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Approval for Greenergy’s Inver Energy acquisition
The acquisition of Inver Energy raises ‘no competition concerns’ says the European Commission
Under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Inver Energy by Greenergy International was approved by the European Commission last week.
Inver is an independent importer and distributor of a range of fuel products predominantly in Ireland, where it also operates a number of retail service stations. In the UK, Inver operates a fuel importation terminal in Cardiff, from where it supplies fuel oil, gasoil and kerosene.
Greenergy is active in the importation, storage, blending and transportation of refined oil fuels to wholesale customers in the UK, and is the UK’s largest supplier of road fuels. It also produces and blends biofuels.
Brookfield Asset Management Inc. of Canada, a global asset manager, ultimately controls Greenergy. The Commission said the EC concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited overlap between the companies’ activities. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.www.greenergy.comwww.inverenergy.iewww.inverenergy.co.uk
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Tank inspection robot in development
Phillips 66 and Square Robot have teamed up together to develop an autonomous robot that would enable petroleum storage tanks to remain in service for tank floor inspections. The robot is expected to enter service in mid-2018.
Above ground storage tanks are routinely removed from service to be drained, opened and cleaned at great expense in order to evaluate tank bottoms. The new robot is being developed to automatically survey and map obstacles within a tank while the tank remains in static service, creating a specific route map allowing maximum coverage of the tank floor. Using the non-destructive testing (NDT) data gathered, a certified inspector will produce a floor thickness map allowing for a more accurate prediction of a tank floor’s remaining life.
Phillips 66 and Square Robot, a rapidly growing Boston based start-up, are advancing into the unmanned robotics inspection market through the joint development of an autonomous robot that would have the capability to inspect petroleum product storage tank floors while product remains in the tank. The untethered robot is being designed and will be certified for use in a wide range of petroleum products.
“Our collaboration with Phillips 66 provides access to a significant team of experts in NDT inspection, safety, procedures and operations,” said Eric Levitt, Square Robot co-founder.
“As a start-up, we would not have access to these tremendous resources outside of our core business of developing autonomous robots for confined spaces.”
“Ensuring the integrity of our equipment is one of our top priorities and we are always looking for innovative new technologies to help us achieve this,” said Todd Denton, general manager, midstream operations, Phillips 66.
“Our collaboration with Square Robot presents a unique opportunity to develop technology that will enable us to maintain our equipment and minimise disruption to our customers.”
www.phillips66.com www.squarerobots.com
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IPRA welcomes excise freeze
David Blevings (far left) at the recent IPRA retail fuel show held in Dublin
The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) has welcomed the finance minister’s decision to hold fuel excise rates at their current level.
The IPRA started a petition against an alleged proposed to increase diesel duty to the same rate as petrol and in just four weeks has received over 8,000 signatures from consumers.
“Our retail members had serious concerns that a further increase in duty would severely hamper the economic recovery,” said media spokesperson, David Blevings.
“We wrote to the finance minister urging caution in this matter and we suggested that the excise rates should not be equalled as it would be detrimental for the Irish economy, rural transport and non-city dwellers alike.
“We’re delighted with the news that excise levels are to remain at current levels and this coupled with relatively stable oil prices is good news for both consumers and retailers alike.
“This excise freeze will further aid the recovery and will be welcomed by all,” added David.www.ipra.ie
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Consistent branding for Certas Energy’s south-east depots
The Certas Energy team
With 30 individual depots in the south east of England, Certas Energy has rebranded the depots under the Certas Energy brand to create a consistent presence in the region.
“The roll-out of the Certas Energy brand means business as usual for thousands of local commercial and domestic customers in the south east,” said Richard Billington, regional director for the south east.
“Customers will continue to speak with the same people and see the same familiar faces delivering their fuel safely and on-time via our local distribution network,” added Richard.
“Supporting businesses including farms, construction sites, schools and haulage companies, customers will now benefit from the buying power of the UK’s largest independent supplier, ensuring consistently competitive prices and the support of Certas Energy’s national network with an established regional presence. Flexible payment and delivery options are also available to meet specific needs.”
To support businesses in the south east in reducing emissions to improve air quality, Certas Energy is hosting the Clean Air Conference at the Port Lympne Hotel on 7th November. Delegates will hear from speakers from Kent County Council, the Road Haulage Association and Kent University. Places are free and can be booked by clicking here.
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Suttons’ trucks lead the way
(l-r) Michael Cundy, Suttons Tankers managing director; John Sutton, CEO, Suttons Group and Robert Sutton, IT director Matthew Power Photography
Ahead of the recent opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, Suttons Group took the opportunity to take one of its new Euro-6C 6×2 Volvo tractor units for a drive across the bridge.
Joining the new Volvo on its special trip were a Morris Flatbed dating back to the 1920s and a vehicle with Union Flag Livery to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
“More than 55 years ago, Suttons vehicles were amongst the first to cross the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, said John Sutton, CEO of Widnes-based Suttons which will be on the largest users of the Mersey Gateway
“Now our trucks are once again leading the way, proudly crossing the new Mersey Gateway with the latest vehicle which forms part of a £17m investment to improve and grow the fleet.
“With our head office and main depot in Widnes we are expecting to make around 30,000 crossings every year.
“The opening of the new bridge will hopefully remove the congestion this region has suffered from over the last few years.”
The Gateway Bridge is part of the Mersey Gateway Project which covers over nine kilometres of road improvements across Halton.
Suttons operates in the UK with a fleet of more than 500 vehicles focused on the chemicals, gas and fuel sectors and internationally with key business centres in New Jersey, Houston, Chicago, Widnes, Antwerp, Ludwigshafen, Kuantan, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Khobar.www.suttonsgroup.com
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A fleet of poppies at Gleaner Oils
Gleaner’s entire fleet of 48 tankers and 12 boiler maintenance vehicles are proudly displaying poppies
Gleaner will be displaying poppies across its fleet of commercial vehicles to show support for the Remembrance Day commemorations.
From Monday 23rd October to Monday 13th November, the poppies will be proudly worn by Gleaners entire fleet of 48 fuel tankers, and 12 boiler maintenance vehicles which operate from 10 company-owned depots located across Scotland.
“The staff at Gleaners are committed to providing a high-quality service ensuring fuel and services are readily available,” said managing director David Todd.
“This is vital for the communities we serve, as some are often remote and isolated.”
“Gleaners commitment to the communities we serve was recognised last year, as we were awarded the Large Rural Family Business Award by The Herald newspaper. Everyone across the business is thrilled to have received the award and for being praised by the judges for the vital service Gleaners delivers to communities and businesses the length and breadth of Scotland.”
Gleaner was founded in 1954 as a family-owned business and has stayed true to its roots, always remaining headquartered in Elgin, Moray. Neighboured by the RAF base in Lossiemouth and Army base in Kinloss. Many of Gleaners customers have links to the armed forces, as well as many of the company’s 207 staff.
The owners, Jane Scott and her husband Stephen, who assumed control following a buy-out in 2014, are overseeing a continuous programme of significant investment and are committed to ensuring that Gleaner remains an important part of the local communities served by the company.www.gleaner.co.uk
News
New FPS chief executive
Currently with Phillips 66, Guy Pulham will take over as FPS CEO in February 2018
With effect from 5thFebruary, 2018 Guy Pulham will become the new chief executive officer of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS). Following the completion of his employment with Phillips 66, Guy will succeed Mark Askew as CEO. Fifty-two year old Guy has almost 30 years’ experience within the upstream and downstream oil industry having gained a degree in economics at Surrey University in 1988. Guy brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role having previously held several economic, analytical, strategy and sales jobs within Phillips 66 and more recently holding leadership positions encompassing the wholesale and retail sales business channels with additional responsibility in the management of five transport haulier contracts across the UK and the promotion of the JET brand. “The FPS has achieved considerable success and I’m delighted to be asked to use my skills and experience to help the fantastic team at Solihull continue to work very hard for its membership,” commented Guy whose appointment will continue the growth and values of the FPS. “I believe that the most effective representation comes from talking to the members and understanding their businesses and, as a result, knowing what initiatives or support the FPS can provide and what important issues to take to government in order to influence and respond to legislation. “We must also ensure that members are fully cognisant of all that is available to them as FPS members through regular messaging and conferences. The biggest challenge will be trying to find innovative and impactful ways to improve an already award-winning FPS EXPO!” “I am really excited by this appointment,” added FPS president Jodie Allan. “Guy brings to the FPS a results-driven and strategic background with a desire to effectively communicate both on behalf of and with the membership. “His knowledge of the UK fuels market (especially the distributor and reseller businesses in the UK), his transport background and his personal relationships within the industry will prove invaluable in the next phase of growth for the FPS. I look forward to working with him.” www.fpsonline.co.uk
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UK Fuels expands bunker network
Bill Holmes CEO at UK Fuels which was launched with a single transaction at a truck stop in Birmingham over 25 years ago. The company now processes over three billion litres of fuel a year, as part of a global network of more than 1,000,000 fuel cards across 21 countries
UK Fuels has expanded its fuel card bunkernetwork to over 2,250 UK sites. Having reached the 550–site mark for HGV fuelling, UK Fuels is now the largest independent network in the UK.
Part of Radius Payment Solutions, the network expansion is part of UK Fuels’ strategy to help customers minimise inefficient route deviation and to prevent unnecessary fuel expenditure.
“Our customers are at the heart of our network expansion,” said Bill Holmes, CEO at UK Fuels.
“We remain committed to growing operations in the UK and developing products and services that work together and help us provide the best offering for our customers.”
The network has expanded through creating and maintaining relationships with the top independent site groups, grocers and independent dealers to develop a bunker network that offers a variety of quality fuel sites for its fuel card customers.
When viewed in e-route, the network’s online station locator can reduce route deviation and fuel usage. In the last 18 months alone the network has increased by over 10% as they continue to proactively review locations across the length and breadth of the UK.
“It’s certainly a positive achievement for us to reach 2,250 sites and the 550-site milestone for HGV specific fuel cards, and we will continue to expand this further to benefit our growing customer base.” www.ukfuels.co.uk
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NWF Group raises funds for local hospice
Having got stuck into a Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for a local hospice, members of the NWF Fuels team were pleased to be among those presenting a cheque to the hospice on behalf of the NWF Group recently
Last month members of the NWF Fuels team braved rain, mud and obstacles to take part in this year’s 12-mile Tough Mudder challenge held at Cholmondley Castle in Cheshire. The 50-strong team were brought together through the NWF Group’s ‘wellbeing at work’ scheme which encourages staff to participate in activities with colleagues from other areas of the business.
Having been an active supporter of the St.Luke’s hospice in recent years, staff were encouraged to raise funds through Just Giving with a cheque presented to the hospice recently.
“We are so proud of the team and their fundraising efforts will benefit a fantastic local cause close to our hearts,” said NWF Group chief executive Richard Whiting. www.nwffuels.co.uk