Market & Supply 18

News

Prax refinery joins decarbonisation project

As part of the Prax Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery has joined the V Net Zero Humber Cluster decarbonisation project. 
< 1 min read

News

Oil & gas investment key to UK transition

Speaking at the launch of their annual Economic Report today, OGUK Chief Executive, Deirdre Michie OBE, has said that the UK oil and gas industry is key to delivering the country’s net zero ambitions and emphasised how different parties must work together if that goal is to be achieved.
2 min read

News

HGV drivers value recognised by pay deal

GMB Wincanton HGV members see their essential value recognised by an 11% pay deal with GMB London Region, representing Mechanical offload HGV drivers, agreeing to an 8% pay increase with a further 3% increase granted from September to December 2021.
2 min read

News

New fleet director to support Suttons growth plans

Suttons Tankers has appointed a new fleet director to further support the strategic growth plans of the business. The [appointment of Steve Hassall, recognised by the DVSA as an Earned Recognition Operator, is part of a continuous improvement plan to futureproof the scalability of the business and support the ambitious growth plans.
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News

Guide to funding support for logistics employers

As has been reported through Fuel Oil News (here), the logistics industry is facing a serious shortage of skilled workers. In response, business group Logistics UK has launched a new comprehensive, free guide for employers from across the sector on “Funding and support for accessing logistics skills.”
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Insight

An industry acquiring

Whilst many businesses in the UK have focused on staying afloat over the past 18 months, some have been riding the acquisition wave, moving from strength to strength and growing with new businesses under their belts.In this feature article from the August issue of Fuel Oil News we take a closer look at some of the most recent mergers and acquisitions within the sector from the perspectives of both the buyers and the sellers.
7 min read

Opinion

Call for 10,000 temporary visas to address driver crisis

Government must prioritise the granting of 10,000 temporary work visas to encourage EU drivers to return to support the UK’s supply chain, according to business group Logistics UK.  Exclusive analysis of the latest ONS Labour Force Survey Q2 for Logistics UK by independent research company Repgraph has shown that 14,000 EU HGV drivers left employment in the UK in the year to June 2020, and only 600 have returned in the past year (by Q2 2021).
2 min read

News

Extinction Rebellion blockades ExxonMobil terminal

Climate campaigners known as ‘Extinction Rebellion’ blocked a terminal entrance near to the largest oil refinery in the UK yesterday in protest at the Fawley expansion plans.
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News

Essential conference covers fleet technology, maintenance & compliance

With less than one month until Logistics UK’s Fleet Engineer – the essential one-day conference for anyone responsible for maintaining commercial vehicles – the business group is urging fleet engineers to book their places now to ensure they are up to date with the latest developments in technology and enforcement.
2 min read

News

Impressive Jet rebrand for service station

Following an extensive refurbishment, the family-owned Hertford Road Service Station in Enfield has re-opened as a JET branded site. Previously BP branded, the popular site has been closed for two-months during which time the height of the canopy has been raised, the buildings re-modelled to provide 2000 square feet of retail space and the look and feel transformed by the iconic Jet branding.
2 min read

News

Stolt Tank Containers opens new depot in Scotland

Stolt Tank Containers (STC) has expanded its global network with the opening of Tank Wash Scotland Ltd, a new ISO tank depot in Grangemouth, Scotland. Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest port, handling nine million tonnes of cargo and over 225,000 shipping containers and is an ideal place for the depot to support customers given its convenient connections to the local rail freight network and close proximity to Scotland’s main road arteries. The depot provides state-of-the-art cleaning, heating, storage and repair facilities for road-tankers, third-party tank container owners and STC’s own tanks. It features one segregated drive-through food bay, six fixed food bays, two drive-through chemical bays for road tankers and iso tanks, three test bays, three hot work repair bays, 12 steam-heating bays and parking for 30 trucks. A wastewater treatment plant offers a sustainable solution for handling waste, limiting water use and reducing transport-related CO2 emissions. Michael Kramer, President, Stolt Tank Containers said: “I am delighted to announce that our latest depot is now up and running. Our long-standing relationships with customers, coupled with the expertise of our highly experienced local team will deliver value and quality to local markets. This is another step in our journey to optimise logistics by investing in facilities close to our customers and the digitalisation of our processes.” STC believes that its investment in modern, efficient facilities at Grangemouth significantly improves the standard of tank cleaning across Scotland. In addition to aligning with STC’s sustainability strategy the investment also supports the Scottish Whisky Association’s ambitions for a circular economy and transitioning to net zero by 2040. The site is a member of the National Road Tanker Cleaners Association (NRTCA) and the European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations (EFTCO). Its high standards are recognised by SQAS certifications for tank cleaning and food handling. When fully operational the Grangemouth site has the capacity to house 240 tanks and will serve the needs of customers in the local petrochemical industry and food and drink sector, which is by far Scotland’s largest export market.
2 min read

Opinion

Transportable lighting in the fuel industry

Ken Eddleston, senior lighting specialist at Chalmit, the market-leading manufacturer of lighting for industrial and harsh and hazardous environments, explains to Fuel Oil News why he believes that the fuel industry cannot afford to overlook the importance of transportable lighting. Workplace safety For decision-makers in the fuel industry, workplace safety must always be the top priority. Settings, such as storage facilities, distribution points and depots, can be extremely hazardous and warrant appropriate respect. The industry already pays plenty of attention to many areas of health and safety on site, with access, hygiene and cleanliness all in the spotlight. It is clear that firms appreciate the importance of providing safe passage for workers and vehicles, keeping facilities hygienic and cleaning up fuel spillages. However, not everyone is aware of the impact that a lighting strategy can have on health and safety. One such consideration is transportable lighting which can be unplugged and moved around and has a critical role to play. In a hazardous environment, such as a slippery fuel tank, it is imperative that workers have good sight of their surroundings. Given that it’s not possible to incorporate fixed ceiling lighting in a fuel tank, or indeed in many other settings in the fuel industry, transportable lighting comes to the fore, allowing jobs to be carried out without workers having to operate in dimly lit conditions. It is absolutely essential that high precision tasks in the fuel industry, such as quality checks and reading gauge measurement, are not done in dim light, as getting them wrong could compromise the health and safety of an entire site and workforce. It is, of course, imperative that transportable lighting must be suited to the environment it’s intended for. In the fuel industry, this might mean deciding upon lighting that can operate in a flammable or explosive environment. When working in potentially explosive atmospheres, LED lighting is the sensible choice given that they remain cool and operate spark free. This ensures that combustible fuel won’t be ignited, protecting the people and equipment that surround it. Quality of light In addition to the health and safety benefits provided by transportable lighting, it is worth noting that it is adept at supplying concentrated, targeted lighting, thus enabling tasks to be carried out with precision. As an example, Chalmit’s Luna LED directs an output up to 5,600 lumens, and it is this kind of highly directional, uniform lighting, that provides workers with the necessary conditions to navigate hazardous settings and operate effectively. Sustainability Transportable lighting can also be implemented to boost an organisation’s sustainability credentials. When using it to carry out one specific task it means that other lighting in a facility does not need to be turned on. This means that senior decision-makers can be much more deliberate with their lighting without compromising on quality and use less electricity in the process. This also limits the amount of unwanted light pollution being generated. With lots of eyes on the fuel industry, having a poor sustainability record can harm a business’ reputation and its ability to win new contracts. With commercial buyers and consumers increasingly making their final purchasing decisions based on an organisation’s sustainability record, transportable lighting has a significant role to play. Benefits to the bottom line It might sound obvious, but organisations that incorporate transportable lighting into their business will use less electricity. This means that they will also see a noteworthy reduction in their bills. In addition, transportable lighting boasts an impressive lifespan, with some products performing for over 10 years. Given that lighting carries ongoing costs with it, in terms of repairs, maintenance and replacements, using a high performing, long-lasting product makes good business sense. So, by implementing the right lighting strategy that invests in transportable lighting, a business can significantly boost its bottom line. The value of a good lighting strategy The fuel industry can present some of the most testing and dangerous working conditions to operate in. Developing a good lighting strategy that incorporates transportable lighting, will enable the industry to boost its health and safety credentials and afford workers the opportunity to carry out jobs with precision and accuracy, all while taking a sustainable approach that comes with significant cost savings. This article appeared in the July issue of Fuel Oil News magazine – subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss out: subscriptions@fueloilnews.co.uk
3 min read

News

Essar in new aviation fuel partnership

Essar Oil (UK) Limited has begun supplying jet fuel directly to airlines at Cardiff Airport, with new deals having already been secured with various carriers that operate flights from the facility. These agreements demonstrate further the continued success of the Essar aviation fuels business, with direct supply arrangements now in place with carriers at five major airports across the UK – Manchester, Birmingham, London Stansted, Leeds-Bradford and Cardiff. Adam Brayne, aviation & business development manager at Essar, commented: “Adding Cardiff Airport to our UK network is a further chapter in our growth story, as Essar continues to support major airlines through what we hope will be a recovery period for the sector. We look forward to a successful partnership with the airport and are delighted to have already secured direct business with a number of key airline customers there.” David Walters, chief financial officer of Cardiff Airport, added: “We have been working hard to ensure suitable choice is available to our airline partners at Cardiff Airport, and we are very pleased that Essar has agreed to work with us as a new long-term fuel partner. We really look forward to working closely with the company, as we welcome more flights and airlines back to Cardiff.”
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Opinion

A reliable and secure supply

John Regan, sales director at the Prax Group, brings us up to date with the groups strategic imperatives that will ensure that both current and future supply needs of customers are met.
4 min read

Insight

A look at the shape of the future UK downstream oil sector landscape

We are living through a time that has heralded much change and, before considering the future evolution and shape of the UK downstream oil sector, we will remind ourselves of the substantial amount of change that has already occurred in this current millennium.
5 min read

Analysis

An industry acquiring

Since the first impacts of Covid-19 back in early 2020, we, at Fuel Oil News, have closely followed the sector as it has adapted in the face of increasing challenges. From some of the busiest months, made all the more challenging with a number of furloughed staff members, through digital communications, to virtual events taking the place of the social gatherings previously so enjoyed.
7 min read

News

Drop in oil product demand highlighted in industry review

UKPIA has today published its annual review of the UK downstream industry. It provides a collection of recent information on the sector from government departments, UKPIA members, and a range of other sources. The Statistical Review, which UKPIA has published since 2003, is an accessible compendium of UK downstream industry statistics and provides a comprehensive and quick reference point for those working in industry, policy makers, and all who wish to gain a quantitative understanding of the UK industry.
3 min read

News

NWF Group eyes acquisitions after second highest profit performance on record

Announcing figures for the year to May 3, 2021, the Nantwich-based fuel, food and feed distributor, NWF Group, has declared them to be ‘another strong set of results, ahead of expectations’ which presents ‘a significant opportunity for growth’. The performance represents the second highest profit performance on record for the Group. The response to Covid-19 has been effective throughout, with continually updated risk assessments across the Group enabling safe working and ensuring customer needs have been met by all divisions. Whilst all divisions have remained open and operational, providing essential services, there was a notable outperformance in the fuels division, with strong heating oil demand supported by a cold winter and an increase in home working during the pandemic. A headline operating profit of £9.3 million (2020: £11.0 million) was ahead of expectations and against a prior year which benefitted from a significant fall in the oil price. Overall revenues were down slightly at £675.6m, compared with £687.5m the previous year, and pre-tax profits were down 10% at £10.8m. However, net debt reduced by 19% to £31.3m, and the total dividend has been increased, for the tenth consecutive year, by 4.3% to 7.2p per share, which the board said reflected its confidence in the prospects for the business. Richard Whiting, chief executive, NWF Group plc, commented: “NWF has delivered another strong set of results, ahead of expectations set before the pandemic, demonstrating continued performance, delivery and resilience. Our teams have worked hard during the year meeting customers’ needs whilst staying safe. I’m proud of how we have responded to the challenge of Covid-19, Brexit and a cyber incident and exited the year strongly, with significant financial capacity and a clear growth strategy. “There is a significant opportunity for growth backed by strong cash flows and flexible banking facilities alongside a strong asset base. We will therefore continue to consider acquisition opportunities, building on our successful track record of acquiring and integrating businesses, as well as investment in organic development. “Performance to date in the current financial year has been in line with the Board’s expectations. Overall, the Board continues to remain confident about the Group’s future prospects.”
2 min read

Market Report

The complexity of energy in Japan | Aug 2021

It’s been an occasional tradition of this report to try and link major sporting events to fuel markets! With no spectators and an understandable lack of fanfare, most of us seem to have forgotten that Tokyo is hosting this year’s (delayed) Olympics.
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News

Scottish fuel distributor expands again

Scotland’s fastest-growing fuel distribution company, Oilfast, has announced an investment of over £700k in a further fleet expansion with the addition of five Volvo FE 6×2 Rigid Tankers. Specialising in heating oil, red diesel, derv and licensed AdBlue and delivering to both domestic and commercial customers, the fleet additions are part of Oilfast’s commitment to expand and improve. The company has a growing base in Wales with 8 depots across Scotland and Wales and the five new trucks will operate out of the company’s Crieff, Grangemouth & Insch Depots in Scotland. William Nicol, transport & operations director commented: “We deliver excellent service to the UK, no matter the circumstance – even during COVID-19. That is why we are reinvesting back into the areas of the business that matter most to our customers.” The Tanker build The tankers are built by Cobo on a Volvo FE chassis with discharge and metering equipment from Emco Wheaton. After shipping the vehicle chassis to Emco Wheaton’s workshop in Margate, the specialist team attach the new metering equipment to the chassis for transport to Spain. On arrival in Spain, the team at Cobo install the chassis and tanker together – a process that can take serval weeks to perfect before returning to the UK. Once the build is complete the tanker is returned to the UK for testing to ensure it is safe for transporting fuel. After passing this test it is then sent to be branded in the iconic Oilfast logo & saltire before being delivered to the Motherwell head office. Key features Each tanker has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26 tonnes giving a maximum carrying capacity of 17,500 litres and are equipped with 5 compartments to allow for a wide range of products and services. All vehicles come with 3 key safety features: Overfill protection Electrical isolation Earthing & vapour recovery What comes next? Oilfast is quick to acknowledge the part their customers have played in putting them in the position to expand the fleet as William explains: “As we grow as a company, so does our customer base and we want to ensure that we do right by all our customers. As such, the technology may change but our approach to customer service will not. We do not have call centres; we will always have community focused depots that offer a localised approach to providing our services. As such, we are still committed to providing the best service possible.” And, looking ahead, William concludes: “Our vehicle investment for 2021 is now over £1million. With a further 8 tankers coming in 2022 this takes our total investment in vehicles to over £2.5million in two years. As we grow, it’s important we reinvest back into the areas that got us here in the first place. We are extremely excited to see the next generation of Oilfast tankers out on the road and hopefully, our customers are too.”
2 min read

News

New inland sales manager for Mabanaft

Having recently been promoted to the role of inland sales manager at Mabanaft Clare Charlton is enjoying the challenge and responsibility and is also looking forward to working with the management team as the company develops its supply of more sustainable fuels. Maintaining high levels of service Clare joined Mabanaft in 2019 as a key account manager and has risen rapidly to take on this new role. The inland sales department is responsible for selling fuel to a diverse range of customers, from resellers, distributors and commercial/end users to bunkering network users and supermarkets. Clare will be working with her team to ensure that all customers’ needs are met and that the high levels of service that the company is renowned for are diligently maintained. Building lasting relationships Clare said: “I am enjoying the challenge and responsibility of my new role at Mabanaft. I love the company ethos of building strong and lasting relationships with customers, it’s something everyone here buys into. I also really like the people, there’s a good team spirit and plenty of positive collaboration which makes for a great working environment.” Supporting customers through changing times “The last 18 months have been dominated by the global pandemic. People still needed fuel and I am proud of how my team managed to support customers and deliver excellent service throughout. Our industry is undergoing massive change and I am looking forward to working with the management team to seek new opportunities to support the transition to new and more sustainable fuels.”
2 min read