News
News
Fuelling the partnership
Working in ‘a highly competitive market’ DHL keeps deliveries on track for Morrisons with 56 new Scania Euro V tractor units
Morrisons has strengthened its relationship with DHL, extending its national fuel distribution agreement for a further six years.
In the new contract DHL retains responsibility for the scheduling and delivery of fuel from its fuel planning centre in Whitwood, West Yorkshire to Morrisons’ network of 335 forecourts and regional distribution centres across the UK.
Speaking to Fuel Oil News’ Liz Boardman, Stuart Carlyon, DHL’s vice president fuels and chemicals explained: “Morrisons’ decision to renew the contract demonstrates its confidence in our partnership and the closeness of our relationship. We see ourselves as one big team and work hard to ensure that customers get the supply chain they deserve.”
Insight
A vertically challenged market
BP, Esso and Shell were supplying approximately 70% of the UK’s total requirements at the end of the 80s. Of the three only Esso now has a refinery presence in the UK – Fawley pictured here. Major reassessment of the market since 1980 has led to the three companies closing six of their UK refineries.
Since the late 80s, the UK oil market has seen a gradual shift away from domination by the oil majors and mini majors.
Opinion
“Do you have any qualms about independence in Scotland or would you welcome it?”
Jodie Allan, James D Bilsland
“I think if Scotland was to gain independence, it would raise a lot of economic and social problems and damage the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK. The VAT rate would most probably have to change, and then you may have the issue of border controls if they joined the Schengen zone and England didn’t. This would all have an effect on the way business is conducted.”
George Shand, Highland Fuels
“Chaneil cail agam ri abair “
Jonathan Turner, Oilfast
“No one has asked the English if we’d like to break from Scotland have they?
I have often wondered why not and what the outcome of that may be….”
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News
Billion litre contract goes to Wincanton
Phillips 66 has awarded a new contract to Wincanton for the delivery of over a billion litres of petroleum products per year.
Operating from Immingham, Kingsbury and Stockton, a team of 100 Wincanton operational staff will deliver more than a billion litres of fuel and LPG per year to retail forecourts and other commercial premises across the Midlands and north east England.
The announcement, which comes off the back of an excellent safety record, including an Energy Institute Award for Safety, is significant as it will take the two companies’ working relationship to the 15-year mark.
“The very nature of the industry in which Phillips 66 operates means safety has to be of paramount importance,” said Eric Born, Wincanton CEO. “We’ve worked hard at this aspect of the partnership, underlined by our Energy Institute Award for Safety.
READ THE PHILLIPS 66 INTERVIEW IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS
www.wincanton.co.uk
www.phillips66.co.uk
News
Devon expansion for Mitchell & Webber
Having acquired a new site in Tiverton, Devon, Mitchell & Webber picked IFC Inflow to install an all new bottom loading skid.
The model of choice was the mechanical ADP100-3 4in 3 arm model, due to the positive experience this model has already shown on an existing distribution site.
“We commissioned the first IFC skid unit and from then on it worked without fault,” said Robert Weedon, managing director of Mitchell and Webber. “I was so impressed that we had no reservations in placing an order for a second skid – truly a well-built, reliable piece of vital equipment.”
Suitable for ATEX zone one hazardous areas, the AD series bottom loading skids are proven designs with the added benefit of optional electronic batch control. The skids also offer 1600 litres per minute flow rates, BLA445 series spring balanced bottom loading arms, 4in Acuflow positive displacement flowmeters, Veeder Root mechanical preset, counter & ticket printer and 11KW ultra high speed pumps. A skid-mounted emergency shutdown button assures that risks are minimized for operators during tanker loading operations. A weather canopy was also supplied for operational convenience.
“A top of the range bottom-loading skid unit was supplied and fully installed within budget allowing for distribution to start as soon the Tiverton site opened for business,” added Kiran Shaw.
www.inflow.co.uk
www.mitweb.co.uk
News
UK Fuels signs JET deal
UK Fuels has relaunched its Fleetone fuel card following the signing of a new deal with JET.
Under the new deal Fleetone has been adopted as the national fuel card offering for JET’s UK network of 300 plus dealers. Fleetone fuel card holders will also benefit from access to UK Fuels specialist fleet card services, including its Velocity online management tool and its e-route journey planner
Velocity is offered as standard to UK Fuels customers and provides fleet managers with complete control of fuel spend with the ability to monitor the fuel usage of individual drivers as well as the entire fleet. Online reporting removes the need for drivers to retain all fuel receipts whilst the e-Route journey planner software can deliver long-term cost savings by helping drivers find convenient refuelling stations and therefore avoid route deviation.
“Whether for a fleet of one or 100, the Fleetone fuel card is the ideal way to track fuel spend and take steps to reduce it,” explained Tony Garner, UK Fuels director. “With its extensive nationwide acceptance, the time and fuel often wasted by drivers searching for a suitable filling station is significantly reduced.
“This is critical when you consider the UK has the third highest diesel prices in Europe. At UK Fuels we aim to make fleet management as simple as possible, which is why we provide a flexible solution where our customers aren’t tied into a contract. It’s also why we conveniently collect payment by direct debit and send invoices by email.
“Our fuel cards can be tailored to a specific vehicle, fleet number and driver, with restrictions placed on what can be purchased on the card. This reduces company driver fraud as well as helping to prevent theft when a fuel card is stolen. “
The card is already accepted at over 2,700 multi-branded fuel stations nationwide, including Texaco, JET, Morrisons and Tesco.
www.ukfuels.co.uk
News
New director of corporate affairs
Brian Worrall’s new role as director of corporate affairs will enable Certas to develop stronger relations with government and industry
Brian Worrall has been appointed as the new director of corporate affairs at Certas Energy.
Brian, who has held positions at Chevron and Valero, has built up an extensive knowledge of the commercial, road, aviation and retail forecourt sectors. As the former independent chairman of the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum, he has an excellent understanding of the issues currently affecting the fuel industry and has played a key role in the development of the Petroleum Driver Passport.
Joining the company four months after its rebrand from GB Oils, Brian is supporting the team by building and maintaining external relations, as well as developing the brand’s corporate responsibility strategy.
Paul Vian, managing director of Certas Energy, commented: “Brian’s knowledge of the fuel industry and relevant experience in our key sectors makes him a valuable addition to our team.
“We’re committed to developing stronger relations with government and industry bodies and establishing ourselves as a positive member of the communities we serve. Having Brian on board will enable us to engage in a higher level of dialogue with these groups.”
Brian added: “Certas Energy is focused on playing an even greater role in the issues that matter to its customers and the industry as a whole. I look forward to working with the team to help make constructive contributions to policies and debates, while forging closer links with key external parties.”www.certasenergy.co.uk
News
Harvest Energy picks innovative solutions
From May 2014, Norbert Dentressangle will provide ‘continuous, intensive and dynamic fuel operations’ for Harvest Energy
In a new three-year contract, Harvest Energy has appointed Norbert Dentressangle to distribute road fuels to commercial and retail outlets across the UK.
Central to the appointment is Norbert Dentressangle’s proven capability in managing continuous, intensive and dynamic fuel delivery operations on a UK wide basis, which can include handling volume swings in excess of +20% week-on-week.
“During the exhaustive review of the provision of our road fuels distribution, Norbert Dentressangle consistently challenged the norm,” said Simon Davis, Harvest Energy’s head of sales and logistics. “The company came up with innovative solutions to improve our supply chain service and deliver cost efficiencies.”
The new service agreement which commences on 5th May, will involve a core resource of dedicated vehicles. The operation will be managed by a team based at Norbert Dentressangle’s Thurrock site, and will be supported by the company’s Flexi Fuel Fleet regional management network and central functional specialists.
All vehicles will operate with an integrated state of the art tracking and driving style management system, which incorporates an automated reporting function to manage fuel efficiency and safe driving.
Ann Dawson, managing director, Norbert Dentressangle Tankers, added: “As a major logistics business already delivering a significant amount of UK motor fuel sales, we’re delighted to add Harvest Energy, which is experiencing rapid year-on-year market growth, to our expanding customer portfolio within this industry sector.”www.harvestenergy.co.ukwww.norbert-dentressangle.co.u
News
Clugston Distribution – ambitious growth plans
David Heath is planning for more tankers and double digit growth at Clugston Distribution in 2014
Following a 20% growth in revenue in 2013, a £2.15m fleet expansion and renewal plan has been announced by Clugston Distribution.
The investment is part of the company’s strategy to develop its UK customer base by growing services in the fuels, bulk powdered food, intermodal and bulk ash movement markets.
Funds are being used to purchase eighteen new Euro6 Renault tractor units and fourteen new trailers, demonstrating the Clugston Group’s commitment to the logistics side of the business. The first two Euro6 Renaults hit the road last month delivering flour and other bulk food products.
Three of the vehicles have been earmarked for the fuels fleet, taking it up to 16 vehicles on the Humber and Tees. Clugston Distribution is also looking to employ up to thirteen new employees to support predicted growth. Already on order, the new tractor units will be split 50/50 between fleet replacement and additional fleet capacity. The nine additional vehicles are being split across different areas of the business.
David Heath, head of logistics, said: “We’re delighted that the Clugston board has chosen to support us further by backing our ambitious growth plans. 2013 was a great year for us and we’re looking forward to continuing our success in 2014 and beyond. We’re forecasting double digit revenue growth again in 2014.”www.clugstondistribution.co.uk