Market & Supply 39
Shell Recharge enables most electric vehicles to be charged in approximately 30 minutes.Credit: Ed Robinson/Shell
In October, Shell announced the launch of its first electric vehicle charging points at three UK forecourts based in London, Surrey and Derby. The Shell Recharge service enables most electric vehicles to be charged in approximately 30 minutes.
By the end of the year, the service will be offered to a further seven locations within Greater London and Reading with the construction division of the Premier Group being responsible for the enabling works for the installation of Shell’s electrical vehicle (EV) charging service in the UK.
The Swansea-based Premier Group has been appointed as civils contractor for eight of the 10 trial sites. The company will co-ordinate all of the enabling works from pre-start meetings to final sign off for the installation of new e-charger units at these sites. The scope of works for the sites includes trenching and ducting to enable the units to be powered, tarmac services, as well as decorative and white lining works.
In addition to Shell, Premier Group’s construction division works with many other major national brands including Esso, Rontec, BP, MRH, Asda and Tesco.
“This is an extremely exciting project to be a part of as we see electrical vehicle charging really take off thanks to the Shell Recharge service, said Steve Evans, managing director of the construction division of The Premier Group,
“The UK has ambitions to develop one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the world and our work with Shell is helping to contribute to this.”www.premiergroup.org.ukwww.shell.co.uk
Launched this week via Facebook – Gulf’s Big Christmas Giveaway has 100 items of Gulf branded merchandise on offer to lucky winners nationwide. The initiative runs until the end of December
Last month Certas Energy received the accolade of Gulf Oil Best Fuel Partner of the Year from Gulf Oil International at its annual conference in Dubai. The award recognises the work undertaken by Certas Energy to develop and grow its Gulf forecourt network in the UK.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Gulf Retail has been recognised in this way,” said Certas Energy’s retail director, Ramsay MacDonald.
“We continue to work hard to develop the Gulf brand in the UK and ensure that the Gulf proposition appeals to dealers of all sizes. The retail supply market is as competitive and challenging as we’ve ever seen it, with the oil majors now signing sites they would never have previously looked at and the super group dealers squeezing their own margins to drive volumes.
“We’re working hard to differentiate our offer with the support of Gulf Oil International and build brand presence across the UK. Our most recent successes, three flagship sites in the north of England with a combined volume of 13 million litres, are now on stream and in full Gulf imagery. They demonstrate in no uncertain terms the strength of this historic forecourt brand, today and for the future.”
“This award is so well deserved,” said Frank Rutten, vice president international of Gulf Oil International.
“Certas Energy is achieving such great results in spite of the toughness and complexities of the market place. The UK team continues to invest in the Gulf brand and works tirelessly to provide UK dealers with a strong alternative to the traditional forecourt majors.”
Gulf Oil International has fuel station representation in 25 countries across the world and sells lubricants in over 100 countries. Its ongoing investment to support the Gulf brand includes a global partnership with Manchester United.www.retail.gulfoil.co.uk
INEOS is to deliver the first ever US ethane from shale gas to China in 2019, using the world’s largest ethane carrier as part of a long-term supply agreement with China’s SP Chemicals. The agreement includes construction of a new carrier ship, the largest ethane carrier ever built.
“This is another world first for INEOS after importing shale gas to Europe in 2015,” said David Thompson, CEO of INEOS trading and shipping.
“By bringing in US ethane from shale gas to China for the first time we are leading the way in shipping ethane worldwide to meet the demands of an expanding chemicals sector.
“We’re excited to work with a client such as SP Chemicals and we look forward to delivering this historic project,” added David.
In a £110 million investment project, INEOS now has two state of the art vessels to support its North Sea operations.
“As natural gas continues to provide 84% of UK household heating, operations in the North Sea are of paramount importance and these two new vessels will provide essential operations support in the field,” said Mervyn Williams, supply chain manager INEOS Breagh.
The ships, officially named Forties Sentinel and Sentinel Ranger, were built by Sentinel Marine.
Among other news, last month INEOS acquired Lausanne-Sport, one of Switzerland’s most established football clubs, which is currently 6th in the Swiss super league.
www.ineos.com
The Kinneil oil terminal and gas processing plant which is part of the acquisition from BP
The completion of the deal, which also includes the Kinneil terminal, consolidates INEOS’ position as a top ten company in the North Sea and the largest privately– owned exploration and production business operating in the energy basin.
The FPS business is a natural fit for INEOS. Now with the responsibility for a strategic UK asset that delivers almost 40% of the UK’s North Sea oil and gas output, INEOS has further strengthened its long-term oil and gas activity.
The takeover was welcomed by Deirdre Michie, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, who said:
“The Forties Pipeline, which transported 40% of the North Sea’s production last year, is a critical UKCS asset and its integration with Ineos’ assets at Grangemouth is an efficient solution that will help unlock new investment opportunities upstream.”
“This represents another very significant deal for INEOS,” said FPS CEO Andrew Gardner. The acquisition reunites North Sea and Grangemouth assets under INEOS ownership. INEOS is now the only UK company with refinery and petrochemical assets directly integrated into the North Sea and this deal provides the platform to potential future offshore INEOS investments.”
The 235-mile pipeline system links 85 North Sea oil and gas assets to the UK mainland and the INEOS site in Grangemouth.
Ownership and operation of FPS, the Kinneil gas processing plant and oil terminal, the Dalmeny storage and export facility, sites at Aberdeen, the Forties Unity Platform and associated infrastructure has now transferred to INEOS FPS, together with approximately 300 personnel.
On their way south – the two new tankers
When Simplytrac, a Kenya-based company, was looking for two new fuel bowsers they selected equipment from Tankquip and MechTronic. Simplytrac, which is part of Jupiter Electrical and General Contractors of Nairobi, required the bowsers for the provision of fuel at the expanding port in Mombassa. The vehicles not only incorporate all aspects of UK ADR and SLP best practice, they are also fitted with Mechtronic’s Visilevel and Stocksmart systems to help to combat issues of theft and tampering. In addition to knowing where the vehicle is and how much fuel it contains, the company can ensure that product matches the required SG. Simplytrac already manages fuel at the port and supplies to a number of larger road transport operators. “We look forward to supplying further equipment to Simplytrac,” said Dave Stanley. “Especially from our new partner Soteinpe, enabling them to expand their growing fuel management and wholesale fuel sales into the retail sector through Soteinpe’s Compact CIS system.” www.tankquip.co.uk www.gruposoteinpe.es/en www.mechtronic.ltd.uk
Pentons’ directors Stephen (centre) and Gary Penton (right) with Morris Lubricants’ managing director Andrew Goddard and the Volvo truck which will soon be starting a new life in Africa
A Volvo truck bought 16 years ago by an Oswestry-based haulage company is still going strong after clocking up 1.5 million miles
Addressing the question, how can businesses attract new talent into the freight and logistics sector?, this week (16-18 November) the Freight Transport Association (FTA) will have ‘a significant presence’ at the Skills Show at Birmingham’s NEC.
More than 70,000 young people are expected to attend this free to attend event – the UK’s largest skills and careers event for young people.
“For many young people, logistics is an unknown topic, and they are unfamiliar with the scope and scale of the careers opportunities which the sector provides,” says Sally Gilson, head of skills campaigning.
“By attending The Skills Show, and demonstrating the breadth of roles which young people can aspire to in freight and logistics, we are confident that we will encourage the next generation of skilled workers to keep our industry buoyant in years to come.”
Currently (Nov 2017), the sector needs 52,000 LGV drivers across the country and FTA members report difficulties in recruiting skilled technicians.
FTA will be working in partnership with Think Logistics, CILT, Novus Trust, Manpower, Volvo and DHL.
“Logistics is changing, technology is now at the forefront of the sector,” continued Ms Gilson.
“There are jobs to be investigated across all modes of FTA’s membership, ranging from drivers and engineers through to warehouse designers, project management and operations directors – and many more besides. Logistics is the sector keeping Britain trading.”
www.theskillsshow.com
Isuzu – making it as easy as possible for customers to find the right truck
Isuzu Truck UK has a brand-new website. Designed to help customers identify the optimum vehicle selection, the website illustrates all the different Isuzu trucks available, by weight, by body and by industry, with each GVW type having its own product page.
Visitors to www.isuzutruck.co.uk can either scroll through the key facts about the individual vehicle specification or they can download individual spec sheets for more detailed information.
The website redesign makes it as easy as possible for customers to find the product or service information they’re looking for,” said managing director, Pete Murphy.
We’ve focused on creating as much valuable new content as possible, which takes the form of downloadable industry guides, blog posts and other interesting documents that cover the key topics affecting both our retail and fleet customers.”
The company’s unique and award-winning CARE programme also features prominently throughout the website and is a key part of the Isuzu offering for customers, new and old. At the same time, the site provides a new dealer locator tool which makes it far easier to identify local Isuzu Truck sales, service and parts dealer support.
Featured in the website there are sections covering key points within the Isuzu global and UK history as well as showcasing the outstanding technical innovation and expertise that drives the Isuzu R&D and vehicle development programmes. www.isuzu.co.uk
Please join us to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fuel Oil News
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
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
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.
(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
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
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
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
Certas Energy is hosting a one-day Clean Air Conference on Tuesday 7th November
TO HELP ADDRESS THE AIR QUALITY CHALLENGE FOR BUSINESSES IN THE SOUTH EAST – CERTAS ENERGY IS HOSTING A ONE-DAY CLEAN AIR CONFERENCE AT THE PORT LYMPNE HOTEL IN KENT ON TUESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER Certas Energy is currently the UK’s only provider of Shell GTL Fuel, a cleaner burning alternative to diesel. Part of the paraffinic family of fuels, Shell GTL Fuel both lowers emissions and improves air quality and can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel without the need for engine modifications. The event will highlight the availability of alternative fuels and deliver practical advice on how businesses can make a difference to air quality today by making smarter fuel choices. Delegates will be provided with an overview of the benefits of paraffinic fuels, including reductions in nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and the role they have to play in improving air quality. “We’ve been working closely with our customers across the UK to support them in adopting alternative fuels to improve air quality, without impacting efficiency or profitability,” said event chairman, Alex Ward, regional manager at Certas Energy. As we wait for the Government to confirm how it will tackle the air quality crisis, this event offers delegates the opportunity to hear first-hand about how alternative fuels can make a difference today.”
63 Which? Best Buys – Grant’s range of 63 oil boilers
In its 2017 boiler review Which? has awarded a Best Buy accolade to all 63 Grant oil-fired condensing boilers with Grant being the only manufacturer to receive an Oil Boiler Best Buy this year.
Last year, according to EUA statistics, Grant oil boilers were the number one selling models in the UK
Grant’s oil-fired condensing boiler range consists of Vortex and VortexBlue models, all of which have achieved a Best Buy status from Which?
The Grant Vortex range comprises of internal, external, wall hung, boiler house and combi models, with sizes from 12kW up to 70kW. Available with system options, they come with a 5-year guarantee when installed by a Grant G-One Installer*.
For end-users looking to reduce their annual fuel bills, the boilers achieve efficiencies of up to 93.3% (SAP: 2009). In addition, models such as the Vortex Eco Utility 15-21kW and the Vortex Pro Combi XS 26kW are only 348mm and 515mm wide respectively, making these slimline boilers ideal options when space is at a premium.
In early 2016 Grant launched the VortexBlue range which includes 15 internal, external and combi models with outputs from 15kW up to 36kW. This range incorporates the latest Riello RDB BLU blue flame burner technology. Available with a 10-year guarantee when installed by a G-One Installer*, the VortexBlue offers the same high efficiencies expected from a Grant appliance while producing lower NOx emissions. *subject to terms & conditions www.grantuk.com
This further investment at Stanlow ‘demonstrates Essar’s commitment to remain invested in the oil and gas sector’ says Essar Oil UK’s non-executive chairman Prashant Ruia
Essar Oil UK is planning to invest $250 million in capex and maintenance at Stanlow to ramp up throughput, improve yields and revenues. The announcement follows strong Q4 figures to cap robust FY17 performance.
Essar’s major investment in 2018 will increase annual throughput from 68 million to 75 million barrels with the Tiger Cub project expected to deliver enhanced yields of high value products, reduced crude costs and drive revenue growth.
Operational and financial performance: Key indicators
With the first month of Autumn underway, many customers will be thinking about turning on the heating for the first time in a few months. For those on heating oil, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has good news with oil being the cheapest form of energy.
The new Isuzu vehicle at Darch Oil – supplier of fuels, heating oil and lubricants to customers in Somerset, Dorset, East Devon, South Wiltshire and West Hampshire
Independent family-run Darch Oil has acquired its first tanker mounted on an Isuzu chassis. The Isuzu Forward F110.240 11-tonne rigid has been fitted with a 7,000 litre dual compartment Magyar tank for kerosene, derv and gas oil distribution to customers in remote locations throughout the south-west.
Longevity, payload and compact vehicle footprint were the main criteria behind the Yeovil-based fuel oil distributor’s decision reports Ivan Steel from Darch Oil.
“We operate in many rural areas where tight turning circles and extremely limited access are regular occurrences, however, the Isuzu 11-tonner meets all our criteria in addressing these particular problems.
“It gives us the ability to get to places where other vehicles would struggle as well as giving us much more operational versatility. The Isuzu Magyar combination allows us to maximise the payload by carrying two different types of fuel in one delivery.
“The tanker’s regular driver has been particularly impressed by its overall performance and versatility, as well as the pumping equipment on the vehicle. Fitted with a 200-foot hose, the driver has full remote control of the pumping operation, allowing him to control the discharge at the point of delivery, rather than where the vehicle is positioned.”
Darch Oil operates a 22 strong vehicle fleet of which 12 vehicles work on oil tank deliveries, with 10 vehicles handling coal transportation.
Supplied by Ferndown Commercials at Wimborne, this new tanker will cover approximately 40,000 miles a year over a working life of up to 12 years, after which the Magyar tank will be removed for a second life on a new chassis.www.isuzutruck.co.ukwww.darchoil.com