News 39
Updates to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) in January 2021 will see fuel suppliers required to increase the amount of renewable fuel they use to comply with the scheme. Introduced in 2008 by the UK Government to drive greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions in the transport sector, the scheme mandates the adoption of renewable fuels for road vehicles, non-road mobile machinery and — as of 2018 — aircraft.
Transport is the UK’s biggest industry polluter, generating 28 per cent of the UK-wide total in 2019. The RTFO is proving to be a robust scheme for driving sustainability in the transport industry by reducing GHG emissions. All transport fuel suppliers who provide 450,000 litres or more of petrol, diesel or gas oil must include a percentage of renewable fuels as part of their overall supply or pay per litre to buy out of the scheme.
Each year the RTFO increases the amount of renewable fuel suppliers must include in order to generate bigger carbon savings year on year across the transport industry. These percentage increases play a vital role in enabling the UK is to meet its targets to bring all GHG emissions to net zero by 2050.
In 2021, fuel suppliers will need to increase the amount of renewable or development fuel in its supplies to 10.68 per cent of their total supply levels.
In January 2019, the RTFO added advanced development fuels into the mix, giving fuel suppliers the choice to integrate next generation biofuels into its supplies alongside standard renewables. Development fuels are made from sustainable waste or residual feedstock, with the exclusion of segregated oils and fats and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). For a development fuel to qualify under the RTFO scheme the GHG saving must be at least 60 per cent more than that offset by fossil fuels. The renewable diesel must also be capable of being blended at a rate of at least 25 per cent with conventional diesel and still be able to meet the EN590 fuel specification. As a result of its superior carbon crunching credentials, fuels that meet the development fuel criteria receive double the amount of Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs) per litre or kilogram supplied compared with standard renewables.
“Development and advanced biofuels overcome many of the limitations of first-generation biofuels,” explained Matthew Stone, chairman of Renovare Fuels. “As an example, our fuel is physically and chemically closer to conventional fossil fuels in the way it performs and in the quality of the end product, but produces only three grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of biomass; only three per cent of that produced by fossil fuels.
“There is a ceiling to the impact that standard biofuels can make in achieving GHG emission reductions, because of the type of feedstock they use and the low fuel quality.
“In contrast, there’s no limit at all with development fuels. They are designed specifically to eliminate any emissions in the production process and radically reduce those generated when used as an end fuel. Development fuels unlock the true potential of biofuels, and therefore have the potential to play a vital role in the UK hitting its GHG targets.”
Renovare’s development fuel is one of the first to be approved for use in the UK by the Department of Transport. The company will develop a new production facility in early 2021 at a site based in England.
The development of biofuels for the aviation sector is considered in greater depth in the October issue of Fuel Oil News.
CLH has entered into agreement with Inter Pipeline Ltd to acquire the liquid product storage facilities of its subsidiary, Inter Terminals, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.
After Inter Pipeline put the sale of their storage terminal on hold at the start of this year, the transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Through this transaction, a further 15 liquid product storage terminals will be added to CLH’s current network, making the company the leader in Europe with operations in 8 countries.
The chairman of CLH, José Luis López de Silanes, stated that;
“This agreement represents a unique opportunity to continue the company’s international expansion and consolidate its presence in the European market”.
CLH’s chief executive officer, Jorge Lanza, added;
“This transaction will expand CLH’s knowledge on chemical products and biofuel storage by gaining the experience of a European leader in these business segments. It is also in line with CLH’s strategy of diversification beyond hydrocarbons in response to the challenges of climate change.”
“CLH is acquiring a high-quality business with an outstanding team who have made an important contribution to the success and growth of Inter Pipeline over the past 15-years,” stated Christian Bayle, president and chief executive officer of Inter Pipeline.
The 11 UK terminals included in the agreement have a capacity of more than 2 million cubic metres and can store a wide range of liquid products related to a number of supply chains including diverse chemical products, as well as traditional fuels and biofuels. Integrating these terminal facilities in the United Kingdom offers an excellent complement to CLH-PS, the CLH Group subsidiary already operating in the country.
In addition, the agreement also includes one terminal in Ireland, where CLH already operates at the Dublin airport through its subsidiary CLH Aviation Ireland, plus two more in Germany and one in the Netherlands.
The Inter Terminals businesses in the scope of the agreement currently have a workforce of 530 highly experienced and technically qualified employees and CLH is committed to ensure facilities continue to be operated under the highest levels of safety and quality conditions.
StocExpo, the world’s leading bulk liquid storage event, is searching for the industry’s most dynamic professionals under the age of 40. The new initiative will celebrate the next generation of individuals operating at the top of their game in the tank storage, bulk liquid and linked supply chain professions.
Professionals working in the industry are encouraged to self-nominate if they are under 40. There is also the option to nominate eligible colleagues that are making a significant contribution to the sector.
Mark Rimmer, StocExpo divisional director, comments;
“Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is absolutely critical when it comes to the long-term success of the tank storage industry. It’s where the industry’s future ideas, innovation, inspiration and leaders will all come from.
“That’s why we are so proud to be launching our Forty Under 40 initiative. We want to celebrate & support the next generation of talent within the industry and showcase their contribution so far. So, if you know someone who merits being recognised, or you are that person, we want to hear from you.”
Entrants will be judged by a panel of industry experts looking for individuals who, thanks to their excellence and commitment, are making a real difference to their organisation and the wider industry.
The successful 40 will be celebrated with a drink’s reception held in their honour at StocExpo 2021, taking place 16th – 18th March. All will be provided with special VIP passes, providing free access to the event’s conference programme and other exclusive zones, such as the VIP lounge. On top of this, the 40 will be invited to participate in all of StocExpo’s “Next Gen” related content and activities.
The 40 will also be offered half price tickets to the 2021 Global Tank Storage Awards and will be celebrated on stage in recognition of their achievement.
Entries close 20 November. To find out more about StocExpo or to nominate yourself or a colleague, visit https://www.stocexpo.com/en/forty-under-40/
Greenergy has agreed to purchase 100% of the shares of Amber Petroleum (‘Amber’), an independent fuel distributor and retailer based in the Republic of Ireland.
Amber’s operations include company-owned and dealer-owned forecourts, comprising a network of 35 sites around the country, along with fuels distribution and home heating depots.
Christian Flach, Greenergy CEO said;
“One of our key strategic objectives is to integrate our existing supply footprint with our expanding retail presence. The acquisition of Amber follows our recent retail investment in 230 retail sites in Canada and will enhance our capabilities in Ireland by building on our existing infrastructure, supply and retail operations. We look forward to welcoming the Amber team to Greenergy.”
Liam Fitzgerald, owner and managing director of Amber Petroleum added;
“Having served our loyal customers for over 40 years Amber’s success has been based on strong relationships with customers, suppliers and staff and we know that Greenergy shares these same values. I am confident that Amber will continue to grow its profile as part of the wider Greenergy organisation.”
Amber’s existing management team and staff will remain in place.
Certas Energy’s latest HGV refuelling bunker site at the Port of Southampton, close to Dock Gate 20, will be operational in October 2020. Working in partnership with leading port operator Associated British Ports (ABP), the HGV refuelling facility is the first of its kind to be opened inside the port.
Featuring eight high-speed refuelling pumps, the facility will dispense fuel at speeds of up to 120 litres per minute. The site has been designed to service the high volume of HGVs that pass through the port each day, and will provide a quick, efficient and conveniently-located facility for port users.
The new refuelling facility, adjacent to the DP World Southampton container terminal, will dispense DERV, red diesel, AdBlue and cleaner-burning diesel alternative, Shell GTL Fuel. This drop-in alternative fuel can be used immediately in HGVs to reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) without having to make engine or equipment modifications.
Commenting on the new refuelling site, Clive Thomas, ABP Port of Southampton’s head of commercial and property, said; “We are pleased to be able to offer Shell GTL Fuel at the port for site users for the first time. This significant move supports our commitment to further improve local air quality and facilitates smoother operations for visiting HGVs.”
Andrew Goodwin, national bunker manager for Certas Energy added; “The Port of Southampton is one of the UK’s key logistics hubs, handling 14 million tonnes of cargo annually and an average of 1,800 HGVs every day. Our new refuelling facility will enable lorry drivers to refuel quickly and conveniently at the port before picking up or after dropping off their load – so they can continue the rest of their journey uninterrupted.
“Our site at the Port of Southampton builds on Certas Energy’s experience and success in fuelling the booming logistics sector at some of the UK’s largest ports. We are delighted to be working with ABP in delivering this scheme which aims to reduce the turnaround time at the Port of Southampton and further expand our strategy of investing in key strategic locations to support UK logistics.”
The new refuelling facility located at the heart of the Port of Southampton will join Certas Energy’s network of 21 bunker sites across the UK. For more information, please visit https://certasenergy.co.uk/my-business/fuel-cards-and-bunker-sites/southampton-hgv-refuelling-site/
Further underlining its commitment to reducing the carbon intensity of the fuels it produces, a huge processing unit rolls into the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery.
A UK leader in low carbon liquid fuel development and processing, Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery, based in Northern Lincolnshire has a proven history of developing new low carbon fuels, being the first in the UK to process used cooking oil. The refinery converts UK & International waste streams to finished bio road fuels.
In a significant investment that expands the refinery’s capability to process used cooking oil (UCO), it recently took delivery of a new processing module, developed by the refinery’s project group to facilitate this. The unit was transported from ENGIE Fabricom in Immingham where it was built arriving on a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT).
Darren Cunningham, Humber Refinery general manager/UK director, said; “We are pleased to take delivery of our new UCO module at our Humber Refinery. I would like to congratulate all the teams that have been working so hard on this project through such a turbulent time, delivering the project safely. This investment further highlights the refinery’s commitment and investment to further expand our production of bio fuels and reinforces our reputation as the Refinery of the Future.”
Jeff Noble, head of UK operations, ENGIE Fabricom, also commented; “We are delighted to be partnering with Phillips 66 in successfully delivering the UCO Project. This includes off site PAU manufacture and assembly which was achieved on time, within budget and executed without incident. P66 are a valued customer and this project has provided ENGIE Fabricom with the opportunity to develop our relationship by demonstrating our full suite of capabilities. We look forward to supporting P66 with the remainder of this project and to provide long term sustainability for the refinery.”
“Our team at ENGIE Fabricom’s Immingham manufacturing facility, are proud to have worked closely with P66 in the safe delivery of this project, adapting brilliantly with the unique challenges faced by all in 2020’s unprecedented circumstances. With both companies also motivated by the environmental benefits from such innovative Bio-Fuel ventures.” Said Mark Astwood, manufacturing facility manager, ENGIE Fabricom Immingham.
This Humber Refinery expansion project enabling increased bio-fuels capacity further supports UK downstream low carbon fuels contributing to a net zero future for the UK.
The JET fuel brand has launched a dynamic new TV campaign, the first in over 20 years, that captures how JET champions the driver – providing all the essentials they need to ‘Keep On Moving’.
Shot on location at the new JET Dove Retail White Rose Service Station in Barnsley and throughout the stunning Peak District National Park, the TV spot is part of JET’s ongoing brand awareness programme, designed to increase visibility and consideration amongst new and existing customers.
A unique take on a classic road movie theme – the campaign film captures the journey through the eyes of the driver and features a man at a grand piano travelling through dramatic English countryside playing and singing Joe Jackson’s iconic 80s hit ‘Steppin’ Out’. He then briefly stops at a JET forecourt to refuel before hitting the road again to resume his memorable musical journey accompanied by the line: ‘Don’t let filling up slow you down’.
The ‘Keep on Moving’ campaign is the latest activity in an ongoing brand refresh for JET – the fuel brand of Phillips 66. In February 2019 JET debuted a new image programme for its fuel brand including updated logos, modern forecourt image and bright LED lighting. This was followed by the rebranding of JET’s Premium Fuel offer, JET ULTRA with the relaunch of the website in early 2020.
“We are continuing to invest in our brand and the growing retail business to be the best we can be for our drivers, our dealers and the local communities we serve” says Mary Wolf, managing director, UK marketing, Phillips 66 Limited. “In fine tuning the JET brand our aim is to improve the experience for our customers and to give the drivers who visit our forecourts everything they need and want to continue their journeys quickly and safely. It is a simple, straightforward ‘driver-first’ ethos that is perfectly captured in this new campaign.”
The 60’’ and 30’’ TV ad will air throughout September across the Midlands and the North of England. Other elements of the Keep On Moving campaign will be rolled out nationally on social media throughout the month.
Ford Fuel Oils driver Martin Veater, who has been with the company for almost 25 years, is preparing to support a C2C cycle in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
One of Ford Fuel Oils’ key workers delivering lubricants, Adblue and fuel to customers’ doorsteps, Martin will be taking one of the company’s workshop vehicles to help assist his close friends Neil Taylor and Julian Wyatt on the C2C cycle from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Sunderland and back – which is approximately 300 miles.
Travelling one way, the journey is expected to take 3-5 days on average, Neil and Julian are aiming to complete the journey in four days.
The idea of the journey is to start with a rear wheel in the Irish Sea and end with a front wheel in the North Sea.
Martin will be supporting the cyclists the entire way. If you would like to support Martin and his close friends during this time, donate to Cancer Research UK here https://lnkd.in/dNEe4xj.
From zero-emission, alternative fuels vehicles to self-driving trucks, 5G to smart cities, the shape of logistics in the UK is set to transform dramatically in the coming decades. To give delegates an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts on some of these critical topics, before the main ITT Hub event and conference next year, the Logistics UK is launching Future Logistics 2020, a virtual conference and exhibition which is free to attend for all, sponsored by Brigade Electronics.
To be held on 13 November 2020 on a state of the art, immersive live events platform, the one-day event will feature leading voices from across the logistics and transport sectors, who will explore the forces set to shape the industry of tomorrow, covering topics as wide ranging as fuels, data, vehicles, Brexit, communities and business strategies. As with a physical event, there will also be an extensive exhibition space for attendees to visit as well as opportunities for 1-1 networking with other delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. The event is also sponsored by the AA and Bott Ltd.
David Wells, chief executive of Logistics UK, comments; “The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed the tide of technology. Self-driving trucks, zero-emission vehicles, smart cities, and drone technology are all evolving fast and logistics professionals must be prepared to adapt to this new landscape. And, with the uncertainties of the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU – along with the long-term implications of COVID-19 – this important event will help logistics businesses understand what lies in store for logistics in the coming months and years.”
Mark Griffin, CEO of ITT Hub, is excited by the prospect of the new event; “The postponement of ITT Hub in May this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, meant we were unable to share the huge flagship industry conference programme we had planned. However, this new event will give our audience the opportunity to gain insights from leading names across the industry, and should whet appetites for the rescheduled ITT Hub show and full Future Logistics Conference which we have rescheduled for May next year at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference centre. With so much innovation happening every day across transport and logistics, Future Logistics 2020 will showcase some of the developments and thinking which sets our sector apart from the rest. It’s one not to be missed.”
Future Logistics will also offer delegates the opportunity to engage with leading logistics industry suppliers online in the Exhibition Hall. Visitors will be able to download brochures, thought leadership content and whitepapers showcasing the latest technical innovations; they are also free to ask exhibitors questions via text or video chat.
ITT Hub, an industry led event showcasing the best in transport innovation and technology, has been postponed to 12 and 13 May 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the event, due to be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, please visit www.itthub.co.uk.
To book your place at Future Logistics 2020 please visit logistics.org.uk/future-logistics
The introduction of gravity metering to the latest release of Mechtronic’s OptiMate gives fuel oil operatives greater confidence that all deliveries are accounted for and efficient delivery schedules can be maintained. OptiMate also enables pre-set gravity deliveries allowing split loads from each compartment.
An electronic metering system for the fuel oil distributor, OptiMate incorporates a turbine meter that delivers on accuracy and repeatability. The latest release of OptiMate offers gravity metering along with hose and bulk through the same class leading turbine meter. Regardless of the delivery method, it’s now metered, ensuring every litre is delivered, and a ticket is printed.
OptiMate incorporates a self-draining manifold that prevents contamination and enhances a cleaner line change, protecting fuel oil distributors against contamination. This industry first ensures that the manifold is cleared every time, leaving the driver free to continue with their next delivery without the threat of a possible contamination. OptiMate also supports automatic compartment follow-on and pre-determined line changes at the end of the delivery, without the need to return to the vehicle – saving drivers time and increasing efficiency.
Clugston Distribution Services Ltd is adding 15 new Cobo 42,000 litre fuel tankers to its growing and expanding fleet with the manufacturer equipping Clugston with new tankers for bulk fuel transportation.
Providing road tanker transport solutions to the bulk powder and bulk fuel sectors, Clugston has already received some of the new tankers which are ready to have their familiar blue liveries added in the paint shop before hitting the road.
Specialising in aluminium tanks for transport of hydrocarbons, as well as stainless steel vehicles for transportation of other products, Cobo vehicles merge experience, technology and quality. Product capabilities include motor spirit, diesel, ethanol, bio diesel, bio ethanol, aviation fuel (kerosene), gas oil, marine gas oil, fuel oils and other liquid chemicals.
Keen to reach more homes and businesses across the South East, Watson Fuels has opened a new depot in Headcorn, Kent. It joins Watson Fuels’ network of nearly 35 depots across the UK which, together, offer national reach combined with the friendly local service Watson Fuels customers have come to expect for over 60 years.
The Headcorn depot replaces an existing facility in Hawkhurst, Kent, and brings with it greater capacity to serve more customers. Through this new purpose-built depot, Watson Fuels is now able to take on new customers in the area and can serve homes and businesses in even the most rural locations across the South East.
“Kent has excellent road links, one of the UK’s busiest ports in Dover, and hundreds of fantastic rural businesses,” Scott Roberts – operations & logistics director at Watson Fuels explains. “It makes sense for us to invest in the area – a location that remains key to both national and local industry. Our new depot enables us to reach more customers across the region, helping businesses and families in the South East to manage their fuel supply easily and cost-effectively.”
“I am delighted to be in a position to confirm the new site at Headcorn, Kent is now fully operational. The new site further supports our desire to be our customers’ number one choice in Kent. And, for our colleagues, the new site investment demonstrates our commitment to them ensuring they have the facilities to operate safely and efficiently as we grow our business further.”
The new Headcorn depot marks the latest in a series of operational investments by Watson Fuels. In the last 18 months, the distributor has opened a new facility in Grangemouth – the first Watson depot in Scotland – and a new operational location in East London, as well as improving the tank infrastructure and capacity within a number of existing depot and office locations. Watson has also been modernising its 350-strong fleet of tankers and will have replaced over 30% of the fleet with brand-new vehicles before the end of 2021.
The investments are key steps in making sure that, as Watson Fuels’ services grow, it continues to stay reliable, offering customers a cost-effective, efficient and dependable service.
Essar Oil UK’s Stanlow Manufacturing Complex has achieved Gold in the internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, which offer a prime opportunity to benchmark safety performance year on year and ensure consistent performance between sites. They also provide an effective route to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to raising health and safety standards.
Established in 1956, the longest-running industry awards scheme in the UK, which receives over 2,000 entries from organisations around the world, recognises achievement in health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.
Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, said;
“The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations around the world, making it one of the most sought-after global accolades in health and safety.
“RoSPA wants every employee, wherever they are, to work safe in the knowledge that they will be going home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day. The RoSPA Award winners are vital to help achieve this goal, as by entering they are driving up standards and setting new benchmarks for organisations everywhere. Currently, around seven million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s influence is even wider.”
Jon Barden, chief operating officer at Essar, commented;
“Health and Safety is a continuous focus for everyone at Essar. We are pleased to once again receive the Gold RoSPA award, recognising our commitment to maintaining the highest health and safety standards and safe working environment which ensures our staff and business partners get home safely to their families at the end of every working day.”
Adler and Allan has agreed a three-year partnership with Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd to carry out road tanker testing across its road fuel tanker fleet.
The contract will include holding their fleet details on a secure database, to ensure that all tests are carried out on schedule. Clients have password-protected database access to view their fleet information, including test results and certificates.
The integrity of the barrel and tank on road tankers should be tested every two years according to the Road Traffic (Carriage of Dangerous Substances in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1992.
Adler and Allan is approved by the Department for Transport to provide road tanker testing across the UK and issue Safe Loading Passes as well as meeting strict UKAS standards. The company is also approved and accredited for testing general purpose and bitumen tanks as well as meter and fire extinguisher testing which is required annually.
Andrew Clarke, Forecourt Services managing director, Adler and Allan, said;
“We are delighted that Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd has trusted us with their road tanker testing in the UK. As well as road tanker testing we are accredited to perform vapour tightness testing, intermediate and periodic inspection and testing.
“We are also experts in chemical compliance and have a 24/7 hazardous materials advice line. If you are transporting any bulk liquid in the UK, we can ensure you remain compliant and safe.”
The news follows the latest announcement that Adler and Allan has extended its leak detection capability by offering Leighton O’Brien’s Automatic Tank Gauge Alarm Management solution and Wetstock Live fuel management software to the UK petroleum industry.
Family business, Gardner Garages Limited, has recently opened another Texaco site, City Service Station in Hereford. This will bring the current number of Gardner Garages sites under the Texaco brand to four with their first site Gardner General Garage in Huntley joining over 20 years ago. The three existing sites have recently signed long term renewals with the Texaco brand as well.
Portico, a deep-water cargo terminal owned by Portsmouth City Council and based within Portsmouth International Port, is taking action to minimise its impact on local air quality by powering its cargo handling operations with a low emission alternative fuel.
The business is working with Certas Energy to implement the use of a cleaner burning diesel alternative, Shell GTL Fuel, in its port side fleet, plant and machinery.
Exclusively supplied in the UK by Certas Energy, Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) is a paraffinic fuel known for its improved combustion properties. It is proven to reduce emission levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) to immediately improve local air quality.
Trials have shown that Shell GTL Fuel can reduce NOx emissions by up to 37% and PM by up to 50% compared to conventional diesel. As a drop-in fuel, Shell GTL Fuel can be used as a direct replacement for diesel to improve air quality without the need for expensive modifications to existing engines or investment in infrastructure.
The fuel is free of unwanted components such as sulphur, metals and aromatics, which make it non-toxic, biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. This is a significant added benefit for Portico, which works in close proximity to marine ecosystems.
Shell GTL Fuel also produces less odour, smoke and engine noise than conventional diesel to create a more pleasant working environment for port operatives. Its improved engine starting performance in colder conditions makes it a year-round reliable fuel choice.
The low emission fuel will be used across Portico’s extensive fleet of vehicles, plant and machinery, helping to reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
Steve Williams, operations director at Portico, said; “We are constantly pursuing cleaner ways of working to minimise our environmental impact in the port area and for the local community. By transitioning to a cleaner burning fuel with Certas Energy, we can reduce harmful local emissions of PM and NOx to make an immediate and positive difference to local air quality.”
Further to news of the significant safety milestone achieved at Stanlow, a donation of £3,000 has been made to the Ellesmere Port based Boaty Theatre Company to support the delivery of their summer programme for local children. The funds were raised through Essar’s ‘Let’s Give’ scheme, which links the company’s commitment to safety directly with charitable giving and came after one million hours without a Recordable Injury were recently achieved at the refinery.
The awarding-winning team at The Boaty Theatre Company provide a safe and a supportive environment for local young people of all abilities to achieve their creative ambitions through on-going projects, performances, workshops and creative activities. Boaty Theatre were quick to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic, moving rehearsals online and social groups going virtual to ensure all their regular beneficiaries were safe and well during isolation. In response to challenges facing the local community, the team devised and launched a free summer programme, which local young people could join in person or online.
Consisting of four hours of creative workshops every weekday throughout the holidays, the programme includes drama sessions, creative writing and music production, together with yoga, mindfulness and art therapy. The team also created activity packs required to join in workshops from home. These were given to over 400 local children, helping families struggling with the cost of home schooling. The charity has also been able to provide in excess of 30 free lunches every day through external support.
Artistic director for The Boaty Theatre Company and Summer Programme Lead, Laura Harris, said; “We were delighted to discover that Essar knew of and wished to support our work. This surprising donation will really help us out and enable us to address differentiated provision for the remainder of the summer programme. It’s so encouraging to be recognised in such a manner and be supported by a company so intrinsically linked with the town.”
Sponsors of the Valero UK Benefit for Children Classic have gone above and beyond for charity, donating over £169,000 for children’s charities, even though the event this year did not take place. When the annual charity golf and karting event was cancelled earlier in the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valero was concerned that the charities would miss out. So they asked their sponsors if they would help out.
Last week UKIFDA announced, through social media, that it has begun the search for a new CEO.
Posting on LinkedIn, UKIFDA outlined the high-profile role and its desire to find an inspiring leader to drive a culture of collaboration and engagement, whilst continuing to deliver UKIFDA’s strategy and future vision to steer the transition to renewable fuels in future energy policy in the UK and Ireland.
Having taken on the role in February 2018, and worked tirelessly, in support of the membership, to keep liquid fuels on the future energy agenda, current CEO Guy Pulham commented; “I look forward to handing over to my successor. Someone with renewables experience who can help ensure that bio liquid fuels are included in consumers’ decarbonisation choices in the UK and Ireland.”
A spokesperson for UKIFDA said; “In order to fulfil this role, we are seeking to appoint a dynamic candidate. Whether a serving CEO, or you are looking for a career step, the ideal candidate will have experience or a strong working knowledge within the renewable sector and a good understanding of the UK fuel distribution industry, operating and influencing at government level with established industry and government contacts and relationships”.
The closing date for applications is August 28.
The Craggs Energy Group has appointed a new chief financial officer and is actively seeking several acquisitions across the North of England.
TSA associate member Reynolds Training Services has had its Bulk Storage Operator Technician qualification approved by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) – the first level 3 diploma to be approved by IChemE.
Part of a two-year apprenticeship offering a wider focus on process and occupational safety, human factors and emergency response and aligning these elements with technical operations, approval has been awarded for Reynolds Training Services’ sector leading Bulk Storage Operator Technician level 3 diploma. The programme is a mix of vocational and academic learning delivered in conjunction with HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association) at Reynolds Training Services’ who are based at the CATCH Training facility in Stallingborough North East Lincolnshire.
John Reynolds, managing director at Reynolds Training Services, said; “This is a huge milestone in the progression of this qualification and embedding it into the apprenticeship programme and offers a real career pathway for those entering the industry, or for those currently employed within the sector and looking for a wider progression route.
“It was brought about through excellent teamwork and coordination with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the Tank Storage Association and the wider team at Reynolds Training Services Ltd. I am extremely proud of the work undertaken and the achievement gained.”
The IChemE assessors commended Reynolds Training Services for their outstanding simulation facility of a full-scale tank farm that offers a realistic, professional environment and which provides trainee engineers ample work-based experience in real-world problem-solving and risk assessment for major accident hazards. The assessors also praised the course leaders for teaching the process safety fundamentals at an exceptionally high standard.
Peter Davidson, executive director of the Tank Storage Association, commented; “The bulk liquid storage sector is and will continue to be an important source of career opportunities. With a new wave of innovation and extensive demand for skilled and qualified specialists, we are delighted that this Level 3 Qualification that is embedded into the sector leading apprenticeship programme has received IChemE recognition, a testament to Reynolds Training Services’ commitment to the development of the next generation of talent in the UK.”
Scottish fuel distribution business Oilfast is running a Local Hero Scheme aimed at recognising and rewarding the efforts of both key workers and members of the public, who have supported their local communities during the pandemic.
Joe Carroll, sales director at Oilfast, said; “Our Local Hero scheme is a great way of supporting those who support us, and their local community. In total, we have had seven winners in Scotland and one in Wales – each will receive 500 litres of heating oil when they require it.”
Mark Robinson, pictured, was the winner from Oilfast’s Insch depot.
Another winner, Carl Stewart from Cromdale, was called ‘selfless’ for his positive contributions in his local community, including fundraising for local causes, helping locals with shopping and prescription deliveries and arranging activities to bring the community together.
With rig operating firms losing hundreds of thousands of pounds a day every time work is halted to clean up seagull droppings, as well as the risk posed to helicopters by the birds, an effective solution was desperately needed.
The answer to this age-old problem has seemingly been found in the reinvention of an age-old invention with hi-tech solar powered scarecrows now being used by North Sea oil chiefs to scare away seagulls. As well as firing lasers, the £10,000 mannequins also play bird noises to deter the gulls when sensors are triggered.
One employee, who has worked on the rig for 30 years said; “I’ve spent half my life up there and I know how big a problem the birds are.
“They are unbelievable. Loads of things have been tried over the years but nothing’s worked like this. It is a game changer. It eradicated the problem.”
The aim of these state-of-the-art scarecrows, says creator Terry Christie, is to stop seagulls pooping on rigs and avoid potentially deadly collisions with helicopters heading for offshore platforms.
Terry’s Scaretech Global firm, based in Colchester, is now in talks to install the devices on two oil firm HQs in Aberdeen, and hopes to expand to North Sea platforms.
No strangers to giving back to the community, Phillips 66 Limited has gone the extra mile to thank NHS staff and key workers through generous charitable donations.
The company helped out locally in Humber, donating 12,000 gloves, 1,500 waterproof gowns and 100 goggles to Grimsby Hospital in support of first responders.
Phillips 66 has also been on hand helping those who have been isolating at home. A spokesperson from Phillips 66 said; “In partnership with Sodexo, the on-site catering team, we helped deliver food and essential supplies to neighbours of the refinery who were shielding.”
In addition to this, over £40,000 has been raised for the domestic abuse charities Blue Door and Hull Women’s Refuge and £1,000 has been donated to support an additional first responders van on the road.
The company also donated 1,000 acetates to support staff volunteers making 3D printed face visors and in a move to help the elderly stay connected with their families, an iPad has been donated to a local nursing home to assist with video calls and remote communications.