With EU leaders recently approving the agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and future relations, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) has cautiously welcomed this positive progress, but recognises that the agreement still needs to go through the UK Parliamentary process before it is approved.
It is essential for TSA members to ensure access to as frictionless a border with the EU and the Rest of World (RoW) as possible following 29th March 2019. We do not believe this is possible without a deal in place.
If the UK Parliament approves the deal on the 12th December, there will be a significant amount of work required during the transition period to finalise the details of our trading relationship. We have highlighted several areas with UK Government where detailed discussion and analysis is required, these include:
James Stairmand (r), founder and CEO of OnlineFuels, and Marc Noy, managing director of OnlineFuels Deutschland
Last week it was announced that OnlineFuels, a leading B2B online fuel sales platform in the UK, and Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH had entered into a joint venture in Germany, creating OLF Deutschland GmbH.
On launching a fuel sales platform for the commercial B2B market in Germany, OnlineFuels Deutschland intends to cooperate with other oil and energy companies in Germany.
“Germany is the largest fuel market in Europe – an ideal place for us to expand our online offerings,” explained James Stairmand, founder and CEO of OnlineFuels.
Jörg Debus, Shell Commercial Fuels Manager Europa/Africa, said: “With an online platform we want to give our B2B customers the opportunity to order products around the clock to mitigate potential exposures. In addition, the platform aims to make the oil purchasing process as simple and efficient as possible for our clients.”
The go-live is planned for the first half of 2019. The company’s headquarters will be in Hamburg.www.onlinefuels.comwww.onlinefuels.dewww.shell.de
Last year Certas Energy opened a Shell GTL Fuel refuelling station at the Port of Liverpool to provide HGV drivers with a lower emission fuel to help fleet operators to assist in the improvement of local air quality
Certas Energy has become an official partner of the Northern Powerhouse, joining the partnership to support improvements in fuel efficiency, transportation and air quality in the North.
“We are extremely proud to be an official partner of the Northern Powerhouse, demonstrating our commitment to providing innovative alternatives to traditional fuel supply and management solutions that support improvements in efficiency and productivity,” said Brian Worrall, director of corporate affairs.
“Already recognised as a top five business in the 2017 North West Top 200 list, we have continued to invest in the region both in terms of infrastructure and our workforce and we look forward to working with industry, government and local communities to lead the way in smarter, cleaner energy choices to support sustainable growth across the North of England and Wales.”
Among the many racing activities enjoyed by customers and terminal operators was the chance to do 10 laps in a single seater racing car
Mabanaft recently hosted a race day at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Dunfermline, Fife, where guests were treated to a high-octane motor sport event at Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre.
Comprising of track racing, rally driving and go-karting, the driving experience included an initial spin in a Civic Type R with race safety training, followed by 10 laps in a single seater racing car. After lunch participants were back behind the wheel ready for 6 laps in a rally car before taking part in a 30 lap go kart competition.
“It was a great day,” said commercial director Martin Cook.
“Our guests – customers and terminal operators – thoroughly enjoyed the racing. For us, it was an opportunity to show our appreciation of their ongoing support, and spend time discussing business in an informal environment. We like to take a collaborative approach to dealing with the challenges that face the industry and enjoyed exploring, amongst other topics, the imminent changes to legislation surrounding bio-fuels and greenhouse gas emissions affecting the whole of the UK.”
Amy Johnston of Certas who attended the event said:
“It was really good, different from your typical day out, a lot of fun and not too formal – despite the typical Scottish weather, it didn’t rain!
“It was great to catch up with the team from Mabanaft; they are a fantastic company to work with, always ready go the extra mile. If we ever need information or to get a better understanding about anything, they are always our first port of call.”
The event was rounded off with a presentation ceremony and awards for speed and technique. Scott Thomson was awarded best driving technique while Emma Shorter came first for fastest Go Karting lap. Inevitably, one driver did get called out for ignoring red flags in the rally event. Naming no names, but everyone who attended the event knows exactly who we are referring to!www.mabalive.co.uk
More
With ‘a key role to play in delivering a cleaner, safer environment for all’, David Wells, chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), set out his framework for the future of logistics which includes ‘the achievable aim of zero atmospheric emissions and near zero deaths and injuries from freight movements by 2050’.
David was speaking earlier this month at the inaugural Future Logistics Conference & Expo, which ‘brought together the brightest minds in the logistics sector to debate the factors that will shape the industry in the coming years’. On show at the event were the very latest emerging technologies in the freight industry with more than 20 leading speakers – including experts from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the Transport Research Laboratory.
“From self-driving vehicles to artificial intelligence, the world around us is changing fast and the logistics sector is embracing new technologies and solutions quickly,” added David.
“As the only event of its kind, the Future Logistics Conference & Expo armed companies with the toolkit required to embrace our brave new world; empowering them to reap the opportunities on offer but also protect against the challenges ahead, including Brexit and worsening skills shortages.
“FTA has already established a framework to propel the logistics sector into a bright and innovative future, defined by technological progress, safety, compliance and employee welfare. With the support of government, businesses and the wider logistics community, we aim to create an industry that has the systems in place to constantly adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers; future tools are utilised to unlock every possible inch of efficiency; talented and skilled workers are attracted to join the sector; and we achieve zero atmospheric emissions and near zero deaths and injuries from freight movements. And we aim to do this all by 5050.”
The event was also supported by Multimodal 2019 and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
www.fta.co.uk
As part of the aviation-only collaboration, Fuel Proof will supply bunded tanks, with capacities from 330 litres up to 85,000 litres, to a number of airports and air fields across the UK
Heysham-based fuel storage equipment manufacturer, Fuel Proof, has entered into a new partnership with Gulf Aviation. The new collaboration will see the two international brands work together on the storage and distribution of Jet A1 and Avgas 100LL fuels for a range of Gulf Aviation customers across the UK, which includes Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport.
As part of the aviation-only collaboration, Fuel Proof will supply a range of bunded tanks with capacities from 330 litres all the way up to 85,000 litres, to a number of airports and air fields across the UK.
With an inner tank constructed from stainless steel, the storage tanks offer security and durability with systems that are designed to deliver better security, service life, ease of use, reliability and value for money for aviation customers.
The storage options will be available through leases, lease purchases or direct sales and can be adapted to meet individual budgets and requirements.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Fuel Proof to enhance the storage capabilities we can offer our aviation fuel customers,” said commercial manager, David Dykes.
“We know from listening to our customers that they already trust the Fuel Proof brand and welcome the quality of their products and the safety they offer. It was one of the main reasons we chose to speak with them about a partnership, and we also know they share the same values as us in terms of providing excellent service and exceptional value.”
Roger Pilkington, who oversees the aviation department at Fuel Proof, added:
“We are very excited about the opportunity this offers us as a business – Gulf Aviation is a huge company and an internationally-recognised brand.
“We know our products offer the highest in quality, so we are confident in our ability to accommodate all fuel requests – from small airfields to regional airports. We’re looking forward to growing and adapting with Gulf Aviation over the course of our partnership.”www.gulfaviation.co.uk
Paying their respects – Gleaner Oils in Elgin and Marsh Fuels in Newbury and as Fuel Oil News editor Jane Raphael was taking this poignant WW1 scene in the Cheshire village of Lower Peover, an NWF Fuels tanker was passing by
As the centenary of Armistice Day approached, Fuel Oil News was pleased to see photographs of tankers with large red poppies.
Knowing that the origins of many early fuel distribution businesses came about post war, their tributes to the fallen are very apt.
At Gleaner Oils, Emma Golledge said:
“Whilst there is no direct link between the founders and the Armed Forces, our head office in Elgin is situated next to an RAF base and an Army base, so many of our staff and customers in the area have very strong links to the military.”
Dave Marsh at Marsh Fuels in Berkshire said:
“As individuals and as a company we like to show our respect for those who gave their lives in the service of the Armed Forces and for those who serve today.”If your company has a photograph to share, please send to jane@andpublishing.co.uk.
Celebrating on the panoramic deck of the National Theatre in London are Eleven Recruitment director, Sarah Stott with Nick Kendall (l) and Mark Nolan, Nolan Oils
On Thursday 8th November fuel distributors, recruitment clients and candidates gathered at the National Theatre in London to not only celebrate Oil Recruitment’s 20th birthday, but also to launch Oil Recruitment’s rebrand to Eleven Recruitment.
Oil Recruitment has been well-known in the downstream fuel distribution industry for the past 20 years.
Speaking to Fuel Oil News for the October 2018 issue, managing director Nick Smith explained the reasons behind the new name and the new look. See here.
“In addition to its strong oil focus, Oil Recruitment has actually covered non-oil sectors for most of those 20 years. Indeed, we’ve been finding roles for people in gas & power and speciality chemicals for 19 years.
“Eleven Recruitment’s focus is now on deepening the specialism within each of its existing niche sectors through a widening knowledge and greater research,” added Nick.
Within the next five years, Eleven Recruitment aims to have earned a position as first choice recruitment partner for the fuel distribution sector, and to have doubled the size of its team in each sector.www.elevenrecruitment.com
“The FPS strongly believes that a liquid fuel – a greener version of existing heating oil – can and should play a big part in how the future needs of off-grid homeowners are met,” says Guy Pulham, FPS CEO
As an alternative to heating oil, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has reiterated its ongoing commitment to a carbon neutral liquid fuel or e-fuel.
Giving evidence to an inquiry on technologies to meet Clean Growth emission reduction targets last month, the FPS called on government to invest in and encourage the development of e-fuels.
“The FPS strongly believes that a liquid fuel – a greener version of existing heating oil – can and should play a big part in how the future needs of off-grid homeowners are met,” said FPS CEO Guy Pulham.
“We believe Clean Growth emission reduction targets can be met – and met in such a way that doesn’t cause rural households a huge expense or inconvenience.
“Whilst we understand the investment in electric solutions, we’re concerned that for heating rural homes switching to an electric heating system from an oil boiler and tank system is not straightforward or cheap.
“It makes sense to enjoy the benefits of a liquid fuel which would allow homeowners to cut their carbon footprint, without a big upfront charge and in a relatively easy way with just a few modifications. Plans are already in place to begin testing various bio fuels in the real world in both the UK and Europe.
“We believe that government needs to create the same drive for development in the UK as we’re seeing in Europe. The government states in its Clean Growth Strategy that the UK should lead the way in innovation, we believe funding research into e-fuels is a perfect opportunity.
“Short-term steps can also be taken to reduce emissions, including replacing old boilers with oil-fired condensing boilers, using smart meters and smart controls to maximise the energy efficiency, and installing better insulation to keep more heat in and use less fuel.
“We will continue to work in partnership with other trade associations in the UK and Europe to develop alternative, greener liquid fuel technology,” concluded Guy.www.fpsonline.co.uk
“Our Norwich team will play a core part in delivering a compelling experience for our customers, and in fuelling Watson Fuels’ continued success,” said Serena Scott, regional domestic manager who is heading up the centre
On Wednesday 14th November, Watson Fuels will officially open its new Norwich Customer Contact Centre. Joining the Watson Fuels UK management team for the ribbon cutting ceremony will be the global World Fuel Services leadership team.
Most Read
