Universal Engineering — Digital transformation

Google Cloud Helping Modernize the Fishing Industry in Ghana

The Summary

Faced with a broken system that left fishermen without critical resources, Universal Engineering partnered with Yazi to modernize fuel management in Ghana. Through innovative solutions like IoT fuel gauges and secure cloud infrastructure, Universal restored efficiency and empowered local fishing communities to thrive.

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About Universal Engineering

Universal Engineering has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s petroleum industry, offering tailored solutions to meet the challenges of fuel management and distribution. As one of the largest providers in the region, the company prides itself on its ability to deliver results-driven innovations. When tasked with overseeing fuel tanks for local fishermen, Universal saw an opportunity to combine technology with purpose, transforming lives in the process.

The Challenges

For years, the government-funded fuel tanks meant to serve local fishermen became a source of hardship.

01
Fuel Hoarding & Empty Tanks
Fuel hoarding was rampant, and there was no system to monitor usage or ensure equitable distribution. Some tanks ran dry for weeks, leaving fishing boats idle and families struggling. Fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on timely access to fuel, were left in a constant state of uncertainty.
02
Lack of Real-Time Monitoring & Operational Inefficiencies
The lack of real-time data meant Universal was always playing catch-up. Logistics coordination was a nightmare, with over 600 tanks spread across fishing villages. Refills came too late or infrequently, and the manual processes created decision-making bottlenecks. Trust in the system eroded, and Universal faced mounting pressure to find a solution.

The Solutions

Universal knew band-aid fixes wouldn’t work; the system needed a complete overhaul. Partnering with Yazi, the company embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine fuel management in Ghana.

Cloud Environment Modernization
The solution's foundation was a robust, modernized infrastructure built on Google Cloud. Yazi deployed Compute Engine, SQL Servers, VPN, and Cloud Storage to centralize Universal’s operations. This wasn’t just a technological upgrade—it was a paradigm shift.

The new cloud environment allowed Universal to see data in real time. Tank levels, usage patterns, and refill schedules were now readily available, enabling informed decisions. Deployment was swift, and the system's built-in security protected sensitive data.
IoT Monitoring System
Yazi then enabled IoT technology, allowing Universal to install intelligent fuel gauges across all 600 tanks. For the first time, managers could track fuel levels as they fluctuate throughout the day. These gauges were connected to the cloud, creating a seamless flow of information.

This innovation brought a new level of precision to operations. Tank refills could now be triggered before resources ran out, eliminating delays. Government officials could access reports to monitor distribution, curbing misuse and hoarding.

Identity Management System
Finally, Yazi worked with Universal to address the root of fuel mismanagement by helping the company create an identity card system for fishermen. Each card links to a secure database that tracks individual fuel consumption. With this system, Universal ensured that fuel went to the right people at the right time.

The cards were not just tools for accountability—they became symbols of fairness and transparency. For the first time, fishermen felt seen and prioritized.

The Results

The changes were felt immediately across the fishing villages.

"With Yazi, the journey has been excellent from proposal to implementation, and the readily available support is invaluable”
Kwamina Daniels, Chief Digital Officer, Universal Engineering
Improved Efficiency, Transparency, and Reliable Access to Fuel

Fishermen who had once waited weeks for fuel now had access whenever needed. Boats were back on the water, and families regained their sense of stability. The real-time monitoring system ensured that tanks never ran dry, and the transparency brought by identity cards restored faith in the process.

Government Accountability and Cost Optimization
The government saw an end to fuel hoarding. Detailed consumption data allowed them to track usage and hold individuals accountable. Misuse became a thing of the past, and trust between the government and the fishermen began to rebuild.

Costs dramatically shifted as well. By moving to the cloud, Universal reduced the need for expensive infrastructure investments. The solution's scalability meant that as the system grew, the costs remained manageable.

Empowered Communities
The impact was more than operational—it was deeply personal. Fishermen shared stories of how their lives improved. With reliable access to fuel, they could once again provide for their families. Villages that had grown accustomed to delays now operated smoothly, with a newfound sense of empowerment.

Future Works

“Yazi, thank you so much for completing this. It will help me collect payments from 2023 and cover the cost of my loans. Have a great Fall.”
Dr. James Walker II, Physician.

Universal Engineering is now preparing to expand this system across Ghana. Plans are underway to introduce advanced AI-powered analytics to predict fuel needs and optimize logistics further. The company also envisions integrating mobile applications, giving fishermen direct real-time access to monitor fuel allocations and usage. A security assessment has also been completed, and both companies are now looking to implement the required recommendations. 

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