Mark Askew – hopeful of a change in policies relating to the off grid sector and in particular the oil heating industry The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is looking forward to meeting of the new energy & climate change secretary, Amber Rudd and her team. “There are important issues relating to the oil heating industry and the off grid energy sector which we want to discuss,” said chief executive Mark Askew.  “In particular looking at ways in which we can work together to tackle fuel poverty. “The new government and a new energy & climate change secretary present a great opportunity to make the necessary changes to home heating policies. “With the previous government, the policies simply didn’t work. The Green Deal put people off because of the prospect of debt; the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) policy was unaffordable for many; and the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund excluded oil condensing boilers. “By working with Amber Rudd on the issues that really matter to the oil heating industry, we feel positive that we will be able to help ensure the sector is better recognised in policies under the new regime. “It’s time for change.  We’ve had a change of government and now we are hopeful of a change in policies relating to the off grid energy sector and in particular the oil heating industry.” “There are currently one million homes in rural England, Scotland and Wales, and almost half a million homes in Northern Ireland, heated by oil. It has been suggested that up to an estimated 80% of them are in the lowest energy rating with efficiency bands of F or G,” added Mark. “This means these boilers are inefficient and cost more to run than modern condensing boilers. With a substantial number of inhabitants living in rural fuel poverty, we urge a change in government policies to incentivise the replacement of old and inefficient boilers in these houses with modern condensing boilers which are far cheaper to run and give off much less CO2. “Steps need to be taken to make homes more energy efficient, including a policy to improve the insulation of UK homes and making the reduction of fuel poverty and carbon emission the same goal.”www.fpsonline.co.uk

Adler and Allan’s flood defence system, JBAR Asset protection and PPM will be key messages from Adler and Allan when the company exhibits at the Facilities Show from 16th-18th June at London’s Excel. The company is focusing on key areas affecting facilities managers – flood protection, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), asset protection and fuel services. With the threat of flooding and associated damage to UK organisations still very much an issue, group marketing manager Alan Scrafton says the company is making sure that businesses have the appropriate plans and protective measures in place is key. “This year, our stand will include a working model showing the benefits of having flood defences, such as our JBAR system. Visitors can see for themselves the positive impact flood defences can have, eliminating critical downtime in the event of an environmental disaster.” In addition to providing advice in keeping assets in good working order through PPM, Adler and Allan will also be showcasing its range of protective coatings and linings, as well as fuel services available for facilities managers. Keeping fuel in top condition is a priority; the company also provides tank cleaning and polishing, on-site or at its dedicated laboratory.www.adlerandallan.co.uk

Latest industry figures show that heating oil prices are now 13% cheaper than mains gas to heat the average home. According to the Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of data on comparative UK domestic heating prices, oil is now by far the cheapest of all the major heating fuels, costing just £930 a year to heat an average three bedroom home in Great Britain. This compares to an annual heating bill of £1072 for the same home on mains gas, the second cheapest option. Comparing the equivalent heating costs for LPG and electric storage heaters – the other main heating methods used by off gas grid households – and oil remains vastly cheaper, currently coming in at 42.5% less expensive than LPG and 42% cheaper than electricity. A renewed appreciation of the benefits of oil Most experts agree that oil prices will remain low for some time and with the sales of oil condensing boilers up by 7% in the first quarter of this year compared to 2014 figures, it would seem that homeowners have a renewed appreciation for the benefits of oil. Jeremy Hawksley, director general of OFTEC, said: “Oil prices have now fallen to their lowest point since autumn 2009 and are currently over £500 cheaper than when prices peaked in the early summer of 2013. This is great news for the industry and the UK’s 1.5 million oil using households. “With prices forecast to remain low for the foreseeable future, we anticipate many households currently using LPG and electricity will consider a switch to oil. Making the change could save LPG users around £700 per year – or over £1,000 if their boiler is a standard efficiency model. Even allowing for the cost of a new oil boiler and tank, the move would provide considerable savings over the lifespan of the installation. “The continued drop in oil prices is also expected to further dampen demand for the government’s domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.  With cost remaining a key driver for most consumers, there is little incentive for oil-using households to switch to renewables, especially considering the high up-front costs of installing these technologies. “OFTEC has  called on the government to back a boiler scrappage scheme to incentivise the switch to high efficiency condensing boilers – for which there is clearly still a strong demand.”   www.oftec.org.uk

Manufactured by Ledbury Welding, the 10,000 litre SuperVault petrol storage tank with associated dispensing equipment is now on route to Fox Bay Village in the Falkland Islands. The contract was awarded by Stanley Services, which provides fuel to both the domestic population of the Falkland Islands and the fishing fleet operating in the waters near and around the islands. “This new above ground facility, which will be located alongside existing diesel storage facilities,  will allow our customers on West Falkland to collect petrol  by way of a self–service account in a very straightforward and easy manner and saves them having to store highly inflammable product in 205 litre barrels,” said Tom Swales, managing director of Stanley Services. “We won this order against a competitive bid,” said LWE managing director, Kevin Powell. “We believe that a deciding factor was the integrity of our SuperVault technology which has been designed to pass rigorous fire and multiple–hazard test requirements. “The tank is self-bunded (in excess of 110% of the nominal capacity) to ensure secondary containment. Its design features a steel inner and outer tanks and the cavity is filled with a specially formulated cement-based, lightweight insulation.” www.stanley-services.co.fk www.lweltd.co.uk

The oil business must adapt to suit the needs of the millennial generation says Easy Oils. The millennial generation – those born between 1980 and 2000 – marks a whole new brand of oil clientele. “This generation works a little differently to its predecessors,” says Russell Bush of Easy Oils.  “But, with the support of EasyOils you can make sure that your business is fully equipped to support this technological, fast-paced and flexible generation. “The millennial consumer will expect to use online banking as their primary method of payment; to place orders from apps and smartphones and to be able to make instant contact with companies online. An online SAAS company, Easy Oils offers a business software as a service which can be built into existing company websites without an unnecessary or complicated ‘add-on’ process. “Your millennial customer can then make an order based on the most recent pricing parameters, with a range of delivery dates and payment options at the click of a button – simpler than ordering the groceries! “Utilising cutting edge technology and software Easy Oils, which also offers oil-based websites and instant pricing systems,  can design and construct a system to meet the needs of the next generation,” adds Russell. www.easyoils.co.uk

On 16th July 2015 the Energy Institute will launch its updated and substantially revised edition of the Model code of safe practice Part 15: Area classification code for installations handling flammable fluids, at a one-day seminar event in Manchester. The Model code of safe practice (Part 15) for area classification publication is a key piece of process safety guidance, used globally across all industry sectors handling flammable fluids. The code presents a pragmatic and flexible approach to classifying installations into potentially flammable zones referred to as hazardous areas. It is referenced in the UK DSEAR approved code of practice, L138, as a key guidance document for the effective management of the risks associated with the potential ignition of flammable fluids. At this one-day seminar delegates will hear from the contributors of the guidance, who will present the key technical changes of the fourth edition including: Ventilation, Mists, Frequency Data, and Consequence Modelling. Attendees will receive a free copy of this new edition of the guidance at the event. Discount for Fuel Oil News’ readers Fuel Oil News readers can attend this event at the discounted member rate when quoting ‘Fuel Oil News’ at the time of booking. Plus, delegates who book before the 12th June will receive a £50 discount on the full delegate fee. For more information please visit: www.energyinst.org/ei15-seminar, or contact Francesca Ferrari at the Energy Institute: e: FFerrari@energyinst.org; t: +44 (0) 20 7467 7192.  

Michael Sutton, chairman of the Suttons Group whose ‘presence, guidance and humour will be greatly missed’ The Suttons Group is sad to announce the death of its chairman Michael Sutton who died on 8th May aged 66 following a short illness. The son of founder Alf Sutton, Michael has been chairman of the logistics and supply chain company since 1987. Working in the business since he was 19, Michael held a number positions before succeeding Alf as managing director in 1978 at the age of 30. During his time Michael oversaw the expansion of the group into new markets and territories across the world. Not satisfied with maintaining the company’s position as a leading road haulier, Michael significantly developed the company’s portfolio of services, which now serves the chemicals, gases, food and fuels markets across the supply chain. Still very much a family firm, Suttons’ current CEO is Michael’s eldest son John Sutton. His youngest son Robert Sutton is the Group’s IT director, and other family members sit on the Group’s board.  Together the family issued a joint statement: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our chairman, Michael Sutton on May 8, 2015.  He was a much-loved and respected leader, as well as a beloved father, grandfather and uncle. His presence, guidance and humour will be greatly missed. “In the meantime, we would like to assure you that the family are determined to continue to run Suttons in the spirit that both Michael and Alf have done in the past.”www.suttonsgroup.com

Ben Carter, operations manager at Turners (Soham) receives his prize from Mabanaft’s marketing manager Martin Cook Ben Carter, operations manager of Turners (Soham) Ltd and Brian Nelson, corporate sales manager of LCM Environmental were the winners of an iPad mini 2 in the ‘Guess the Price on MabaLIVE’ competition. On each day of FPS EXPO 2015 participants were invited to predict the MabaLIVE ex-rack price for kerosene at Grays at a pre-specified date and time; the ones to guess closest to the actual price were the winners. Martin Cook, marketing manager for Mabanaft said: “Turners is a long-standing partner of Mabanaft. They use MabaLIVE to track prices and buy fuel on a regular basis therefore Ben had a good appreciation of the oil market. Brian, on the other hand, doesn’t usually purchase fuel so he just took a guess and got it right!  We’d like to congratulate both Ben and Brian on winning and hope that they enjoy many happy hours on their iPads.” FPS EXPO is a key event in the Mabanaft calendar and the team felt that this was one of the best shows yet with a very up-beat and positive atmosphere. Martin said:  “We felt sorry to bid farewell to Harrogate knowing that we would not be returning next year. That said, we are excited about ringing the changes, and look forward to seeing everyone at the new Liverpool Exhibition Centre in April 2016.” For more information on MabaLIVE, Mabanaft’s free online price information and fuel ordering service, please call 0207 802 3300, email sales@mabanaft.co.uk or visit www.mabalive.co.uk.

Gulf Aviation is now supplying Jet A1 to Wizz Air gaining another a new airport – Belfast International – to its ‘increasingly expanding portfolio’ Gulf Aviation has secured a contract to supply Jet A1 fuel to Wizz Air at airports across the UK. Under the new contract, Gulf Aviation, a part of Certas Energy, will now supply Wizz Air with fuel at Aberdeen, Belfast International and Edinburgh airports.  This is the inaugural airline Gulf has supplied at Belfast International Airport, which brings Belfast into the company’s growing regional distribution portfolio. David Dykes, supply, logistics & commercial aviation manager for Gulf Aviation, commented:  “The Wizz Air contract is a major achievement for Gulf Aviation in itself, plus it brings a new airport – Belfast International – into our increasingly expanding portfolio.  We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, and our focus on delivering excellent customer service, which we believe makes us stand out from the competition during the tender process. We look forward to working in partnership with Wizz Air in 2015 and hopefully beyond.” Wizz Air is a low cost carrier established in 2003. Since its inaugural flight in 2004 Wizz Air has grown substantially and now offers over 380 routes in Europe and beyond. Gulf Aviation delivers aviation fuels and lubricants to a wide range of customers throughout the UK, including private flying clubs, helicopter operators, air taxis, charter and management companies and regional airports. Its turnkey operation allows it to focus on its customers by building relationships built on trust, service, and quality.aviation.gulfoil.co.uk/

www.tankstorage-event.org.uk/

Over 1600 movers and shakers and key decision makers from the oil distribution industry world attended the two-day event which included 12% of delegates from European countries and 3% from non-European countries as far afield as Australia.

Depot manager Angelo Colleta at the open day Last week Barton Petroleum held an open day at the company’s Oakley depot near Bedford. The open day was organised to celebrate the completion of a brand new office at the site from where the company has serviced customers since 1989.  The new offices, which feature sales and administration areas and driver facilities with its own entrance together with a dedicated training room and board room, give the depot much more room to expand. The next stage in the depot’s development will be the replacement of tanks which is due to take place over the summer. Barton Petroleum was joined at the event by several suppliers and service providers from both local and national companies.  www.bartonpetroleum.co.uk

Aerial view of Portland Port – a naval dockyard for over 150 years, Portland Harbour is now a thriving and successful commercial facility A storage facility adjacent to one of the busiest shipping trade routes in the world is soon to become available. Since 2001, Portland Port located on the south coast of the UK has leased its bunker storage, pipeline and berth facility to Aegean Marine Petroleum Network.  Later this year the facility will return back to the open market with the opportunity for a new tenant to occupy and manage the facility.  The tanks were fully refurbished by Aegean who also built a new jetty to receive tanker deliveries;  the facility has since been professionally managed and maintained to a high standard. Approximately 40,000cbm of storage is available, split between four tanks of approximately 10,000 cbm each.  The storage tanks are set deep in to the Isle of Portland, originally built by the Royal Navy and used for storage of the same products.  The tanks are surrounded by Kimmeridge Clay, with each cylindrical tank measuring 300 metres in length and 7 metres in diameter.   Two tanks are currently dedicated to holding marine fuel and the other two for marine diesel, along with a thermal fluid heating system used to heat the tanks. The storage facility is further complemented by two pipelines (one being heated), 1.2 kilometres in length which connect to a bunker jetty which can accommodate vessels of up to 200metres LOA and up to 13 metres of draft.  There are two loading arms on the berth, one for MGO the other for HFO. Portland’s strategic geographical location is one of the port’s greatest assets with minimal deviation for vessels using the English Channel,  along with the large, deep, sheltered inner and outer harbour; making the port an ideal location for vessels of all sizes to take bunkers.  The pilotage is short and direct, being only 20 minutes to the anchorages and 30 minutes to all alongside berths. The outer harbour has depths of up 20m (C.D) and the inner harbour has depths of up to 15m (C.D.).  The 3.5 miles of extensive breakwater system provides unrivalled protection, which has always given Portland the advantage when ship owners/operators/charterers are looking for a protected location for their vessels to undertake services afloat.www.portland-port.co.uk

The scheme has been revised by a cross-industry team, comprising representatives of UKPIA, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA). Since the original scheme was established in 1989 the industry has changed significantly;  the majority of oil companies now contract out their fuel distribution to specialist hauliers, with several specialist tank storage companies now also operating fuel distribution terminals. “It was felt that the previous scheme needed to be reviewed and updated to take account of these changes,” said Sally Thornley, FTA’s director of standards, audit and accreditation.  “This newly launched SLPS builds on the previous scheme and is extended to cover all participating UK fuel distribution terminals.” The new scheme ensures that common standards are in place for workshops and technicians carrying out inspections on road fuel tankers prior to terminals’ entry. In addition, it provides a new web-based portal for the registration of inspections and a mechanism for terminals to query vehicles’ passes electronically. The scheme is a requisite for entry into all fuel terminals operated by members of UKPIA and the TSA. The FTA manages the scheme on behalf of UKPIA. “The redevelopment of the scheme is a credit to all involved,” said  Peter Davidson, director safety, commercial & projects. “The SLPS now well reflects the changes in our industry and it’s more widely adopted by downstream oil distribution terminals. It also sets higher standards, thus providing confidence to terminal operators that road tankers entering their terminals to load fuel are safe to do so.” www.ukpia.com www.tankstorage.org.uk www.fta.co.uk

Mark Binns, chairman, HOYER Petrolog UK Hamburg- based logistics provider HOYER has reported a thoroughly successful result for the financial year 2014.  Turnover, at EUR 1,107m, was around EUR 20m above the level attained in the previous year (EUR 1,087m) exceeding the family-run company’s expectations.  The Petrolog (fuels and bitumen) business units increased its turnover by 1% over the previous year. The largest percentage increase in turnover (+5%) in 2014 was posted by the Gaslog business unit, which is responsible for transport logistics with industrial gases. This growth rate was almost equalled by the overseas activities bundled in the Deep Sea business unit: around 4% more than in 2013. With 36%, the Chemilog business unit again accounted for the largest proportion of the logistics specialists’ revenues, although it had to endure a slight decrease in its result. This was a consequence of the immense pressure on prices in the market and a barely increased production volume in the chemicals industry. “Although we expect to see an increase in economic growth in 2015, we are also anticipating a persistently high intensity of global competition,” said Thomas Hoyer, shareholder and advisory board chairman.   We nevertheless intend to carry on growing in 2015 thanks to the expansion of our international activities and further strategic collaborations.” In 2014, HOYER had around 34,000 tank containers, 3,000 road tankers, 24,000 intermediate bulk containers and 2,500 trucks in action around the world for HOYER. The vehicles’ ongoing conversion to motor technology in compliance with the Euro-6 norm was accompanied by the increased use of electronic driving and monitoring assistants. The company employed 5,098 people in 2014.  www.hoyer-group.comSEE THE APRIL 2015 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH HOYER’S OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, ALLAN DAVISON 

After a 20-year period of dramatic reduction in the numbers of forecourts, there were 8,609 forecourts at the close of 2014 which was broadly in line with the 2013 figure of 8,611. The Energy Institute’s annual Retail Marketing Survey provides a comprehensive, statistical overview of the UK forecourt market; a market that has seen the number of forecourts almost halved since 1994. Data is broken down by company, region and forecourt facilities. This year’s report is based on statistics relating to end-2014 and does not reflect changes since that date. These figures are collected from an EI survey with fuel retailers and are cross-checked with numbers from market analyst Experian Catalist. UK consumer fuel prices experienced the same downward trend as the global market, with petrol dropping from an average of 134.88 p/l in 2013 to an average two-year low of 128.18 p/l in 2014, and from 140.74 p/l for diesel to 133.82 p/l. Total 2014 road fuel sales for the year saw a 1.77% rise from 36mn tonnes to reach 36.64mn tonnes, with diesel sales once again outperforming petrol. Retail petrol sales remained fairly stable at 13mn tonnes by year end (from 12.99mn tonnes at the close of 2013), while diesel sales rose to 15.16mn tonnes (up from 14.09mn tonnes). Meanwhile, the total number of cars on the road rose 1.95% to a record-breaking 35.89mn. Site number breakdown by fuel retail brand in 2014 (2013 figures in brackets) BP – led the forecourt branding field, topping the listing with 1,163 outlets (1,174) Shell  – secured second place, with 1,019 branded sites (1,016) Esso – close behind, in third position, with 1,012 branded forecourts (1,003) Texaco – ranked fourth, with 773 outlets (814) Gulf – fifth, with 508 branded service stations (409) The supermarket sector accounts for just over 43% of total UK fuel sales Tesco – 504 sites (498) Morrisons – 332 (326) Sainsbury’s – 298 (289) Asda – 246 (226) This year’s supplement also includes articles looking at security of fuel supply in the UK and the need for planning to prevent future supply disruption should the number of operating refineries continue to fall. The report examines the latest trends and developments in the fuel retail market, where opportunities for independent forecourt retailers appear to have taken a turn for the better; and how the success of fuel retailers can be defined by the speed at which they respond to changes in the wholesale price of oil. The 2015 Retail Marketing Survey is available, priced £100, from the Energy Institute. For more information on the downstream sector, including filling stations and retail fuel prices, visit knowledge.energyinst.org/collections/rms


The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is writing to members of the new government requesting the opportunity to discuss issues outlined in its logistics manifesto, and its wider ambitions for UK logistics. In its Logistics Manifesto 2015, FTA said that the freight industry requires better support from government, and set out key issues which need addressing– including a cut in fuel duty; addressing skills shortages and recruiting professional drivers; and ensuring UK’s infrastructure networks (including airport capacity) are capable of meeting freight needs. Stressing the importance of logistics to the economy The FTA is urging David Cameron and his new government to recognise the importance of logistics which is crucial to keeping the people of Britain supplied with essential goods they need, adding that to overlook its needs would be failing the industry and the economy.
 
FTA has said that the new government will have a “real challenge” ahead in ensuring the economy can continue to recover, stating that logistics has a key role to play in this.
 
“Mr Cameron’s new government needs to ensure that logistics is given the attention it deserves,” said Karen Dee, director of policy “Its policies must ensure the industry can be as efficient and effective as possible in support of businesses and consumers in the UK.  Our objective is to ensure that the UK has a safe, efficient and sustainable supply chain, and we sincerely hope that the new government will support us in these goals.” www.fta.co.uk

Neil Madden editor of Bulk Distributor, a sister publication to Fuel Oil News, reports from StocExpo in the May 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News StocExpo 2015 brought together the world’s tank terminal industry for three days of networking, business and knowledge sharing. The event’s three-day conference welcomed over 170 delegates and 30 speakers from key ports, terminals and financial institutions. BP, Wood Mackenzie and Oil Tanking North America were among those who discussed a plethora of subjects, from global fuel market developments and tank corrosion to financial trends and supply chain integration.New products and services StocExpo 2015 attracted exhibitors from right across the supply chain. Emco Wheaton launched its TODO Break-Away range, Protego introduced its PM-HF pilot-controlled pressure and vacuum relief valve, whilst Hempel unveiled its HEMPADUR AvantGuard, a portfolio of three new anti-corrosive zinc primers. “I’ve seen products that could be really beneficial to me and potentially save my organisation some money,” said Mikko Hietanen, financial director at Baltic Tank .said It has been a perfect opportunity to make some very useful contacts. Overall it has been a great show.” The show ‘opened up numerous potential opportunities’ for Hazchem Safety said sales coordinator Paul Latimer. At Newson Gale international sales manager Rachel Stevenson reported: “We have had some really interesting visits from leading industry decision makers, we’ve received two quote requests already plus we have seen particular interest in our road tanker recognition earthing system. “We were thrilled to welcome even more exhibitors to this year’s event and also play host to FETSA’s annual meeting, welcoming the heads of all the key European Tank Storage Associations said Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage portfolio event director. Nick Powell can be contacted on +44 (0)20 8843 8801 or nick@stocexpo.com. The next StocExpo will take place on 15-17 March 2016 at Antwerp Expo, Antwerp.www.stocexpo.com  

A lucky Gulf customer will win a trip to Le 24 Heures du Mans To celebrate Gulf’s involvement in this year’s 24 hours of Le Mans, Certas Energy has launched an 8 week consumer promotion across its Gulf forecourts. The promotion, which is designed to boost volumes and re-engage the motoring public with Gulf’s racing pedigree, runs at participating sites until the end of May and one lucky driver will win a trip for two people to the unique event over the weekend of 13/14 June as guests of Gulf and the Aston Martin Racing team. Gulf customers can enter by supplying their details and transaction reference online at www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans. One transaction reference equals one entry and multiple entries are permitted. The prize includes transport, accommodation and VIP hospitality at ‘Le 24 Heures du Mans’ including paddock access, a meet and greet with the drivers and access to a private suite overlooking the team pits. www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans 

Dan Bauckham (4th from left) with the team at Imperial Commercials’ sales, service and parts facility in St Philips, Bristol DAF dealership Imperial Commercials Bristol has been presented with the J W Suckling Transport service provider of the year award; the first DAF dealership to win the award. Suckling Transport first presented the award in 2011 to recognise the importance of the support received from their supply chain. The award winner is decided based on data collected throughout the year regarding the service provider’s performance in relation to MoT first time pass rates, audit scores and service, which is measured according to Suckling’s ISO9001 registered quality system and Service Level Agreement targets. Suckling uses 12 service partners to support its national road tanker fleet and the 2014 performance data from each was measured objectively and weighted on importance. Imperial Commercials secured victory with a 100% MoT pass rate, high levels of service and low vehicle downtime. “The project to support Suckling and its tanker operation first began in 2011 and is now a key part of our business in Bristol”, said James Rehling, manager of Imperial Commercial’s ADR vehicle repair facility. “We would like to say a special thank-you to Daniel Bauckham, Suckling’s director of engineering, for all his support in helping us set up this part of the business. As a result of our increased experience in this field, we are adding a tanker vehicle bay to our new workshop in Swindon opening on May 1st 2015.” Bauckham added, “It’s been a pleasure to award Imperial Commercials for its hard work and outstanding performance in 2014. The service from the team in Bristol has been invaluable to our rapidly expanding business.” www.sucklingtransport.co.uk