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INEOS Phenol and ENGIE to replace natural gas with hydrogen

For the first time in Belgium, hydrogen will be used in a commercial scale cogeneration plant designed to generate electricity and heat from natural gas. The aim of the pilot project by INEOS and ENGIE is to replace natural gas with hydrogen used by the INEOS gas turbine. Initially 10% of the gas feed will be replaced by hydrogen. If this goes well the feed will be increased to 20%. The CHP plant at the INEOS Phenol site in Doel, one of the first to be built in Belgium, has the ideal profile to realise this test. Hydrogen is expected to become an important link in the transition towards climate-neutral energy across society. One possible evolution in the coming decades is the gradual replacement of natural gas by hydrogen and in time ‘green hydrogen’ generated from renewable energy via electrolysis. This will gradually reduce the CO₂ emissions of current processes based on natural gas. ENGIE is responsible for the design, installation and operation of the technology at the Antwerp site. INEOS Phenol has experience in handling hydrogen as a raw material for its production processes and also has the necessary permits for the hydrogen project. The commercial scale project plays a pioneering role in the energy transition of the chemical industry. This practical exploration by ENGIE and INEOS will provide both partners with valuable insights and data in the use of hydrogen in industrial facilities such as monitoring efficiency and measuring emissions during combustion, which is essential in the development of a next generation of burners. ENGIE and INEOS are also joining forces on the Power-to-Methanol project in the Port of Antwerp. Both companies sit on the consortium with other partners to produce green methanol by reusing captured CO₂ in combination with sustainably generated hydrogen. INOVYN, an INEOS business, will operate this demonstration plant at the Lillo site. The initiative is part of the roadmap that INEOS defined at the end of last year for its Antwerp sites to become climate neutral by 2050 and to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. The roadmap consists of a combination of measures such as the reuse of hydrogen and CO₂, further investments in electrification, the switch to recycled or bio-based raw materials where possible, and the use of ‘green heat’ and renewable energy. To this end, last year INEOS concluded two major contracts for the purchase of offshore wind energy, including the largest Belgian industrial contract ever with ENGIE. Cedric Osterrieth, CEO ENGIE Generation Europe, said: “ENGIE believes in hydrogen as a key link to a carbon-neutral economy and wants to take a pioneering role with these industrial-scale tests, both in terms of research and practical implementation. We can again count on the expertise and support of INEOS, a key partner for ENGIE in the energy transition. This pilot project will give us better insights into the use of hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions, bringing us one step closer to a carbon-neutral future. It is a strong complement to our already ongoing projects across the country in which we are developing hydrogen solutions for industrial and mobility applications, starting from our expertise in renewable energy production, storage and infrastructure.” Hans Casier, CEO INEOS Phenol: “This test is fully in line with INEOS’ strategy to avoid CO2 emissions at source. It marks a further step for INEOS Phenol in Doel, where 20% green steam is already being purchased via the connection to the Ecluse network. Today, INEOS already produces 300,000 tons of hydrogen on an annual basis as a ‘co-product’ of its chemical processes. This hydrogen is largely used as a low-carbon fuel and as a raw material in its own production processes so that fewer fossil raw materials have to be used. INEOS recently started a new business activity that focuses on the development of ‘clean hydrogen capacity’. For this, INEOS can rely on the expertise of INOVYN, which, as a chlorine and PVC producer within the group, specialises in electrolysis, an important technology for producing hydrogen.”    

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Bigger loads, better efficiencies for Kinch Fuel Oils

By upgrading from its previous Isuzu 7.5 tonne fuel oil tanker to a brand-new Isuzu 11 tonne tanker, Kinch Fuel Oils Ltd is benefiting from much greater additional payload using a truck that is compact enough to still access the many tight and restricted customer locations throughout Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The latest Isuzu F110.240 rigid truck to join the 12 strong tanker fleet at Kinch Fuel Oils is fitted with a 7000-litre tanker body, commissioned and built by Road Tankers Northern in Barnsley. With a three-compartment tanker body for even weight distribution, this Isuzu tanker will be carrying mainly kerosene and a range of domestic burning oils to customers local to the company’s Malmesbury base in Wiltshire. “With the increase in fuel oil tank capacity available on the higher GVW Isuzu 11 tonner, we will now be able to cover up to 12 customer drops per day using this vehicle. Our previous Isuzu certainly gave us good service over many years but by moving up the weight range, this has allowed us to become more operationally efficient,” said Roy Kinch, director, Kinch Fuel Oils Ltd. Roy continues: “The drivers of this new Isuzu have already confirmed how easy it is to drive in both urban environments and country lanes, as well as it being really manoeuvrable on site, allowing them to access properties with quite limited access.” Supplied by Bristol based Isuzu Truck dealer AK Commercials and supported by a seven-year R&M agreement, the Isuzu F110.240 tanker will be operational in the Kinch’s fleet for at least seven years, covering approximately 30,000 km per annum, on fuel oil distribution to customers in the Wiltshire and Gloucester areas. “Throughout the whole new vehicle acquisition process, AK Commercials were excellent in terms of the service and support given to us. With Isuzu recently opening a new dealership in Swindon, Sparks Commercial Services Ltd, we will now be using them for ongoing service work as they are literally just up the road from us,” added Roy Kinch. “Over the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Isuzu chassis being used for fuel oil distribution, especially those companies involved in delivering to domestic properties. With so many rural residences being located in areas with challenging road networks and narrow vehicle access, Isuzu trucks are the perfect vehicle for this type of distribution. It’s good to see a long-established company such as Kinch Fuel Oils continuing to benefit from having Isuzu in its fleet,” said Richard Waterworth, head of sales, Isuzu Truck UK.    

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CLH Group evolves to Exolum

Exolum is the new brand name chosen by the CLH Group, strengthening the identification of the company with its future aims, focused on adapting its business to decarbonisation and the energy transition, the digitalisation of activities and the fight against climate change. This rebranding is due to the need to adapt to the new environment and to transform the company itself, which, in addition to carrying out oil product storage and transport activities in Spain, has embarked on an international growth process and is now present in 7 other countries. The group has expanded its activity to the storage, management and transportation of liquid products, especially chemical products, operating in new sectors, such as eco-fuels, the circular economy and the development of new energy vectors. In recent years, the CLH Group has experienced a series of notable changes, mainly focused on sustainable diversification, both of the geographical areas where it operates and the services offered to customers, over and above hydrocarbon logistics. Therefore, it became necessary to renew the brand and align it with this new era of the company. “We want these initiatives for diversification and adaptation of the company to be aligned with the new challenges of the sector with a change in our corporate identity that reflects our growth and leadership,” explains Jorge Lanza, CEO of Exolum. “This brand reflects the transformation process that we are going through internally, to align with the company’s new business models and transmit our company values. These values are innovation and trust, reflecting the open and flexible way that we face the future, promoting new business opportunities committed to the development and sustainability of the planet.” The new name, simple but modern, shows a spirit where innovation is the key. The brand is easily recognised in any language and the company will use this one name for all its business, both in Spain and six other countries where it currently operates (UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Panama and Ecuador – in Oman, it will continue to operate with the joint venture OQ Logistics), thus reinforcing the global identity of the group and creating a great brand that is sound, international and unifying. With Exolum, the company sets itself a challenge to maintain the same level of recognition, extending it to the public at large, adapted to meet the aim of the company: “We create innovative solutions to improve our world”.    

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The Prax Group acquisition, appointments and securitisation

The Prax Group, a leading independent oil refining, trading, storage, distribution and retail conglomerate dealing in petroleum products and bio-fuels, has announced that it has successfully completed the strategic acquisition of Lindsey Oil Refinery and its associated logistic assets in the United Kingdom, following the signing of an agreement in July 2020 to purchase the refinery from energy major Total. Covering a 500-acre site and located five miles from the Humber Estuary in North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire, Lindsey Oil Refinery has an annual production capacity of 5.4 million tonnes.  It is one of Europe’s most advanced refineries, processing over 20 different types of crude including, petrol, diesel, bitumen, fuel oil and aviation fuels, which are transported across the UK and abroad by sea, road, rail and pipelines. With a strong track record of integrating acquisitions and managing assets in the oil value chain, the Prax Group is a long-standing and trusted partner of Total.  The acquisition of the refinery will bring about new investment and underlines the Prax Group’s determination to support the local economy and the wider community, whilst continuing to explore new business opportunities as part of its long-term growth strategy. Prax has also announced the appointment of Luc Smets as general manager of the refinery.  Prior to his

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Fuel distributor on the road to a more sustainable future 

Southampton-based fuel supplier WP Group is fuelling change for a cleaner greener future by moving its own fleet over to the more sustainable Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel, as it has shown to be not only more efficient than standard diesel fuel, but also more cost-effective and improves the carbon footprint of the vehicles that use it. The WP Group’s Fuelling Change strategy demonstrates its commitment to more sustainable and efficient fuelling solutions that provide practical benefits, both commercially and environmentally. The innovative company provides a range of fuel management solutions which improve operational efficiencies to UK customers in the fields of construction, traffic and fleet, airports, port and marine, agriculture, energy and power. The Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel delivers lower CO2 emissions, resulting in cleaner air quality. Compared to standard Esso™ diesel, the Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel helps to reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions by an average of 10 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 2.8 per cent. Independent tests on Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel also showed a reduction in fuel use of 2.8%, amounting to 28 litres of fuel saved for every 1000 litres purchased and a saving on the business fuel bill. Mark Clouter, business development sales manager at WP Group, said: “We’ve seen the benefits that this additised fuel can deliver and have switched our own fleet to run on Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel to support our company’s sustainability in the future. “We recognise that our position as a supplier of diesel products, in today’s market, requires continual business evolution and this allows us to support the increasingly demanding requirements our customers are faced with when working to achieve their business objectives. “We offer a comprehensive selection of fuelling solutions, from ISO standard diesel to HVO, a fossil-free, low carbon drop-in diesel replacement. And, importantly, we work with our customers to ensure, whichever fuel they use, it is used in the most efficient way possible. “Our own switch to using Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel in our fleet is a small step but a logical and significant one towards fuelling change.” Tests at Millbrook Proving Ground, one of the most comprehensive test facilities in the world for conducting independent fuels testing, conducted with heavy-duty vehicles over a five-month period of normal daily on-road operations found that Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel helped to reduce emissions; 10% NOx, 22% PM and 2.8% CO2, and improve fuel consumption by an average of 2.8% when compared to unadditised diesel. Vehicle type, engine type, driving behaviour, and other factors also impact fuel and vehicle performance, emissions, and fuel economy. You can find out more about Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel and the independent tests performed at Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd at www.thewp-group.co.uk/esso-diesel-efficient.    

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Biorefinery set for take-off at Stanlow

A new facility, which will convert non-recyclable household waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use by airlines operating at UK airports, has been created in a joint venture between Essar Oil (UK) Limited (Essar), Fulcrum BioEnergy Limited (Fulcrum) and Essar’s subsidiary company Stanlow Terminals Limited. This innovative bio-refinery will convert several hundred thousand tonnes of pre-processed waste, which would have otherwise been destined for incineration or landfill, into approximately 100 million litres of low carbon SAF annually. The project, which will see an investment of approximately £600m, will use Fulcrum’s proven waste-to-fuel process, which is already being deployed at its pioneering facility outside of Reno, Nevada in the United States, where operations are due to begin later this year. Fulcrum will construct, own and operate the plant within Essar’s Stanlow manufacturing complex in the North West of England and Essar will assist with the blending and supply the new SAF to airlines, with Stanlow Terminals Limited providing product storage and logistics solutions for the project under a long-term agreement. UKPIA director-general, Stephen Marcos Jones, commented: “Today’s announcement demonstrates how critical Essar’s Stanlow Refinery is to the success of these efforts to decarbonise the economy of the North West, as well as showing more broadly how the downstream oil sector is an ally in the UK’s ambitions to reach ‘Net Zero’ emissions by 2050, as outlined in UKPIA’s Transition, Transformation and Innovation report. “Aviation is going to be one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, so this investment by Essar and Fulcrum to build a biorefinery in the UK is paramount to meeting the Net-Zero commitment.” The project, named Fulcrum NorthPoint, will create 800 direct and indirect jobs during the design, build and commissioning process and over 100 permanent jobs during its operation. Plans for Fulcrum NorthPoint are expected to be complete at the end of this year and subject to planning consent, will be operational in late 2025.    

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OMJ’s port report service

The Oil Market Journal (OMJ) has launched a series of new dashboards which provide full details on oil tankers en-route, in port and at anchor in ports around the United Kingdom and Ireland. The service updates in real-time and details any tanker in the world which has set its destination to a port in the UK and Ireland. The service provides full details on the gross tonnage of the cargo and other data including estimated time of arrival, last destination and status. Within the OMJ Port Report Dashboards clients can click on a tanker report and a pop-up will provide a map detailing the current location of the tanker along with details on other tankers in dock or heading to other ports listed on the Dashboard tile. In addition, clients can edit the service to their own individual requirements including the country, port, type of tankers and/or tanker status. Advantages The service enables oil distributors to ascertain when a tanker is en-route to a port and is especially useful during periods of “tight supply” when product is on allocation. The data shows users when the tanker has arrived and as a result, users will know that product will soon be available again at the oil terminal. Pre-built Dashboards OMJ Port Report Dashboards are available for all the key oil ports in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is part of the “OMJ Professional Subscription.” Free trials are available via OMJ’s support team.    

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UKIFDA drives up industry standards

UKIFDA, one of the largest training providers for tanker drivers in the UK, has now been approved as a remote training centre by all the appropriate driver training bodies. This new centre will allow UKIFDA to continue to provide their complete ‘one stop shop’ tanker driver training in a remote environment. UKIFDA chief executive Ken Cronin comments: “The DfT/DVSA have recently announced that, due to the current pandemic, driver training should take place remotely whenever possible. The speedy action taken by UKIFDA to implement remote training means this will not impact our members training requirements. “Through the new remote training, delivered via Zoom, UKIFDA are now able to offer UKIFDA members ADR – initial and refresher courses, CPC – all modules and PDP – annual refresher classroom driver training courses. The courses are all industry specific and tailored to the individual’s needs. “Examinations cannot be conducted remotely but arrangements can be made for these to take place at UKIFDA members’ approved sites in adherence to COVID-19 restrictions and UKIFDA will assist members in organising this.” Low costs – high standards

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Lenham Storage signs support deal with Europump Maintenance Ltd

Kent-based logistics company Lenham Storage has signed a new 12-month fully comprehensive support contract with Europump Maintenance Ltd for all the fuel island equipment at its two main depots. Speaking about the deal, Lenham Storage’s fleet manager, Steve Emsley, said: “We are delighted to have signed the deal with Europump Maintenance Ltd. We knew some of their personnel and knew they had a reputation for good service so it made sense to switch to them. We are very happy with how our relationship is progressing.” Martyn Gent, business development manager at Europump Maintenance Ltd, commented: “It’s great to have been chosen by such a long-established logistics expert. We are very pleased to be working together.”  

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StocExpo postponed to March 2022

StocExpo, the leading tank storage event, has been postponed from June 2021 to 8 – 10 March 2022 in a decision made in consultation with the community. The live exhibition, conference and associated awards, which regularly attracts key visitors and exhibitors from across the industry’s biggest, best and most innovative players, will be held at the Rotterdam Ahoy in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Tate Oil’s decarbonisation scheme grows roots

Otley-based company, Tate Oil, has partnered with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years, in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint. Launching on 1st January 2021, family-run Tate Oil will be planting a tree for every 4th order a qualifying customer places – helping the 1.5 million homeowners using heating oil to offset their carbon emissions. As a completely free service to the customer, Tate Oil’s scheme is one of the first of its kind in Yorkshire and focuses on giving back to the local community. Working with local trust, the scheme will support the target of planting 100,000 trees within the county, including areas such as Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Dales. The charity will be working with landowners and farmers to facilitate the tree planting, with customers able to visit their tree. Michael Devlin, deputy CEO at YDMT added: “Through our ‘Together for Trees’ campaign we are working with many supporters and partners such as Tate Oil to plant 100,000 additional trees across the region. Trees are hugely valuable as a habitat for wildlife, supporting some of our most endangered woodland animals, like red squirrels, dormice and cuckoos. “They are also important for our mental health and wellbeing and we believe that everyone should have access to them. The appeal aims to raise funds to create beautiful woodlands that everyone can enjoy for years to come.” Tate Oil has ambitious goals for their new green initiative: “This is a really exciting opportunity for us to help our customers offset their carbon emissions” says Andrew Tate, director of the company. “This is the next step in Tate Oil becoming a greener company, and we’re pleased to be working with a local charity doing great things for our county”. The scheme will offset approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO² from the atmosphere, bringing Yorkshire a step closer to achieving the UK’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.    

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EG Group agrees £750m deal with ASDA

Euro Garages’ parent company EG Group has agreed a deal to acquire Asda’s petrol filling stations, car washes and ancillary land for £750m. The shareholders in EG Group, the Issa brothers and TDR Capital, made a deal to take over the Asda Group on 2nd October 2020. EG’s acquisition of the forecourt business is subject to the same CMA regulatory clearance being received by the group’s shareholders for their acquisition of Asda. Subject to these approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. If the deal is approved, EG Group would have around 700 forecourts in the UK, only behind MFG, with more than 900 sites. When announcing the deal, EG Group said: “A detailed integration plan will ensure a seamless transition into EG Group’s UK operations, which have successfully integrated four significant acquisitions since 2015. The forecourts, which will remain an integral part of the broader retail locations where they are situated, will continue to be Asda branded and will remain a price leader in the fuel market.” Zuber Issa CBE and Mohsin Issa CBE, co-founders and co-CEOs of EG Group, in a joint statement, commented: “We are excited to have the opportunity to further strengthen our network in the UK through the proposed acquisition of Asda’s forecourt business, which will enhance our position as a major independent forecourt operator and provide a platform for future growth of the combined network.”    

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Certas Energy acquires seven forecourts in the North East 

Certas Energy has purchased seven forecourts in the North East of England as the company continues to grow its Gulf network across the UK. The portfolio of forecourts, with a combined volume of 31 million litres, was purchased from Marla and Gus Saggu. “We are delighted to have concluded this acquisition of seven well-run forecourts and a highly capable and community-minded team of people,” enthuses Richard Billington, director, Certas Energy. “It’s a good fit for our business and adds further strength to our company-operation. We already have a strong Gulf presence in the North East and these sites will be an ideal complement to our thriving dealer operation.” The sites will be rebranded to Gulf in March whilst simultaneously transforming each shop into the latest-design SPAR C-store. “We are taking on a healthy business that will be further enhanced by our stunning new Gulf livery and award-winning loyalty platform, Oomph,” continues Richard. “Working alongside SPAR and with ongoing investment, we see huge potential at each location.” Marla and Gus Saggu commented: “It feels like the end of an era but we are very pleased to be handing over the business and, in particular, our people to Certas Energy who, we are sure, will do great things with them.” The seven newly acquired forecourts are located in Bishop Auckland, Crook, Howden-le-Wear, South Shields, Stockton, West Rainton and Witton Gilbert.  

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Anthony Hoctor

It is with great sadness that Fuel Oil News reports the passing of Anthony Hoctor (known to most as Terry), proprietor and founder of Speed Oil Services and former director of what was the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS).

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Your charity nominations

Fuel Oil News would like to thank everyone who nominated a charity in response to our festive email. We are very pleased to announce that we will be donating £100 each to Macmillan, Mind and Midlands Air Ambulance charities.

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New UK sites join JET network

Fuel supply brand, JET, has today announced that ten new Ascona-owned sites will be joining its growing nationwide network of JET branded dealer sites – a move that further strengthens its relationship with the roadside retailer. JET currently supplies Ascona Group, one of the fastest growing independent forecourt operators in the UK, at three sites: Fyfield Service Station in Marlborough; Jack Service Station in Stoke-on-Trent and Deepcar Service Station near Sheffield – a relatively new joiner having signed up to the network in November last year (2020). The ten new sites, mainly located in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire will provide depth and strength in these areas – boosting JET’s total portfolio of UK JET dealer sites to more than 300. And with Ascona sites now numbering 13 and with the potential for further sites in the future, Ascona is fast becoming one of JET’s largest retail customers. Commenting on the decision to move to JET, Darren Briggs, MD, Ascona Group says: “JET provides an industry-leading fuel supply package and together with their new JET brand image, is recognised in the industry for great value and service. They are the perfect partner for Ascona as we continue to expand our operations in the UK via both organic and acquisitive growth and focus on building best-in-class retail roadside destinations that cater to changing customer needs.” Working closely with Ascona, the sites will be rebranded and repumped including two KDRB (Knock Down Re-Build). “We are delighted to welcome these new sites to our JET dealer network and introducing the JET brand to a number of new communities.” Says Oliver Mueller, retail business manager, Phillips 66 Limited “With a reputation driven by good service and good value we are committed to building business relationships with dealers across the UK and are looking forward to helping these new sites flourish over the coming months – further strengthening the JET brand.” The licensed supply contract with Ascona Group is in place until 2026. The ten new JET dealer sites are:

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Further support for HVO in Northern Ireland

With over 500,000 homes currently using heating oil in Northern Ireland, a new video has been released to communicate how straightforward it could be to dramatically cut CO2 emissions through the use of HVO as a near drop-in and, therefore, very cost-effective, replacement for kerosene. David Blevings, NIOF, explains: “Further to our November article, ‘NI Energy Strategy – an update’, we learn that OFTEC is promoting a video to local politicians ahead of the new NI Energy Strategy. The video shows how easy a transition to HVO will be for NI consumers and reinforces the immediate carbon reductions that are available for liquid fuel users. “OFTEC has advised Government that the new strategy must be technology neutral and the inclusion of biofuels offers a seamless transition for existing liquid fuel users; a simple option for government to maximise carbon emission reductions in the off-grid sector at least cost for consumers with immediate effect.” The video can be viewed here. For further information contact David Blevings. (dblevings@oftec.org or david@nioil.com)  

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Alpeco’s new system already in operation

The end of 2020 saw the culmination of a 3-year development program by Sampi in collaboration with Alpeco Ltd.  As a result, Alpeco has announced their brand new TEX FLOW computer which has attained full UK approval and has been successfully undergoing trials with Nolan Oils on its new COBO tanker since September 2020.

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New Vice President for World Fuel Services

Claire Bishop World Fuel Services has announced that Claire Bishop has been promoted to the role of Vice President, UK Land. Claire started in her new role on January 1st, and takes over from Bob Taylor, who will be retiring in May. As vice president, Claire will oversee all aspects of World Fuel’s UK Land business, comprising Watson Fuels, fuel cards, lubricants, boiler servicing and wholesale fuel activities. Since joining World Fuel Services in 2016, Claire has worked as senior finance director for UK Land as well as serving as an executive member of the UK Land board. She has played a key role in leading and developing the UK Land business through a period of significant change, which has seen business transform its leadership team, established specialist sales and operational divisions, and invest in new technology, depot infrastructure and advanced vehicles. Before joining World Fuel, Claire held a variety of finance director positions, for companies across the technology and manufacturing sectors. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” comments Claire. “I’m proud to be picking up the mantle from Bob, and to be getting the chance to build on the fantastic work he has done over the past three years. I’m also pleased to work for a company that promotes from within, and one that is focused on supporting diversity and inclusivity. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our great team in the coming months and years ahead.” Paul Vian, senior vice president, EMEA for World Fuel Services, spoke of his excitement for the future of the business under Claire’s direction. He said: “Alongside Bob and his leadership team, Claire has played an integral role in developing our systems and processes, and investment in our talent, which has provided the solid foundations upon which we have been able to successfully develop and grow. Our company commitment to succession planning and talent development has made the decision to promote Claire to Vice President, UK Land a rather natural process.” Paul continues: “As I wish Bob all the very best of happiness as he completes his journey on a very successful and illustrious career, I also wish Claire all the very best of success as she embarks upon her new journey within World Fuel Services.”

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TSA launches new Environmental, Social and Governance Charter

The Tank Storage Association (TSA) has formally launched a new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Charter affirming the sector’s shared commitment to environmental, social and governance principles. The ESG Charter has been developed in conjunction with member organisations and is accompanied by a framework to assist TSA members in developing clear and common policies. The commitment builds on TSA’s recently launched Safety Leadership Charter and Significant Indicators programme, demonstrating the sector’s dedication to continuous improvement. Peter Davidson, executive director of the TSA, said: “TSA’s members play a vital role in the UK’s economy by providing the critical infrastructure necessary for the transportation of bulk liquids, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Through adherence to the Charter, our members affirm their shared commitment to environmental, social and governance principles. Our association continues leading from the front and this, together with our Safety Leadership Charter and Significant Indicators programme, demonstrates our commitment to strive for continuous improvement.” For an electronic copy of TSA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance Charter, click here.

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Peter Turner

Peter Turner It is with great sadness that Fuel Oil News reports the passing of Peter Turner, former managing director of Rix Petroleum, on the evening of Friday 22nd January 2021

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HVO to fuel Selwood pumps

After extensive testing, Selwood has become the first UK rental company to offer pumps that can be fuelled by vegetable oil in an industry-leading move that will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. Selwood has also committed to ensuring that new pumps manufactured at its headquarters in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, for use in the UK and around the world, are HVO-compatible, subject to individual engine manufacturers’ guidelines. Lawrence Bradbury, director of engineering at Selwood, said: “At Selwood we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products and operations wherever possible. Following conversations with several large clients who were looking for alternatives to diesel fuel, our engineers have thoroughly tested the use of HVO in the Selwood range. “We are delighted with the results – not only is HVO completely interchangeable with diesel in compatible engines, it can also be used with no negative impact on performance. We are very pleased to be able to let customers know that HVO can be used safely as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability.” Selwood has several ongoing initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including the introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet and the option of IE3 electric motors in its pump rental and sales ranges where appropriate. The company holds the ISO 14001 standard for its environmental management systems.  

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MFG celebrates the new year with further acquisition

Motor Fuel Group (MFG) announces that it has signed an agreement to purchase seven operational stations and nine new to industry (NTI) sites from BP. This is part of a wider agreement including fuel supply for 100 sites.