News 43
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.
Fuel Oil News welcomes your nominations for the prestigious 2020 tanker of the year award.
Following a record $6.7bn quarterly loss, BP has halved its shareholder dividend after the coronavirus pandemic hit global demand for oil.
The Prax Group has signed an agreement with Total to purchase Lindsey Oil Refinery and its associated logistic assets. 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 will bring new investment to the refinery and underlines the Prax Group’s determination to support the local economy and the wider community.
“The Prax Group’s long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream,” said Sanjeev Kumar, CEO of the Prax Group. “Acquiring Lindsey Oil Refinery is a natural progression for the Prax Group, providing the opportunity to integrate the refinery and associated product flows into the company’s UK distribution and retail footprint, which operates under the Harvest Energy brand. We look forward to continuing to provide a secure supply of energy to new and existing customers.”
The sale will place the refinery at the heart of the Prax Group’s strategic network. Sanjeev Kumar continued, “We are committed to all Lindsey Oil Refinery employees, who are a key element for the future success of the refinery.”
Lindsey Oil Refinery saw a major investment from Total in 2015, which modernised and streamlined the refinery.
“Since selling our British retail network in 2011, the Lindsey Oil Refinery has not been part of Total’s downstream system. With this agreement to sell, the refinery will be at the heart of the Prax Group’s UK network and it will be able to add value more easily”, said Thomas Behrends, general manager of Lindsey Oil Refinery. “We are proud of the team and the work we have accomplished together.”
The completion date of the acquisition is expected before the end of 2020.
After 60 years of trading, the parent company for Isle of Wight Fuels (IOWF) has decided to close the business, which includes the Isle of Wight’s only fuel storage depot, in less than 2 weeks’ time, resulting in concerns over knock on effects for customers and companies in the supply chain.
The company provides homes and businesses with vital heating oils, as well as supplying diesel and petrol to local filling stations, commercial operators and agricultural industries. With the closure of the depot in early August, the island will be reliant on fuel being brought over by tanker on cross-Solent ferries. Any disruption to this cross-Solent travel, fare increases, or regulatory changes could have serious knock-on effects to those on the island.
Over 1.5million litres of fuel passes through the Kingston Road facility in East Cowes each week and the depot can store a total of 3million litres, providing a good level of resilience. Once the depot closes – with the loss of around 15 jobs – the Island will be solely reliant on fuel being brought over by tanker on cross-Solent ferries, with no option to store a reserve.
The decision came after Motor Fuel Group, IOWF’s parent company, carried out staff consultations and a detailed examination of the trading options.
A statement from Motor Fuel Group reads;
“Following a detailed examination of the trading options of IOWF together with individual consultation with all members of staff, Motor Fuel Group announces that it is not viable for the business to continue to trade.
“Accordingly, and with regret, the IOWF business will close on Friday 7th August 2020.
“No fuel deliveries will be made, nor customer orders accepted, after this date.
“We would like to thank our customers for their loyal patronage and our staff for their professional and dedicated service.”
Ensuring continuity of supply
For the past 18 months, supermarkets on the Island have been sourcing their own supplies which are delivered by road tanker. However, the smaller and more rural filling stations are still supplied by Isle of Wight Fuels and Certas Energy – and Certas get their supply from the fuel depot in East Cowes too. If supplies were to run low at independent stations motorists may be forced to fill up at supermarkets, which could, in turn, see supplies depleted there quicker than normal.
A spokesperson for Certas Energy has said;
“We currently supply around a third of the fuel on the Isle of Wight across the various sectors. We are working closely with all of the relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply for the whole island.”
Aside from the loss of jobs, the small businesses who provide services to IOWF will also feel a knock-on effect.
Karl Love, the Isle of Wight councillor for East Cowes shared his concerns, both in a commercial and domestic sense, over the closure;
“It is important to understand the supply chain and impact. It’s not a simple case of bringing other suppliers to our Island, because they will have to learn the delivery routes and routines of Island people in making that delivery.
“I would hope that someone might purchase the company and consider introducing the supply of fuels by ships rather than carrying it in small tankers across the Solent on passenger ferries.
“We should not forget the loss of these jobs and its impacts on families. It is a skilled job requiring lots of safety training in order to handle inflammable fuels.”
Just 18 months after breaking ground, Europe’s most advanced, 100,000 tonnes per annum, used lubricating oil re-refinery, AVISTA Green’s in Kalundborg, Denmark, is operational.
The construction of the re-refinery has been realised through an international joint venture between Germany’s AVISTA OIL and Slicker Recycling from Stourport in the UK. They are both among the leading used oil collectors in Europe and responsible for supplying the volumes needed to feed the plant. The used oil is primarily collected from vehicle repair workshops, industrial companies and waste recovery sites throughout Europe and delivered to the plant either by truck or ship, mooring at the company’s dedicated jetty.
“We are proud of having succeeded with such a big project in such a short timeframe,” said Leon Sloth Skovbo, managing director, AVISTA Green. “Today, we have Europe’s state-of-the art re-refinery that transforms used lubricating oil into high quality base oil, turning a waste product into a reusable material, contributing substantially to sustainability and the circular economy.”
Despite the worldwide pandemic cancelling the original planned opening ceremony, the AVISTA Green team remain in high spirits and are eager to start production. Following months of hard work, from permitting and planning through to construction and commissioning, the re-refinery is now ready to transform its first litres of used oil.
Environmental profile
As indicated by the name, AVISTA Green has an environmental profile. Passing through the plant, the used oil is up-cycled back into high-quality base oil ready for re-use in the production of new finished lubricants. These lubricants will return to the re-refinery as used oil in a continuous cycle to be re-processed again, both in keeping with the European waste hierarchy and circular economy philosophy. The innovative technology used in the new facility is more environmentally friendly and efficient than conventional processes. Such re-refined base oil emits as much as 30% less CO2 than new base oil produced from crude.
Peter Jonsson, technical director said; “We have managed to keep all the specialist expertise and experience within our company by retaining the core of our skilled process operators during the construction of the re-refinery. During the last months they have been busy training new colleagues.”
The new re-refinery has been designed to meet the highest technical, environmental and safety standards. The plant is fully energy optimised including the recirculation of all surplus heat. Modern laboratory facilities are available for total quality assurance, from receipt of feedstock right through to the delivery of the final re-refined base oil. Safety remains a priority where the plant design, equipment, systems, controls and processes have all been implemented to keep employees, the environment and process integrity safe.
Leon Sloth Skovbo added; “We are looking forward to a bright future. The global focus on environment and climate will continue to grow strongly in the future, and here we see ourselves as a significant and important player.”
Logistics UK (the new name for FTA), has reacted positively to the changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) by government, which became effective 22 July 2020. As James Firth, Logistic UK’s head of road freight regulation says;
“It is now important that any changes made to the laws governing what is already a highly regulated industry should acknowledge that no two drivers are the same and provide capacity for tailoring training to meet individuals’ needs.
“During the negotiating process, the representative body ensured that any changes did not make the DCPC overly prescriptive,” he said, “and we are pleased that the ability to identify what training a professional commercial vehicle driver needs remains with industry – be that employer or driver themselves – rather than with politicians.”
Biggest change since inception
The changes to the certification, which cover amendments to minimum qualifications, training standards and the delivery of periodic training, as well as exemptions for drivers in specific industries, are now in force in the UK. The new directive has not imposed training rigidly – as it was feared it might – but now emphasises the importance of adapting and tailoring training to the individual’s own role, including relevant legal and technological developments, and remedial training as appropriate – mirroring the way the Directive has historically been implemented in the UK.
The most noticeable change will be the inclusion of a new flexibility around e-learning. Courses will be able to be designed to allow delegates to take up to two hours of a seven-hour course as e-learning content the day before a classroom session.
“This is the biggest change in delivery of Driver CPC since its inception in 2008,” continues Firth. “We will see how the training industry takes the option up, but we are pleased to see DVSA is looking for new ways of allowing delivery within the constraints of the Directive.”
Logistics UK has stressed that the term “e-learning” should not be confused with “distance learning” or “remote learning” which has been deployed as part of the emergency response to the Coronavirus outbreak. DVSA has indicated that it will next examine the continued use of distance learning in Driver CPC in September.
Name change reflects representation
More detailed information on the changes can be found in a member briefing note produced by Logistics UK, whose name change from FTA was originally planned for earlier in the year but postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis to focus on supporting members. David Wells, chief executive at Logistics UK, commented at the time;
“FTA is strong because of its size and scale and because we already represent all of logistics, a very large sector critical to the success of UK plc. The name change to Logistics UK is a natural progression and makes it more obvious to stakeholders, like policymakers and young people looking to develop a career in logistics, that we are the only business group that represents the whole industry. I believe this change will strengthen our position and give us a great opportunity to achieve even more for members in the months and years to come.”
With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit www.logistics.org.uk.
Morris lubricants has agreed to support 50 heritage and steam railways across the UK which have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants has worked closely with steam heritage workshops during its 150-year history and has great experience in formulating lubricants specifically for the sector.
The Morris Lubricants Heritage Railway Support Scheme, launched in April, aims to reward customer loyalty and support heritage and steam railways through these difficult times.
Andrew Goddard, executive chairman of Morris Lubricants, said that, as dedicated enthusiasts and supporters of the heritage and steam industry, the company was keen to support railways.
“We understand that it’s a difficult time for heritage railways in this pandemic and wanted to support them in any way we could,” he explained.
“Morris Lubricants has a long tradition of supplying these railways with our top-quality steam lubricants. We particularly wanted to reward the loyalty of our existing heritage railway customers and I am pleased to report that the support scheme has attracted others to use our products.”
Railways were invited to apply to the scheme explaining why they needed support and how Morris Lubricants could help. The response was excellent, and the company has agreed support packages that include discounted or free lubricants and promotional material.
Steaming into the future
One of those to receive support is The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), an award-winning charitable trust that carries 300,000 passengers annually from Pickering to Whitby.
Matthew McCrudden, an HGV technician based in Abbey’s Middlewich depot, completed the tough Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours.
Matthew took on the challenge, as part of a team of eight, to raise money for A Stroke of Luck, a charity offering advice and access to exercise-based stroke recovery.
The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in Britain, totalling 26 miles of walking and 3,407 metres of climbing, in 24 hours. The team tackled Ben Nevis first, the tallest of the peaks, followed by Scafell Pike and finally reaching Snowdon in North Wales.
After successfully completing the Three Peaks Challenge, Matthew said; “The climb was incredibly tough at times, but we were motivated by knowing the donations were rolling in and we were all making a difference to each of the charities we were supporting.
“I’m very grateful to the fantastic team who climbed with me and to everyone who has donated to help support the amazing work A Stroke of Luck are doing to help stroke survivors on their road to recovery.”
To show your support and donate to help with the important work A Stroke of Luck are doing, please visit Matthew’s just giving page here:
https://lnkd.in/gbCyQS8
The Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme (LERS), run by Logistics UK (formerly FTA), has announced that entries are now open for its Leadership in Emissions Reduction Award, sponsored by ExxonMobil. The award recognises and celebrates the logistics company most committed to reducing emissions and leading the way in environmental excellence.
The winner will be presented with the accolade at Logistic UK’s Logistics Awards 2020 which. this year, will take place on 10 December at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
Natalie Chapman, head of urban policy at Logistics UK, comments; “With an urgent need to improve air quality across the UK and to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, logistics businesses are striving to reduce emissions from their operations. This award is the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the company which, through the use of alternative fuels and improved fuel efficiency, is making a significant contribution towards a greener future and paving the way for others to follow.”
The award is open to all members of LERS, a free-to join initiative to record, report and reduce carbon emissions from freight transport, administered by Logistics UK (the new name for FTA). The closing date for entries is 21 August 2020. To enter, or for more information, please visit: lers.org.uk/home/lers-awards
For more information on LERS, including how to join, please visit: http://lers.org.uk/
Pictured left to right: Gaz Owens, Ryan Evans, Greg Walters and Steve Cristofaro. Picture by Marketing Manager, Jake Hicks, at the opening of the GTBAL Our Place store, in April 2019
Valero Operations Shift workers at the Pembroke refinery have donated another £25,000 to charity.
The previous generosity of this Valero team was reported in Fuel Oils News’ June issue, when a donation of the same amount was given to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship) to help those in need during the pandemic lockdown.
As well as PATCH, this time donations have gone to three local charities focusing predominantly on mental health; Get the Boys a Lift (GTBAL), PATCH and SNAP Pembrokeshire.
A Valero spokesperson said; “A huge well done to our operations staff for raising funds to help support those that need it the most.”Messages of thanks
Since the opening of its shop in April 2019, GTBAL has provided free counselling and follow-up sessions to over 110 people.
GTBAL’s Ryan Evans said; “The mental health impact that COVID-19 has had and will continue to have is immense. Everyone needs to recognise that this pandemic will impact our communities in so many different ways. Helping those who have found this a tough time is the right thing to do. Thank you, Valero staff.”
SNAP is a specialist playgroup that helps children with additional needs with their development and education.
SNAP’s Cindy Jenkins commented; “This donation will help many families who are struggling with childcare for vulnerable children in this really difficult time. It is amazing that Valero staff are reaching out to help those in need. It won’t be forgotten.”
Valero has worked with PATCH over the years. Since 2008, the charity has been giving free food parcels, clothing and household items to those in financial need in Pembrokeshire.
“Valero has already given us the largest donation we have ever received but to have even more is beyond our expectations,” said Tracy Olin. PATCH manager. “Valero staff have really done something special and we can’t thank them enough.”
Stephen Thornton, manager public affairs, concluded; “The shift workers from the Valero Operations Department at Pembroke refinery have again performed an act of overwhelming generosity. They have chosen three well-loved causes in our county focusing pre-dominantly on mental health. This pandemic has reached into all our lives and the best we can do is to continue to help and look after each other.”
The Prax Group has signed an agreement with Total to purchase Lindsey Oil Refinery and its associated logistic assets, with the deal subject to the conditions of sale being met. 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 will bring new investment to the refinery and underlines the Prax Group’s determination to support the local economy and the wider community. “The Prax Group’s long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream,” said Sanjeev Kumar, CEO of the Prax Group. “Acquiring Lindsey Oil Refinery is a natural progression for the Prax Group, providing the opportunity to integrate the refinery and associated product flows into the company’s UK distribution and retail footprint, which operates under the Harvest Energy brand. We look forward to continuing to provide a secure supply of energy to new and existing customers.” The sale will place the refinery at the heart of the Prax Group’s strategic network.Sanjeev Kumar continued, “We are committed to all Lindsey Oil Refinery employees, who are a key element for the future success of the refinery.” Lindsey Oil Refinery saw a major investment from Total in 2015, which modernised and streamlined the refinery. “Since selling our British retail network in 2011, the Lindsey Oil Refinery has not been part of Total’s downstream system. With this agreement to sell, the refinery will be at the heart of the Prax Group’s UK network and it will be able to add value more easily”, said Thomas Behrends, general manager of Lindsey Oil Refinery. “We are proud of the team and the work we have accomplished together.”
Leading oil and gas professionals Hamish Wilson, Bill Senior, Tony Smith, Martin Dru and Sarah Milne have launched BluEnergy, committed to enabling oil and gas companies to leverage their existing asset base to create low carbon energy streams, generating value whilst reducing carbon intensity. The team is made up of former oil & gas company professionals that bring a unique combination of low carbon and oil and gas industry expertise, as well as business transformation experience.
Hamish Wilson, co-founder of BluEnergy, says; “Our focus is to identify low carbon investment opportunities where companies already have a competitive advantage through in-country relationships and capital project capability. These can bring commercial advantage when deploying the following established low carbon technologies through early entry in emerging markets such as Solar and Wind”.
The challenge facing oil and gas companies has been thrown into sharp relief by the recent Covid-19 crisis, with companies fighting for survival, seeing cash flow, investor returns, supply chain, and the fundamental value proposition under threat with a highly volatile earnings stream and borrowing base. In contrast, companies with high proportions of renewable energy in their portfolios not only suffered less during the crash but have quickly returned to pre Covid-19 levels. The founders of BluEnergy, along with many other experienced industry professionals, feel that companies that do not embrace the opportunities presented by the energy transition and grow broader asset portfolios, may not survive long term. They do, however, believe that oil and gas companies are ideally placed to lead the transition, and that It’s time to move on from simply discussing the energy transition to actively design and implement strategies that protect and sustain both industry and the wider world.
“We are passionate about the energy transition and we know that oil & gas companies have the global reach, scale and skills to lead the energy transition” says Tony Smith, co-founder. “We recognise the cultural challenges in embracing this strategic move that starts the journey to the long-term transformation of the energy sector. BluEnergy is focused on delivering tangible low-carbon projects, and we believe we are well-positioned to support the oil and gas industry in moving towards a lower carbon intensity future and a more resilient share price”.