News 40
Greenergy announces its continued commitment to renewables through an investment in advanced biofuels. Utilising a combination of existing technologies, the project will create low carbon fuels from waste tyre feedstock.
Essar and Progressive Energy, developers of HyNet North West – the UK’s leading industrial decarbonisation cluster – have joined forces to set up a venture to produce low carbon hydrogen at Essar’s Stanlow Refinery in Cheshire, for use across the HyNet region. It will provide Essar Oil UK with low carbon hydrogen to decarbonise its own energy demand in addition to creating a hydrogen economy across North West England and North East Wales.
Natural gas and fuel gases from the refinery will be converted into low carbon hydrogen, with carbon dioxide safely captured and stored offshore in sub-surface reservoirs in Liverpool Bay. The hydrogen production hub will deliver clean energy to industry in the HyNet ‘low carbon cluster’, as well as to fuel buses, trains and heavy goods vehicles, to heat our homes, and to generate electricity when the sun is not shining or the wind blowing.
The UK’s first low carbon hydrogen hub will initially produce 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of low carbon hydrogen each year from 2025. This will be quickly followed by a facility twice this size giving a total capacity of over 9TWh of hydrogen per annum, equivalent to the energy used for heating across the whole of Liverpool. A total investment of approximately £750m will be committed to deliver the two hydrogen production hubs. Follow on capacity growth is planned to reach 80% of the Government’s new target of 5GW of low carbon hydrogen for power, transport, industry and homes by 20301.
The project will use Johnson Matthey’s best in class Low Carbon Hydrogen (LCH™) technology. In partnership with SNC-Lavalin, engineering is well advanced with funding provided by the UK Government’s hydrogen supply competition.
Chris Manson-Whitton, director at Progressive Energy said:
“We cannot reach net zero without decarbonising industry. Today brings a key milestone in that journey as Progressive Energy and Essar Oil UK sign a Memorandum of Understanding setting out how we will work together to deliver this exciting project at Stanlow Refinery.
“Delivering net zero requires a transformation of our energy system. HyNet offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create real change in energy production and consumption, creating a cleaner world for future generations. It will unlock the low carbon hydrogen economy in the North West, reducing emissions and creating and safeguarding jobs.”
Stein Ivar Bye, CEO, Essar Oil UK, commented:
“Essar is committed to innovative growth as a means to create positive impact to both economy and environment. HyNet and hydrogen production is integral to Stanlow’s strategy and will set it on a journey to be the UK’s first net zero emission refinery with the ambition to avoid emissions of over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere per year, the equivalent of taking nearly a million cars off the road.
“With the support from government to establish the appropriate business incentives, together with Progressive Energy, we are committed to undertaking the development and the financing of its construction.
“Hydrogen has a central role to play in our low carbon energy solution. We are demonstrating that the industry is committed to play its part of the UK’s transformational hydrogen strategy.”
Leading bus manufacturing company Wrightbus is looking to a positive year ahead with the creation of more than 40 new jobs at its Ballymena headquarters, highlighting a positive impact of alternative fuel developments.
Wrightbus, which launched the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen double decker bus in 2020, has created the roles in preparation for increasing production of the vehicle this year to assist global net zero ambitions and support the PM’s pledge for at least 4,000 new Zero Emission Buses to be produced during this parliament.
A recruitment drive will see it employ 46 new members of production and office staff, including coachbuilders, spray painters, welders, electrical engineers, technicians, accountants, sales staff and a project manager. Nineteen of the positions will be apprenticeships, giving a boost to opportunities for young people in the region. And an international project engineer role has also been created as the firm looks to increase sales around the world.
With interest for the hydrogen double-deckers from UK cities and from around the world, Wrightbus CEO Jo Bamford said the new jobs would allow production to keep up with demand.
“There’s no doubt that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone for many reasons,” said Mr Bamford. “We have made huge strides in 2020, despite the year being paralysed by the coronavirus pandemic, yet 2021 is going to be the year hydrogen really makes its mark.
“At Wrightbus we have already launched the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen double decker bus and this year will see us deliver significant orders into London, Birmingham, Belfast and other cities across the UK, including in Northern Ireland.
“This recruitment will help us support the Government’s investment pledge for at least 4,000 zero emission buses on the streets of the UK.
“It’s thanks to this and other orders already in the pipeline that we’ve been able to create these jobs. We’re proud to be supporting the local economy and creating opportunities for young people thanks to the apprenticeships we’ve been able to offer.”
Fuel retailer Usman Patel recently celebrated 40 years of selling Texaco branded fuel at his three service stations in Greater Manchester. Usman owns the Mabco Group sites: Caroline Service Station, Lancashire Hill Service Station and Reddish Service Station. All the sites are located within 10 miles of each other in Stockport and have supplied fuel under the Texaco brand since Usman first became a tenant in 1980.
The oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is to cut 330 jobs from its operation in the North Sea over the next two years, with most of the posts based at its Aberdeen office.
Leaving around 1,000 people at the site, some of the jobs being lost will be linked to the project of decommissioning of the Brent Charlie platform, which is expected to be completed in the next two years.
The company announced in September that up to 9,000 jobs would go worldwide due to a slump in the demand for oil. However, the company insists that it remains committed to the North Sea and will continue to invest in operations.
The oil industry is already rethinking its future plans as part of the energy transition, and the impact of COVID means companies, like Shell, are accelerating this transition.
North West and Yorkshire based fuel supplier Craggs Energy has recently expanded its group of companies with the acquisition of Devon based fuel distributor Moorland Fuels.
OptiMate, MechTronic’s revolutionary electronic metering system has been built with the fuel oil operative in mind and is designed to be future proof. Using solid state firmware, the latest update provides increased control while performing line changes when switching between hose and bulk deliveries.
Centre Tank Services Ltd have added a new distributorship under their belt with the Aquafighter range of fuel tank water absorbers. The increasing bio content in today’s diesel means that the issue of water in fuel is not going away, and as the percentage of bio increases, it is an issue that is becoming even more prevalent.
Holly Needham, granddaughter of Jim Callow, the founder of Stourport-based Callow Oils, celebrated her 21st birthday by giving back to a charity close to the heart of the family, Parkinson’s UK. The charity has been extremely helpful to Jim and his family over the years since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012.
INEOS has completed the purchase of the global Aromatics and Acetyls businesses from BP for a consideration of $5 billion.
Already one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies this acquisition will extend both the portfolio and the geographic reach of INEOS. The businesses will be known as INEOS Acetyls and INEOS Aromatics.
INEOS Aromatics is a global leader in PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) and PX (Paraxylene) technology with 6 sites and supplies the global polyester business which includes polyester fibre, film and PET packaging.
INEOS Acetyls produces acetic acid and a range of derivatives from its 9 sites, supplying a wide range of downstream industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives and packaging.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS adds:
“I am very pleased that we have been able to complete the acquisition, which is a logical development of our existing petrochemicals business extending our interest in acetyls and adding a world leading aromatics business supporting the global polyester industry.“
Organisers of UKIFDA EXPO 2021 have continued to monitor the situation in relation to Covid-19 and, following the UK Government’s recent national lockdown announcement, have taken the decision to move the event from 19th & 20th May to 7th & 8th July 2021 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool.
Chief executive Guy Pulham announced:
“As you are all aware, COVID-19 is still presenting an unprecedented challenge with the situation evolving weekly. Changing the date was not an easy decision to take, but by doing so, we believe it helps ensure confidence in the event for our exhibitors and attendees. We wanted to move the date to a time when more people will be vaccinated and restrictions lifted so the news last week about the increased number of vaccinations allied to the government’s vaccination timetable means July will be an ideal time for the industry to get together for some much-needed networking.
“We have lots planned for UKIFDA EXPO 2021 including a great line up of speakers, together with both new and long-standing exhibitors in place. By moving the date to July, it gives our liquid fuels distribution industry a great opportunity to discuss and showcase the transition to liquid biofuels highlighted in the recently published UKIFDA decarbonisation strategy document available on our website.”
For more information on UKIFDA EXPO 2021, you can contact Dawn Shakespeare, UKIFDA membership and events manager, by email ds@ukifda.org or alternatively visit the show website https://ukifda.org/ukifda-expo/.
This new virtual challenge, Breakout for Ben – road to £1 million, follows on from Ben’s rallying cry last year asking industry leaders for urgent support, following a 50% increase in service demand against a £1m income shortfall. An incredible £530,000 has been pledged so far by automotive industry companies to help address Ben’s fundraising shortfall, however there is still some way to go to ensure Ben can be there for everyone who needs support.
Therefore, Breakout for Ben is the latest challenge to launch as part of the Do It 4 Ben fundraising programme, to help ensure no-one in automotive faces life’s toughest challenges alone. Originally an annual fundraising challenge for Ben by TrustFord, Breakout for Ben has now been opened up so the whole automotive industry can get involved and show their support, even during lockdown.
This year, Breakout for Ben will run from 5th – 14th February with socially-distanced teams of up to 10 covering 1,722 miles by exercising in their own way to fundraise for Ben. The event will see teams embark on a virtual journey visiting motor circuits across the UK, starting at Pembrey Circuit in north Wales and taking in all four home nations, before ending at Silverstone. Using an app, teams can track their progress together meaning they don’t need to be physically together with other team members during the challenge.
To find out more and sign up, visit: http://ben.org.uk/BreakoutForBen
Matt Wigginton, fundraising director at Ben, said: “Thanks to the incredible support of our industry, we are now on the road to raising £1m to help people in our industry when they need it most. This said, we still urgently need your help as we’re not there yet.
“Twice as many people are turning to Ben for mental health support and we don’t want to be forced to make tough decisions about who we can and can’t support. Automotive people need us now more than ever, as this period of unprecedented challenges continues. The issues people are facing now are more urgent and complex than ever.
“This is why we’re launching Breakout for Ben – road to £1 million. It’s a fun virtual challenge that anyone and everyone can get involved in!”
Essar Oil (UK) Limited, which owns and operates the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex, announces the further strengthening of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Stephen McCaffrey as chief financial officer.
Stephen is highly experienced in the Oil and Gas, Renewables and Infrastructure sectors and has specialist expertise in financial control, business development, strategic planning and working capital and project finance management and implementation. Having spent 13 years at Greenergy, the last four as chief financial officer, he has a detailed understanding of the UK downstream industry.
Most recently CFO at Avenir LNG Limited, he has also previously held roles with the BOC Group, Merrill Lynch and PWC. He holds a degree in business (accounting and finance) and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia.
Essar chief executive officer, Stein Bye, said: “This is an important and strategic appointment for the company, with Stephen bringing with him a wealth of experience at the very highest level. The year ahead will be key to our long term sustainability as we look to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and transform our business to meet the demands of a low carbon economy and deliver the energy solutions of the future for the UK.”
The Hoyer Group has adopted a new organisational structure to equip itself for the energy transition. As of 1 January 2021, the logistics company combined its Petrolog and Gaslog business units under one roof. Known as the ‘Contract Division’, it unifies contract logistics for gas and mineral oil supplies. Combining the highly specialised areas will develop synergies, especially at the organisational structural level. The newly-established business unit has about 1,500 special trucks and the expertise of around 3,500 employees at its disposal.
The strategic decision to organisationally combine the former Petrolog and Gaslog business units positions the Hoyer Group favourably in the market. As well as bitumen logistics and aircraft refuelling, the mineral oil business focuses particularly on supplying service stations, airports and commercial customers. In this business area, Hoyer sees a growing future demand in the supply of gases such as liquified natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen as alternative fuels. The combined strengths of the two business areas will be fully brought to bear in the newly-created Contract Division.
Developed in partnership with port operator Associated British Ports (ABP), the new refuelling bunker site is the first of its kind to be opened inside the port. It features an offset tank layout with a combined capacity of 250,000 litres and eight high-speed refuelling pumps, which dispense fuel at speeds up to 120 litres per minute.
Bristol-based fleet management company, Silvey Fleet, has been awarded the ‘We Invest in People’ Gold accreditation. Having applied after the first lockdown, with most employees working from home because of the pandemic, it is a remarkable achievement which is made even more so by the fact that only 17% of organisations achieve Gold status.
Providing Excellent Customer Service
Silvey Fleet is one of the UK’s top fleet management solution providers and an integral part of the company’s commitment to delivering the highest quality customer service is investing in its people and their development. The company believes that happy and motivated employees are essential to drive business forward.
In its feedback, Investors in People reported: “You have provided effective people management and development in order to achieve high levels of engagement, trust and transparency, which has in turn delivered higher levels of performance overall and enabled you to drive your vision and mission forward.”
Silvey Fleet’s managing director, Miriam James, commented:
“We offer our staff a selection of development programmes, regular one-to-ones, leadership coaching, rewards and benefits, which has resulted in them declaring Silvey Fleet “a great place to work”. It was felt our response to the COVID-19 pandemic served to raise morale during a challenging time for both our people and the business.”
Growing and Evolving
“There is a strong culture of continuous improvement at Silvey Fleet – as a service provider, we are constantly seeking to improve the ways we work with, and what we deliver to, our customers. Change is viewed as ‘the norm’, allowing the business to grow and continue to develop the fleet management solutions we offer.
“The Investors in People report shows evidence of our people working together to develop ideas that have positive outcomes for the business. This includes the updates to our Miles Monitor fleet management app.
One survey respondent commented: “Participation and collaboration are viewed as embedded practices at Silvey Fleet. We all work together and can challenge the status quo. This enables individuals and teams to make decisions that will benefit the organization and the customers we serve.”
Investing in a better future
Looking ahead Miriam continued:
“Only 17% of organisations ever achieve the Gold status so we are thrilled that our surveyed staff recognise the investment we make in our people and feel that Silvey Fleet is “the best place they have ever worked”. In the coming months, we are committed to responding to those areas identified as providing opportunity for further improvement and supporting the development of our people and their careers, involving them in key decisions and rewarding them for the excellent work they do. We are also dedicated to acting on their feedback.
“Investors in People believes that the success of an organisation begins and ends with people. We firmly share this belief and it is encouraging to hear how supported our people feel, especially as we have embarked on this journey in the midst of a pandemic.
This accreditation is just the beginning and we are both excited and dedicated to the further development of all areas of our business, making Silvey Fleet a great place to work for our people and the supplier of choice for the many businesses we support. We know that putting our people first and living our core values will build an even better business for 2021 and beyond and we are proud to join the investors in people community of 15,000 organisations across 75 countries. to make work better!”
Annual off grid energy sector event UKIFDA EXPO, is returning to the award-winning Liverpool Exhibition Centre on 19th and 20th May 2021, and organisers, UKIFDA, want the event to help drive vital business connections and its future liquid fuels objectives whilst supporting recovery efforts following COVID-19.
As well as over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in the liquid fuels industry there will be a wide range of seminars on important topics including sustainable energy in domestic heating, decarbonisation, and the future of liquid biofuels, across the two days.
Guy Pulham, UKIFDA chief executive, says:
“We’re excited about 2021 and hosting UKIFDA EXPO again after the disappointment of cancelling this year. We believe in 2021 there will be a re-emergence of businesses and customers looking to connect, face to face in a way they have been unable to in 2020. Exhibitions such as UKIFDA EXPO offer the ideal space and opportunity to do just that. We have a fantastic line-up of exhibitors booked already and feel the diversity of both the exhibitors and seminar topics planned reflects our exhibition’s appeal to everyone in and associated with the sector.
“At a time when the liquid fuels industry and the business landscape are rapidly changing, we look forward to providing a safe environment where the industry can connect, kick-start business, and drive growth. It is our hope that both the discussions and the partnerships made at the event are going to have a long-term impact on the outlook of both the UK and Republic of Ireland liquid fuels distribution industry.
“UKIFDA EXPO 2021 marks a new era for the liquid fuels industry and the exhibition will be reflective of the changing nature of our industry, something we are all very motivated by and enthusiastic about.”
This year’s 40th anniversary exhibition has already attracted a wide array of exhibitors. Alongside the longstanding exhibitors Computer Design Services, Meller Flow Trans ltd, Dreamtec, Magyar & Cobo Tanker Services will be first-time exhibitors Nursan Trailers and HomeFuels Direct and an impressive line-up of speakers, all showcasing the industry’s hard work with regard to meeting the Government’s decarbonisation targets through the introduction of liquid biofuels.
The exhibition opens on Wednesday 19th May and the first day will once again see the popular President’s Awards event with our newly elected President Janet Kettlewell of Kettlewell Fuels. This is a key part of UKIFDA EXPO and show organiser UKIFDA’s opportunity to reward those in the industry who have gone the extra mile in the past year. Awards will be given for the best driver, depot, and best stand at the exhibition, and there will also be an environmental award.
Dawn Shakespeare, membership and events manager for UKIFDA, and organiser of the exhibition, comments: “Every year, our exhibition appeals widely across the industry, attracting owners of fuel distributors, depot managers, and personnel within HR, IT, finance and marketing, all operating across the manufacturing, distribution, supply, and technology sectors of the industry in the UK and across Europe – and this year will be no exception. In fact, we both exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition say they are really looking forward to being able to do business face to face in a COVID safe environment rather than virtually.
For more information on UKIFDA EXPO 2021 or to book your exhibition space, you can contact Dawn Shakespeare by email ds@ukifda.org or alternatively visit the show website https://ukifda.org/ukifda-expo/.
A busy year at FAST culminated in two of its staff being recognised in The Manufacturer magazine’s Top 100 awards. The ceremony was, unusually, held by video this year but this did not detract from the pride the company felt at seeing two key members of the team recognised for their individual contributions.
Automotive charity, Ben, received pledges worth around £0.5m following its recent rallying cry to industry leaders.
Companies got creative with ideas such as donating Christmas party funds, ‘Charity of the month’ schemes and donations linked to survey responses or sales/profit to help address the £1m shortfall they faced due to the cancelation of their annual fundraising ball.
Automotive companies are pledging to do three things for Ben:
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has acquired six forecourts in the Lake District from AUK Investments Limited.
Energy industry professional Ken Cronin is to become the new chief executive of UKIFDA replacing current CEO Guy Pulham who leaves on February 4th 2021.
As COVID-19 has stopped the APEA from being able to host its annual ‘APEA Live’ national exhibitions and conference, as well as their regular regional brand meetings, a new and exciting event will be held via a free zoom webinar.
The free webinar is taking place on Thursday 3rd December and is open to members and non-members alike.
Taking place between 14:00 – 16:00 GMT, the webinar topics include:
Regulator Update – Clare Scawthorne, London Fire Brigade
This will include the outcome of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 review, what this means for enforcing authorities and new guidance in place.
Standards Update – Jamie Thompson, Chairman of the APEA Technical Committee
A short presentation and it will cover standards update, with info on Brexit and what it means regarding regs and CE markings.
HVO Fuel – Simon Lawford, Crown Oils
This session will ask the questions – ‘What exactly is HVO?’, ‘Why should it play an important part of the future fuel mix?’ and ‘Can it actually be greener than battery-electric power when it comes to total CO2 emissions?’
This session will explain all about this new green direct diesel substitute and why the government is being lobbied to introduce incentives for its use.
HVO – Challenges in the Swedish market – regulations, policies and technical issues – Magdalena Streijffert, & Quentin Gauthie, Neste Sweden
This talk will cover some of the challenges with regulatory matters and policy, along with technical issues regarding tanks, preparations of etc.
Petrol dispensing vs Diesel dispensing – Andrew Olive, Pumptronics
This session will cover iDiesel & petrol hazardous zones, hybrid commercial vehicles, stage 2 vapour recovery principle and requirements, typical application on a commercial refuelling installation. This will then lead onto the Vectec presentation by Bert Fowler discussing a recent commercial installation for a major home delivery network
EV Battery Fires – Lessons learned from around the globe – Dylan Evans, London Fire Brigade
This session will cover electric vehicles, fire safety considerations for lithium ion battery vehicles & infrastructure.
Find out more about this event here.
Renee Semiz will assume the position of managing director, UK marketing, Phillips 66 Limited in January 2021. Renee relocates to the UK from Phillips 66’s Houston office in the USA and takes over from Mary Wolf who, following a smooth transition period, will relocate to the Houston office and assume the role of general manager, global specialties.
Having joined the business in 1998, Renee has an extensive and diverse background across refining, process engineering, commercial commodities, optimisation and marketing. She has held various roles in Phillips 66, most recently as manager, brand U.S. marketing. In this role she was responsible for leading the rebranding of service stations, advertising and programs for Phillips 66’s large network in the United States. Renee has also spent time working internationally in China, India, Turkey, Lithuania and Germany in her early career.
Mary Wolf, currently managing director UK marketing at Phillips 66 Limited, comments:
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Renee to the UK marketing family. She brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the team, and I’m sure she will lead the business to new heights. We have a great UK team and incredible, wonderful customers that it has been my privilege to serve. I would like to sincerely and deeply thank everyone for their business and friendship over the last five years. I will dearly miss you all.”
Renee Semiz, currently manager, brand U.S. marketing:
“I am looking forward to joining the UK business and building on the strong working relationships that Mary established with our customers. Mary and her team have done a fantastic job transforming the UK business and I’m looking forward to continuing our strategic initiatives. I wish Mary continued successes as she transitions into her new role in Houston.”
North Yorkshire-based Kettlewell Fuels has added two new tankers and a ‘Tank in a Van’ to its fleet, creating greater capacity and even more flexibility when it comes to delivering across the region – even the remotest parts.
Based in Ripon, Kettlewell Fuels has taken delivery of two DAF four-wheel tankers that have been specified to meet the company’s requirements. Both tankers have a larger capacity and are able to take 9,300 litres compared with the company’s other four-wheelers.
The new tankers also have a much more efficient pumping system, making the whole delivery process even smoother.
Always looking to develop the business, Janet Kettlewell explains:
“The two new DAF tankers will deliver market-leading efficiency for us as a business, giving us even more flexibility within our already versatile fleet.
“We also like to ensure our drivers are looked after in terms of comfort. I’m pleased to say we’ve had some great feedback from them – apparently the new tankers are comfortable and nice to drive too.
Commenting on the other addition to the fleet, Janet says:
“It’s important to us that we offer an agile customer service and to help us do this we’ve adapted a vehicle to hold a 400-litre oil dispensing tank. Known as our ‘Tank in a Van’, this vehicle will enable us to make small emergency deliveries and quickly respond to customers in need.
“We’re now in a very good position going into winter, as our expanded fleet will provide us with greater delivery capacity. We’ve noticed recently that more customers are choosing to support local businesses; it’s been a busy time. Our larger fleet will definitely help when the inevitable cold snap arrives.”
Kettlewell Fuels is North Yorkshire’s trusted independent fuel oil supplier to the domestic, agricultural and commercial sectors and is a member of the UK & Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA).