in for the long term. The project has been in operation since 2015 and two years in, all five schools report that truancy is down and attendance is up since they joined the project.

Futurestars has now applied for UK charitable status which will enable more companies to come on board and more funds to be raised.

Brand new partners Fendercare Marine were announced the same evening – having seen first-hand the work that’s being done in Ghana and Togo they were first to sign up!

The guests also had a preview of the brand new Futurestars website www.futurestarscharity.org.uk along with the Futurestars video – a wonderful upbeat film of the work in Ghana and Togo, put together by Suffolk university student Will Allen. The soundtrack to the film is a brilliant, original song written and recorded by the Boogie Band and Fairga Promotions in Accra, Ghana.

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OMA Group Board of Directors 0416 lr
The MBO provides the OMA Group with a platform upon which to further develop this successful business as well as providing certainty in the Group’s future strategic direction.

The new Shareholders and Board of Directors of the OMA Group comprises a mix of leading West African talent & experience in the shipping and logistics sectors, together with industry veterans having intimate knowledge in their respective fields.

This powerful combination of an experienced, enthusiastic and re-energised Board of Directors, supported by a loyal and committed management team and staff is already resulting in a reinforced commitment to offer the best quality, value-for-money services to customers operating in the existing OMA countries.

OMA is also actively expanding the Group’s activities in West Africa with plans already in place to build upon customer-identified business opportunities in Senegal and Cameroon.

The proud history of OMA Group maintaining long-standing relationships with its customers and suppliers for over 30 years, will continue as it always has done.

Background to the MBO
Independent ship agency OMA was established in 1982, by entrepreneur and founder, Captain R A M Jones. Together with its marine services affiliate, Togo Oil and Marine, both companies developed from a modest beginning in Lomé, Togo, to become leading service providers in their respective fields in Togo, offering customers unsurpassed local knowledge and expertise.

It was in 2007 that Gary L Miller joined the company as Managing Director and brought with him his wealth of knowledge and experience, built up over many years working in the ports & liner shipping sector in both Europe and West Africa.

Miller’s primary objective was to expand the OMA footprint in West Africa and offices in Benin, Ghana and Ivory Coast were added to founding office in Togo.

In 2008 Carine Noukpo returned to Cotonou to lead the development of OMA Benin and in 2009, Sam Edmund joined the company to establish OMA Ghana.

With an ever increasing commitment to the agency & logistics business, it soon became apparent that OMA and its sister company, TOM, were heading in different directions from a strategic and business development perspective.

Following negotiations, an amicable outcome was reached recently whereby Gary Miller, and his co-directors and local shareholders Carine Noukpo and Sam Edmund, concluded the recent management buy-out (MBO) of the OMA Group, from Capt R.A.M Jones thus giving the OMA Group an independent existence.

Press release download here: OMA Group MBO press release 250416

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