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With copies of OFTEC’s Vision for the future of off-grid domestic heating in England and Wales, Niall Fay (l) with OFTEC CEO Paul RosePhoto by ©Andrew Higgins 2017
OFTEC welcomed its new chairman Niall Fay of Grant Engineering at last week’s AGM and mini-conference. Niall takes over from Nick Hawkins, director of commercial operations at Kingspan Environmental, who has held the post for two years.
Speaking as he passed the baton on to Niall, Nick said:
“It has been another strong year for both our industry and for OFTEC. Boiler sales increased by 15%, further building on the excellent growth we saw in 2015, and industry innovation has seen manufacturers offering low NOx solutions 18 months ahead of the September 2018 deadline.
“With oil prices predicted to remain low for some time to come, we’ve every reason to believe our industry will retain its competitive edge. But we can’t afford to be complacent and OFTEC is already investigating the viability of low carbon biofuels, which we see as the future for our industry.”
“I look forward to building on the excellent contribution Nick has made during his time as chair and to helping OFTEC take its next steps forward,” said Niall.
“Through the technical innovation of OFTEC’s members, and our expanding technician registration base, we will continue to provide the best progressive support and services for the 2.3 million oil using households across the UK and Republic of Ireland,” Neil added.
Other key achievements for OFTEC over the past year include the successful launch of the Tank Safe campaign in association with FPS to encourage consumers to look after their oil storage systems. Also, the continued growth of OFTEC’s competent persons scheme covering oil, solid fuel and renewable technologies, which now has almost 9,000 registered technicians – the highest level since 2013.
OFTEC’s proposals to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction for off grid homes in England and Wales were also officially presented at the annual conference.
For a link to the document and a video visitwww.oftec.org.uk/news_and_press_releases/oftec-officially-launches-vision-at-annual-conference
This week UKPIA announced the appointment of its new director general – Stephen Marcos Jones will take up his role when the existing director general Chris Hunt retires in November.
“Stephen comes to us with an excellent academic record, many years of trade association advocacy experience and extensive knowledge of the sector,” said Paul Bray, UKPIA president and Valero’s director, European government & public affairs, who announced the appointment.
“UKPIA’s Council is excited to be working with Stephen on the many challenges that face the downstream oil industry over the coming years.”
Paul Bray also took the opportunity to “thank Chris for the 20 excellent years of service he has given UKPIA and his achievement in developing the Association into the effective and proficient body it is today.”
CEO Paul Rose – OFTEC is looking to introduce a low carbon liquid fuel as a replacement to kerosene from 2022
On Tuesday 20th June OFTEC will officially launch its vision to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction for off grid homes at the trade association’s annual conference and AGM at the Puckrup Hotel in Tewksbury.
The vision focuses on a two-stage approach, looking at a boiler replacement programme in the short term (2018-2022) and introducing a low carbon liquid fuel as a replacement to kerosene from 2022.
“We’ve have been working hard behind the scenes for a number of months now to prepare our vision for the future of off grid domestic heating,” said OFTEC CEO Paul Rose who will share the proposals with members and guests.
“Our proposals aim to address BEIS’ four key requirements to keep energy bills low, cost effectively reduce carbon emissions, ensure a secure, resilient energy supply, and avoid unreasonable upfront costs for consumers in the process.
“We believe our two-stage approach of a boiler replacement scheme in the short term followed by the introduction of a ‘green’ liquid fuel, ticks all these boxes and provides a realistic and practical solution to an urgent issue.
“It’s an exciting time for the oil heating industry. Manufacturers have already shown their strong ability to innovate with the development of modulating and multi stage burners. These, coupled with advanced control systems will further increase the efficiency of oil fired heating systems.
“But this will only take us so far and we need to look at greening the fuel itself. If we can unite industry and government behind this aim, I am confident we can turn our vision into a reality.”Join in the OFTEC conference
Tristan Suffys, secretary general of Eurofuel, will discuss the state of the oil heating market across Europe, and Martin Cooke, technical director of EOGB will talk about the latest developments in modulating domestic burners and their benefits.
Paul Rose will also welcome OFTEC’s new chairman who officially takes over from Nick Hawkins, director of commercial operations at Kingspan Environmental after two years in the post.
To book a FREE place please contact Andy Peirson apeirson@oftec.org or call 01473 618552.
www.oftec.co.uk
INEOS has just announced plans to construct a world-scale PDH (Propane Dehydrogenation) unit in Europe. The plant will produce 750,000 tonnes per annum of propylene for INEOS units across the continent.
A number of possible locations are currently being considered including a number of INEOS sites at Antwerp in Belgium.
INEOS also intends to increase the ethylene capacity of its cracker facilities at Grangemouth in Scotland and Rafnes in Norway to over one million tonnes each. The cracker expansions will add up to 900,000 tonnes of ethylene to overall production capacity.
“These projects represent the first substantial investments in the European chemicals industry for many years,” said Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS.
“It has only been made possible because of INEOS massive $2 billion investment in our Dragon Ships programme which allows us to import ethane and LPG from the US in huge quantities.”
INEOS currently produces nearly 4.5 million tonnes of ethylene and propylene across Europe, but remains the largest buyer of ethylene and propylene in the region.
In combination, these three major projects will significantly increase the quantities of propylene and ethylene produced by INEOS in Europe, and will support the continued growth and future profitability of INEOS’ ethylene and propylene derivative businesses.
www.ineos.com
With increased hazardous waste capacity, Adler & Allan’s Rainham facility offers flexible opening times including evenings and weekends. The site also has a new quarantine facility with lab analysis for unknown wastes plus a lounge and refreshment area for drivers
Adler & Allan’s Rainham facility in east London has been expanded and upgraded. The facility now provides improved waste management and disposal, emergency response – covering flooding, spills and fuel delivery – and asset resilience solutions for tanks, drains and separators.
Located on the A13 and close to the M25, customers from London, Essex, Kent and East Anglia can conveniently access the site.
“With the south east the most densely populated part of the UK, it’s important that we have suitable facilities to service customers in this region,” said Alan Scrafton, Adler & Allan’s head of marketing.
“Rainham’s expansion and upgrade is an exciting development that should help businesses in the area better manage their waste and maintain their assets, with disasters dealt with quickly, and essential equipment, such as tanks and separators, kept in good working order.”
Adler & Allan Rainham can accept and process a wide range of packaged and bulk hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, including chemicals, corrosives, firewater, drummed, IBC’s and lab smalls, plus provide the decontamination and disposal of associated containers.
Its emergency response provision is available 24/7, 365 days a year to local customers, designed to minimise damage and clean-up following an environmental disaster. Fuel delivery is also covered, ensuring essential vehicles, plant machinery and general operations and fully functional.
The onsite fleet of tankers, fitted with the best pumping equipment on the market, are available to carry fuel and other bulk liquids/products, or remove waste. Adler & Allan Rainham also offers separator cleaning and maintenance, essential for preventing pollution and flooding on forecourts and other sites that store or handle fuel.
Other services include above or below ground storage tank cleaning and removal, using the most advanced manual and automated tank cleaning technologies available, High pressure industrial water jetting – for hydro demolition and cleaning contaminated surfaces, such as drains – and 24 hour fly tip clearance.www.adlerandallan.co.uk
A Suttons tanker used on the BP contract
Suttons has secured a new contract with BP Acetyls, which is the largest single producer of acetic acid and anhydride in Europe.
The deal confirms Suttons as the exclusive distributor of bulk hazardous liquids in the UK for the company which produces around half a million tonnes of products every year.
The agreement also sees the investment in a brand new fleet of Euro6 vehicles at the BP Acetyls site in Saltend, East Yorkshire.
“We’re delighted BP Acetyls chose to renew this business with Suttons and we look forward to a continued successful partnership,” said Michael Cundy, Suttons Tankers managing director.
“Our track record of providing a flexible, reliable, and safe service was a key factor in their decision and we will continue to focus on delivering a first class service.”
“Suttons has proved itself as a safe and reliable partner delivering a high standard of service,” added Andrew Williamson from BP Acetyls Europe.
“Our relationship with Suttons means we have a solid understanding of how our teams can work together to ensure continued success and that a quality product is delivered.”
Suttons operates internationally with key business centres in New Jersey, Houston, Chicago, Widnes, Antwerp, Ludwigshafen, Paris, Kuantan, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Khobar.www.suttonsgroup.com
The MechTronic cycling team – Ben, Brad and Chris – are raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support
The MechTronic team – Ben, Brad and Chris – took up their first cycling challenge of 2017 with the 100km Maserati Tour de Yorkshire in May to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The ride covers 1,974 metres of climbing and includes several testing ascents and descents through stunning landscapes. Riders take on a tough uphill section leading to the Emley Moor transmitting station – its tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the UK – before passing by the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and descending to the finish at Fox Valley.
Having enjoyed some lovely sunshine, the team finished the ride in just under 4 hours – proof that their training over the winter months had certainly paid off!
The next challenge for Chris and Ben was the Etape du Dales – a 110-mile route traffic-light free route through Wharfedale, Wensleydale, Swaledale, Arkengarthdale, Birkdale, Garsdale, Dentdale, Ribblesdale.
“This was the hardest ride we’ve ever done, some of the hills are steep and there isn’t a lot of flat ground on which to recover, but I’m glad we made it in just over 7 hours,” said Chris.
With his presence needed on the MechTronic stand at FPS EXPO, Brad was unable to take part in the latter challenge.
“I was at the FPS show a few days before the race when the training diet went out of the window, but I’m so proud of Ben and Chris, they did so well and I hope I can join them next year.”
On Saturday 17th June the MechTronic team will be doing the 70-mile Great Yorkshire Bike Ride. If you would like to sponsor the team, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wilkiecycling
Oil NRG has been listed in the London Stock Exchange Group’s 2017 list of the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The LSEG’s annual report celebrates some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Oil NRG is delighted to have been recognised in this year’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report,” said sales director Jeremy Royle.
“This is a significant achievement for Oil NRG – the only oil distributor to be included – and a testament to the outstanding hard work, experience and professionalism of our whole team.
“The recent development of our Yorkshire depot, and our winning a place on the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) solution for liquid fuels has also allowed us to demonstrate our capabilities to customers across the north east. This continued growth has undoubtedly played a part in us gaining recognition in LSEG’s annual list of inspirational companies. We will continue to build on this success and will ensure that our work for our customers delivers wider benefits to the local economy in terms of employment, supply chain and environmental factors.”
Oil NRG, which has depots in Teesside, Tyneside and Yorkshire, is one of 32 north east companies to have been included in the report.
“Four years on, LSEG’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report continues to highlight the dynamic, entrepreneurial and ambitious businesses across the country that are boosting UK productivity, driving economic growth and creating jobs, “ said Xavier Rolet, LSEG’s chief executive.
Congratulating the companies in this year’s report, Greg Clark, secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy added:
“Championing high growth innovative SMEs is crucial for the continued success of the UK economy and a country that works for everyone. We are committed to ensuring that companies of all sizes can access finance to grow, scale-up and create high quality well-paid jobs across the country.”
www.oilnrg.co.uk
Gina Hinde, Morris Lubricants’ new marketing manager
Looking forward to a fresh career challenge Gina Hinde has joined Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants as marketing manager.
The IPRA quality assurance scheme is the only motor fuel QA scheme in Ireland to have received trade mark certification
The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) has recently confirmed that its Quality Assurance Scheme (QA) for petrol retailers has received trade mark certification.
“We’re delighted with this news,” said David Blevings, IPRA spokesperson.
“The IPRA quality assurance scheme is the only motor fuel QA scheme in Ireland to have received trade mark certification. The QA scheme will now be rolled out to stations across the country giving consumers the satisfaction in knowing that retailers displaying the blue and green Quality Assurance logo are part of an accredited scheme that includes initial entry and random testing to ensure fuel quality.”
The scheme was reviewed and approved by the Department of Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise and the Irish Patents Office.
The addition of the trade mark will increase consumer satisfaction in this area and encourage fuel suppliers to get on board so their consumers purchase with complete confidence.
“Fuel adulteration can take different forms and in recent years, the most common form of adulteration was to remove the dye from agricultural gasoil and sell this as road diesel,” said David.
“This caused damage to many car engines and resulted in large scale waste being dumped at the roadside from the industrial process used. Many innocent consumers were caught out and were victims of this fuel adulteration scandal with many having to pay thousands of euros for car engine repairs. The introduction of a new marker by Revenue has reduced this problem but fuel adulteration can still be an issue with ‘designer’ fuels now being found in the UK and Ireland”, claims David.
Welcoming the news Paul Turner, head of legal metrology at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) said:
“NSAI is responsible for ensuring that fuel pumps dispense the correct amount of fuel when a customer fills their vehicle at a retail station. We do this through the authorised verifier’s scheme. We welcome the news that the IPRA QA scheme has received trade mark verification and support any initiative that gives consumers assurance on fuel quality. Together NSAI and IPRA can provide your customers with the confidence they need.”
“The message to consumers is clear – make sure you are using a retailer who is part of a Quality Assurance Scheme. Look for the blue and green Quality Assurance logo on the pump before you refill.
“The IPRA scheme has achieved trade mark certification and the backing of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Small Firms Association and the Irish Road Haulage Association.
“Consumers looking to locate their nearest retailer taking part in the IPRA QA scheme can search our retailer map on www.ipra.ie,” added David.
In acquiring the DONG Oil & Gas business for a headline price of $1.05 billion plus $250m contingent will position INEOS as a top 10 company and the biggest private enterprise operating in the North Sea.
“DONG Energy’s oil & gas business is a natural fit for INEOS as we continue to grow our upstream activities,” said Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS chairman.
“We are pleased to acquire this competitive, well-run business, with its highly successful and experienced team, a strong portfolio of long life assets and a very good mix of existing production and developments across the North Sea.
“This business is very important to us at this stage of our growth plans and we are delighted with the expertise that comes with it. We have been successful in our petro-chemical businesses, focusing on operating our assets safely, efficiently and reliably and we intend to do the same with our oil & gas assets. We are keen on further growth and already see lots of opportunity within this impressive portfolio when it transfers to INEOS.”
On completion, the Business will bring a full complement of highly experienced oil & gas personnel, with 440 staff transferring to INEOS. The business being acquired has a strong portfolio of long life assets, producing 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2016 and with around 570 million boe of commercial and potential oil & gas reserves across the Danish, Norwegian and UK continental shelves.
This transaction will enable INEOS to significantly expand its trading and shipping activities making it a major trader in the sector.
INEOS has much to offer this business, bringing its proven track record in operating complex assets of this nature to further maximise the economic recovery of the hydrocarbons in the acquired portfolio. With a long term view and wide-spread industrial integration, INEOS is ideally placed to extend the lifespan of these assets and invest in the major oil & gas development opportunities that accompany this portfolio.
The DONG Oil & Gas business is a natural fit for INEOS, further strengthening its long-term upstream activity, which was founded on the acquisition of both DEA’s and Fairfield’s UK portfolios in 2015 and more recently the Forties Pipeline System from BP.
The acquisition and transfer of ownership is targeted to complete within Q3 2017, subject to the receipt of regulatory and other third party approvals.
The Business will be acquired by the INEOS Industries business division.
www.ineos.com/
Last week Puma Energy, the global integrated midstream and downstream energy company, released its results for the first quarter of 2017.
“I am pleased to report that, despite facing headwinds in certain regions, we have had a steady start to the year, with a 3% increase in sales volume this quarter (compared to Q1 2016) and a gross profit of $407 million,” said CFO Denis Chazarain.
Key highlights
A gas fuel tank on an Abbey trial vehicle
Abbey Logistics is now working with CNG Fuels to run trials on new CNG vehicles. The trucks from Iveco and Scania will be put through their paces in a two-month trial, operating on the same routes carrying the same loads as their diesel counterparts to give us a clear picture of how they are performing.
Having trialled many gas-powered vehicles in the past, including dual fuel, LPG, LNG, CNG and many more, trials have usually shown the same results; promising technology, easy to maintain, zero emissions and reduced fuel costs.
However for a company like Abbey Logistics, which counts every penny of its fleet costs, and rely on the flexibility of our network; the vehicles have always been too expensive to buy and their mileage range has always been too low to be a viable alternative to diesel.
But now with the extended range available on gas-powered vehicles with compressed natural gas, Abbey Logistics’ fleet engineer David Batty is asking if this could be a realistic alternative to diesel power?
“One of my most important roles at Abbey Logistics is to analyse and trial new vehicles and associated technology,” said David.
“Innovative new technology from Scania and Iveco means that LNG and CNG can now be used in vehicles that can achieve almost the same miles per tank as their diesel equivalents.
“Drivers involved in the trial will be trained to use the new refuelling pumps, which use a traffic light system that tells the driver when fuelling is complete and it takes no longer than filling up a diesel tank. Refuelling is also inherently safe and clean due to zero spillage and the driver doesn’t need to stand next to the vehicle during the process.
“While the latest CNG developments are exciting, we’re reserving judgement until a full evaluation of the gas-powered vehicles is complete.”www.abbeylogisticsgroup.com
Following the release of the latest comparative average heating price figures from Sutherland Tables, OFTEC reports good news for most oil heating users in the UK.
Detailed below, the figures show the three months up to the end of April. Over this quarter the cost of kerosene has decreased slightly for most areas, ranging from 1 – 3%. The exceptions are Scotland and Northern Ireland where costs have risen by approximately 2% and 5% respectively.
Regional variations can be quite significant and prices are usually highest in Scotland where transport costs are a bigger factor.
The best news comes from the Republic of Ireland where the average cost of home heating using oil has decreased by almost 8% compared to last quarter, which is excellent news for homeowners and oil heating businesses alike.
Homeowners with other types of heating have not all been so lucky. Over the last quarter, the biggest heating cost losers have been consumers of LPG and electricity in all UK regions. In Great Britain, consumers of LPG have experienced a price increase of approximately 5%, while in Northern Ireland LPG costs have risen by almost 8%. In Republic of Ireland, the cost of using LPG has remained static.
Consumers using electric heating in Great Britain have also seen an increase in costs, whereas in Northern and Southern Ireland prices have remained static. The natural gas price has remained static except in Northern Ireland where it has increased by over 2%.
Comparative space and water heating costs for a three bedroom house
Figures supplied by Sutherland Tables
Great Britain
Asset protection and oil and environmental services specialist, Adler & Allan, is celebrating after being shortlisted for the 2017 Responsible Business Awards
Last month Adler & Allan was shortlisted in the 2017 Responsible Business Awards, the UK’s longest running and most prestigious awards programme champions responsible business in the UK and abroad.
(l-r) Sally Darlington, health and safety advisor at Essar Stanlow with John Wilson of the Liverpool Seafarers Centre and Mark Thompson, Essar’s marine manager at Stanlow
Essar’s Stanlow refinery recently achieved 7 million hours without a lost time injury; a milestone recognised by Essar’s Let’s Give programme which links safety milestones and charitable giving.
The refinery has also achieved a record breaking safety target of three million hours without a recordable injury; a first in the site’s 60 year history.
Among the local charities benefitting from the programme were Wirral Heart Beat and the Seafarers Centre in Crosby, Liverpool with both receiving a £3,000 donation.
Marine manager Mark Thompson who nominated the Seafarers Centre, said: “I have worked at sea for most of my career, and now alongside those who do. I have seen the benefit of Seafarers Centres all over the world, and the great service that is offered to those who visit. Many of the seafarers from our cargo deliveries at Stanlow and Tranmere use the Liverpool services, and it is fantastic to be able to provide some financial support to keep the service going.”
Technician operator Paul Nelson selected Wirral Heart Beat. “I was put in contact with Wirral Heart Beat following a heart operation sixteen years ago. At a time when I was feeling vulnerable and worried, the support and facilities offered at the Heswall facility were a real practical support for my rehabilitation and improving health.”
The charities were very appreciative of the support received.
John Wilson, chief executive at the Liverpool Seafarers Centre, which is to buy a pool table, furnishings, computer and wi-fi, said:
“We’re a charity operating a frontline service to provide practical and emotional support for seafarers, the often invisible workforce on whom we all depend to ship 95% of UK trade.
Ian Carson, chairman of Wirral Heart Beat, which is investing in new equipment for its outreach gyms, commented:
“Our charity was first registered in 1991 by a group of local people who had experienced heart attacks or had heart related problems. We depend entirely on volunteers to run the centres, which are all based at fire stations across the Wirral.”www.essaroil.co.uk
The Thun Grace will transport marine gas oil from oil refineries to fuel storage tanks in the Geos Group’s six physical supply locations
Marine gas oil supplier, the Geos Group (Sea Bunkering) has taken delivery of a new vessel, the Thun Grace, on long-term time charter from Thun Tankers.
The Thun Grace is significantly larger than the Geos Group’s outgoing vessel, the Milford Fisher, which means that the company will now have extra capacity to grow its sales volume and provide a faster, more responsive service to its customers.
Built in 1999, the Thun Grace is a highly efficient 6,535mt DWT, 103m x 15m chemical tanker, with an experienced and professional crew on board. She will shortly be equipped for ship-to-ship operations – a fast and flexible fuelling solution for operators when a ship’s port access is restricted, or when there are no fuel facilities available within a port.
The vessel will transport marine gas oil from oil refineries to fuel storage tanks in the Geos Group’s six physical supply locations: Aberdeen, Blyth, Great Yarmouth, Lerwick, Heysham and Montrose. It will also transport fuel between these sites, in order to meet demand and avoid stock shortages.
“Increasing the size of our vessel is an important strategic move for the Geos Group”, said Adam Russell, trading and hedging manager.
“We will have more flexibility in our programme, and greater capacity for transporting fuel between locations. We will be able to increase our volume and offer a more competitive bunkering service to the ship owners and operators that we supply. We are happy to be working with Thun Tankers as our business grows and more opportunities present themselves”.http://www.geosgroup.com