Neil Madden editor of Bulk Distributor, a sister publication to Fuel Oil News, reports from StocExpo in the May 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News
StocExpo 2015 brought together the world’s tank terminal industry for three days of networking, business and knowledge sharing.
The event’s three-day conference welcomed over 170 delegates and 30 speakers from key ports, terminals and financial institutions. BP, Wood Mackenzie and Oil Tanking North America were among those who discussed a plethora of subjects, from global fuel market developments and tank corrosion to financial trends and supply chain integration.New products and services
StocExpo 2015 attracted exhibitors from right across the supply chain. Emco Wheaton launched its TODO Break-Away range, Protego introduced its PM-HF pilot-controlled pressure and vacuum relief valve, whilst Hempel unveiled its HEMPADUR AvantGuard, a portfolio of three new anti-corrosive zinc primers.
“I’ve seen products that could be really beneficial to me and potentially save my organisation some money,” said Mikko Hietanen, financial director at Baltic Tank .said It has been a perfect opportunity to make some very useful contacts. Overall it has been a great show.”
The show ‘opened up numerous potential opportunities’ for Hazchem Safety said sales coordinator Paul Latimer.
At Newson Gale international sales manager Rachel Stevenson reported: “We have had some really interesting visits from leading industry decision makers, we’ve received two quote requests already plus we have seen particular interest in our road tanker recognition earthing system.
“We were thrilled to welcome even more exhibitors to this year’s event and also play host to FETSA’s annual meeting, welcoming the heads of all the key European Tank Storage Associations said Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage portfolio event director. Nick Powell can be contacted on +44 (0)20 8843 8801 or nick@stocexpo.com.
The next StocExpo will take place on 15-17 March 2016 at Antwerp Expo, Antwerp.www.stocexpo.com
A lucky Gulf customer will win a trip to Le 24 Heures du Mans
To celebrate Gulf’s involvement in this year’s 24 hours of Le Mans, Certas Energy has launched an 8 week consumer promotion across its Gulf forecourts.
The promotion, which is designed to boost volumes and re-engage the motoring public with Gulf’s racing pedigree, runs at participating sites until the end of May and one lucky driver will win a trip for two people to the unique event over the weekend of 13/14 June as guests of Gulf and the Aston Martin Racing team.
Gulf customers can enter by supplying their details and transaction reference online at www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans. One transaction reference equals one entry and multiple entries are permitted.
The prize includes transport, accommodation and VIP hospitality at ‘Le 24 Heures du Mans’ including paddock access, a meet and greet with the drivers and access to a private suite overlooking the team pits. www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans
Dan Bauckham (4th from left) with the team at Imperial Commercials’ sales, service and parts facility in St Philips, Bristol
DAF dealership Imperial Commercials Bristol has been presented with the J W Suckling Transport service provider of the year award; the first DAF dealership to win the award.
Suckling Transport first presented the award in 2011 to recognise the importance of the support received from their supply chain.
The award winner is decided based on data collected throughout the year regarding the service provider’s performance in relation to MoT first time pass rates, audit scores and service, which is measured according to Suckling’s ISO9001 registered quality system and Service Level Agreement targets.
Suckling uses 12 service partners to support its national road tanker fleet and the 2014 performance data from each was measured objectively and weighted on importance. Imperial Commercials secured victory with a 100% MoT pass rate, high levels of service and low vehicle downtime.
“The project to support Suckling and its tanker operation first began in 2011 and is now a key part of our business in Bristol”, said James Rehling, manager of Imperial Commercial’s ADR vehicle repair facility.
“We would like to say a special thank-you to Daniel Bauckham, Suckling’s director of engineering, for all his support in helping us set up this part of the business. As a result of our increased experience in this field, we are adding a tanker vehicle bay to our new workshop in Swindon opening on May 1st 2015.”
Bauckham added, “It’s been a pleasure to award Imperial Commercials for its hard work and outstanding performance in 2014. The service from the team in Bristol has been invaluable to our rapidly expanding business.” www.sucklingtransport.co.uk
Total’s new facilities significantly add to the company’s existing capabilities for both lubricants formulation and testing
Earlier this month Total Lubmarine opened new laboratory facilities near Lyon in France. The new facilities are dedicated to the research and formulation of new marine lubricants.
Equipped with state of the art equipment to support the research team’s quest to develop the next generation of lubes for the shipping sector, the move comes against a backdrop of changing ECA regulations and the development of marine engines with several operating modes, capable of burning two types of fuel.
The lubes required to keep these engines running are more complex than ever before and the new facilities will enable Total Lubmarine researchers to develop a new range of lubricants suitable for the challenges of the next 10 years.
“We are re-imagining the lubes of today,” said Norbert Schieren, general manager of Total Lubmarine. “We are developing lubes suitable for the stresses and strains of the marine environment: whatever the fuel and whatever the engine.
“We strongly believe that innovative, research-based chemistry is the key to creating adaptable lubricants. The next generation of lubricants must be born out of innovative chemistry if they are to be simple for operators to use and at the same time match tough and variable operating conditions.”
The spacious new facilities include engine testing and tribology equipment, along with significant analytical resources. All existing test beds have been extensively re-built and modernised and meet the most stringent safety and quality regulations.www.lubmarine.com/en/products-lubmarine.html
The results of a major study to look at ways to reduce the cost of decommissioning will be unveiled in Aberdeen on 27th May.
The study, which is being conducted by ABB Consulting on behalf of Decom North Sea and Zero Waste Scotland, aims to improve the efficiency of future decommissioning activity and to identify decommissioning solutions which encompass re-use and thereby contribute to the circular economy approach for maximising the useful life of assets.
The study is engaging with operators on the benefits of different techniques available such single lift, piece small, salvage and load transfer. ABB Consulting, which has more than 30 years’ experience in demolition and decommissioning services, will seek to identify the barriers and uncertainties in using these methods and establish who in the industry is offering solutions using such techniques.
Jonathan Turner, senior project manager at ABB Consulting, said: This type of research will provide a much-needed authoritative overview of what’s happening in the sector and operator concerns in relation to decommissioning. As an industry we need to take steps to understand the challenges, overcome the barriers and establish cost-saving solutions. ABB Consulting has been gathering extensive information on innovative methods and technologies being used to minimise preparation for lift, optimise module separation and offer faster deck to deck jacket cutting technology.”
www.decomnorthsea.com
Texaco retailers have been benefiting from reduced Merchant Service Charges (MSC) after Valero, restructured their agreement with their acquirer.
The reduction, which came into effect in January 2015, has been possible after Visa introduced lower Cross Border rates between European countries, pre-empting proposed EU legislation changes that come into effect this autumn.
“This is a great saving for our retailers, some of which could save as much as £3,000 per year,” said Andrew Cox, director of sales and marketing at Valero. “When we renegotiated our rates, our retailers were able to benefit immediately, and, I believe, we have been able to do this ahead of our competitors.”
“We have one of the best retailer offerings on the market and if we can negotiate a better rate on something like MSC’s to save our retailers money then we will,” Cox added.
Valero also offers its customers secure and reliable fuel supply, next day fuel deliveries seven days a week, Texaco quality fuels with Supreme grades, and the opportunity to drive volume with Valero’s high earning Star Rewards loyalty scheme.
Celebrating on the OAMPS Petrochemical stand at FPS EXPO are Duncan Grant, the newly appointed FPS president with the winning Flynn Fuels’ tanker driver Ciaran Quinn and runner up Raymond Geary from Barton Petroleum. The Driver of the Year awards were presented by Ian Peach (far right)
Ciaran Quinn from County Westmeath distributor Flynn Fuels was presented with the 2015 FPS Driver of the Year Award at an evening event on the first day of last week’s FPS EXPO.
Ciaran, who fought off tough competition from a record number of entries to win this year’s competition, made it to the finals together with Raymond Geary of Barton Petroleum and Terry Chapman of Tincknell Fuels.
Samantha Keegan, fuel manager at Flynn Fuels who entered Ciaran for the award said: “He is one of the finest drivers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“It’s the little things that Ciaran does, minding the stock at all times, not running out of product here at our depot, teaching new staff about computer systems within the fuel department, teaching himself all about the loading systems and computers to be an expert in all areas of fuel and never refusing to do a job whatever its extremity.”
Sponsors of the Driver of the Year award, OAMPS Petrochemical’s Andy Dix said “This award recognises the high standards being set by drivers in the UK and Republic of Ireland and we hope the awards will continue to encourage oil distributors to promote an ethos of safe driving, cleaner deliveries and outstanding customer care to create more drivers capable of winning this award.”
“This award recognises the extra efforts that our member drivers show, day in day out,” added Dawn Shakespeare, marketing & events manager. “Each year this award provides the FPS with an opportunity to recognise those that are continuing to drive quality in this exciting industry.”
Pete George – looking forward to working alongside the Geos Group to ‘capture the many growth opportunities it offers’
A new strategic marine fuel distribution alliance between Phillips 66 and the Geos Group has been formed at the Port of Blyth.
The UK’s largest independent marine gas oil supplier, the Geos Group owns the recently opened fuel storage facility in Blyth and has joined forces with Phillips 66 which will be operating all ex-rack road loading services from the site.
From Blyth, the Phillips 66 and Geos Group partnership will supply fuel by road to vessels in ports throughout the north east of the UK, including Grangemouth, Tyne & Wear and Tees. The new alliance will also service ports in the north west, including Liverpool, Birkenhead and Barrow-in-Furness.
The new £6million+ marine gas oil supply facility on the Blyth Estuary was built at the port’s Bates Terminal during 2014, and operations began in February 2015. The tank farm has a total capacity of 15 million litres of fuel, and is expected to supply a wide range of vessels operating in the North Sea energy sector.
Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing comments: “With more than 130 years of experience behind us, this new venture is helping Phillips 66 to shape the changing energy landscape. This alliance with a strong, strategic partner opens up opportunities for Phillips 66, and strengthens our supply position in this region. We are delighted to be at the forefront of this exciting endeavour, and we look forward to working alongside the Geos Group to capture the many growth opportunities it offers.”
Geos Group’s managing director, Barry Newton, adds: “Launching Blyth as a major fuelling point for ship operators in the north east has been a great step forward for the Geos Group. I am delighted that we have formed a mutually beneficial road distribution relationship with Phillips 66, with whom we have been doing business for many years.”www.geosgroup.comwww.phillips66.co.uk
(l-r) Ron Tomal, Stuart Sealey, and Donald Smith
After 40 years in the oil industry, Ron Tomal, terminal manager at Certas Energy’s Aberdeen and Inverness terminals has retired. Donald Smith has been named as the new terminal manager.
After six years in the role, it will be a sad occasion for Certas Energy and its employees across Scotland when Ron says his final farewell to the business. Ron’s distinguished career began in 1975 with Ellis & McHardy Oils (a BP distributor) in the Forfar depot, which Certas Energy now owns. Ron has assumed a number of roles during his tenure with Certas Energy, including operational and health, safety and environmental positions.
Stuart Sealey, operations & HSE director, commented: “Ron has been a valued employee for many years. On behalf of Certas Energy, I’d like to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the business over the years. We wish him well as he starts the next exciting phase of his well-deserved retirement.”Donald Smith takes over the reins
Following a successful transition from previous oil operators in 2010, Certas Energy has been operating the Aberdeen Pointlaw and the Inverness Cromwell Road terminals. As one experienced employee leaves, another begins, with Donald Smith taking the reins as terminal manager having joined the business at the beginning of April.
New terminals manager, Donald Smith, brings a wealth of experience to the role, built up over thirty years and with a particularly strong safety, international energy, engineering and project management background. In that period he has worked in a variety of management and leadership roles providing comprehensive technical and people support for companies in the UK, Middle East and internationally.
Welcoming Donald to the Certas Energy family Stuart Sealey said: “I look forward to working with Donald and the team at Aberdeen and Inverness to ensure the business remains a prominent player in the Aberdeen area and beyond.
“Donald holds full responsibility for the safe and efficient running of these terminals. This includes accountability for both sites’ operating safely, compliantly and cost effectively.
In Scotland, Certas Energy operates under the brands Caledonian Oils, Brogan Fuels, Emo Oil and Scottish Fuels.Ron’s retirement plans
Originating from Kirriemuir, near Forfar in Angus, Ron’s career in the oil industry led to his move to Aberdeenshire over 20 years ago. Outside of work, Ron is a family man, happily married for 43 years, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. With his retirement imminent, Ron plans to enjoy the outdoors life, playing golf, cycling and walking in the Royal Deeside area where he lives. www.certasenergy.co.uk
Rural households can face unique challenges says Janice Banks of ACRE who points out that the current delivery of government- backed measures is failing those without a connection to the mains gas grid
Supported by rural communities’ charity ACRE, OFTEC and FPS have written to more than 500 prospective parliamentary candidates urging them to support proposals for a radical shake-up to home heating policies for the UK.
The letter, sent to election candidates representing the majority of rural constituencies in the UK, calls for a greater and more pragmatic approach to reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions.Recommendations put forward include:• Stronger emphasis on upgrading insulation in rural homes which have far poorer EPC ratings than urban properties• Incentivising the installation of high efficiency condensing boilers by re-introducing boiler scrappage schemes for oil boilers as well as mains gas boilers• Revising the domestic RHI to better incentivise hybrid heating systems and include bio-fuels such as B30K• Extend government funding to support low income off-grid households
Speaking about the letter, which has received significant positive support from many of its recipients, OFTEC’s director general, Jeremy Hawksley, said:
“There’s a great opportunity for the new government, whichever political colour it may be, to introduce much more realistic and all-inclusive domestic energy policies that address fuel poverty and carbon emission reduction simultaneously, rather than as separate goals.”
Janice Banks, chief executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) which is the national body representing 38 rural community councils, added:
“With a high percentage of inefficient, solid-wall housing and many homes without a connection to the mains gas grid, rural households can face unique fuel poverty challenges. However, the current delivery of government-backed measures is failing households that live in difficult-to-treat houses and those that have to rely on heating oil or LPG for their energy.”
The organisations behind the letter plan to push their message further once the new government is formed with the aim of improving conditions for the off-grid heating sector.www.oftec.org.ukwww.fpsonline.co.uk
