The event brought together more than 60 top-tier exhibitors showcasing an extensive array of products, services and solutions, as well as attendees from across the tank storage sector and beyond, for a day of knowledge exchange, networking, industry development and insights. Margaret Major, Publishing Director, and Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead, had the pleasure of joining the TSA community for the day as media partners.
This year’s conference programme was carefully tailored to reflect key issues facing the sector and explore opportunities for the future. It once again featured top keynote speakers from industry, government and regulators covering topics ranging from global trends and security of supply to biofuels, the energy transition, climate change adaptation and safety.
Martyn Lyons, Managing Director at TR3 Consulting Ltd, and conference delegate, commented: “I always greatly look forward to attending the annual Tank Storage Association Conference and Exhibition at the CBS Arena in Coventry, an excellent central venue, meaning that everyone can attend this single day event without excessive travelling.
“This year’s extremely well-organised event didn’t disappoint, and was very well attended by both delegates and exhibitors. There was a real buzz with close concentration paid to all the very interesting and informative conference speakers, and there was considerable interest in the wide array of exhibitors.
“Two particular highlights for me were meeting the newest cohort of apprentices with Reynolds Training Services and listening to the panel session covering Women in Terminal Operations, showing that without doubt the sector is attracting new talent and that it is talent and not gender that is critical to the success and the future of the tank storage industry in the UK. I would highly recommend this conference.”
Keynote speakers
• Simon Stoddart, Head of International Oil Security and Strategy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, presented on global trends, security and strategy, touching on the role of tank storage in energy security and supply against the background of dynamic changes within the global context, as well as the sector’s role in the journey towards climate neutrality.
• James Evans, Senior Manager, Biofuels, at Argus, the leading independent provider of global energy and commodity market intelligence, focused on transport fuel, feedstock and global trade flow dynamics.
• Executive Director of the Federation of European Tank Storage Associations (FETSA), Ravi Bathiani, provided an insightful overview and analysis of the energy transition across geographical Europe calling attention to the key role of storage infrastructure in both core and green products supply chains.
• Max Walker, Acting Director of the Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), presented on HSE’s future outlook for regulation and underscored the need for collaboration in the context of the energy transition.
• Dr Mike Nicholas, Senior Advisor, Climate Change Adaptation and COMAH at the Environment Agency also stressed the need for collaboration and continual improvement to deliver sustainable industries of the future in his presentation on climate change adaptation.
• A Women in Terminal Operations panel, moderated by this year’s event chair, Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills, featured Wilma Kelly, Safety, Sustainability and Engineering Director at Certas Energy, Esma Gulten, Co-Founder and CEO of Gizil and Tahya Slaven, Electrical Control and Instrumentation Project Manager at Exolum. The panel explored careers, skills and opportunities across the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector.
Esma Gulten, Co-Founder and CEO of Gizil, added her thoughts on the conference: “The TSA Conference 2024 was an incredibly inspiring experience, especially as we discussed the evolving role of women in terminal operations.
“I feel that digitalisation is a key driver in this transformation. It’s not just about adopting new technologies – it’s about empowering our teams with data-driven insights that improve efficiency and safety. By embracing tools like Virtual Plants, we’re not only enhancing operational resilience but also creating a digital-first environment that attracts and nurtures the next generation of talent, including more women in our industry.”
In her closing speech, Wilma Kelly, Safety, Sustainability and Engineering Director at Certas Energy and President of the Tank Storage Association, reiterated the need for cooperation, partnership and innovation to seize the opportunities of tomorrow and to open up a new frontier of possibilities.
A time to come together
Nunzia Florio, Communications Director for the Tank Storage Association, said: “The 2024 Tank Storage Conference and Exhibition explored the key role of the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector today in supporting growth and prosperity by importing, exporting, storing and blending products that are integral to our daily lives, and in the journey towards carbon neutrality.
“I particularly enjoyed an amazing expert panel of Women in Terminal Operations who shared insights and experiences on careers, skills and on boosting opportunities in the industry. And with partnership at its heart, this important event for the sector would not be possible without the support of all exhibitors, sponsors, media partners and expert speakers. We are thankful to all for an incredibly successful 2024 event.”
Peter Davidson, CEO of the Tank Storage Association, concluded: “Our annual event continues to provide one of the best opportunities for the sector to come together to be inspired, gain strategic insights and forge connections. With one of the highest attendance rates to date, this year’s event is testament to the continued growth and strength of the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector and its commitment to play its part in shaping the future.”
The Tank Storage Conference and Exhibition will return to the Coventry Building Society Arena next year on the 18th September 2025.
Images provided by the TSA
