News 48
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) and OFTEC were delighted by the Advertising Standards Authority’s decision with respect to misleading claims made on a poster by a renewable heating supplier as to the cost-efficiency of air-source heat pumps.
Essar Oil (UK), which recently announced the appointment of Mark Amor as head of commercial, is the new principal sponsor for this year’s Forecourt Trader Awards. Showcasing the petrol retailing industry, the event recognises and rewards those businesses at the leading edge of their profession.
OFTEC’s CEO, Paul Rose was quick to raise concerns following the publication of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report UK housing: fit for the future?
“With the threat of climate change being without doubt the most urgent global issue we face, the CCC is right to highlight the issue of carbon emissions from buildings and to raise its concerns about the energy efficiency of UK housing stock,” commented Paul Rose.
From 26th – 28th March StocExpo Europe will be celebrating 15 years of industry success at the Ahoy in Rotterdam where key terminals including Stolthaven Terminals, Inter Terminals and Oiltanking will be among the 200+ exhibitors.
Stephen Marcos Jones, UKPIA director-general
According to a new study released earlier this week, the downstream oil sector provides major economic benefits across the UK.
Independent findings in the Oxford Economics report ‘The economic contribution of the UK downstream oil sector’ – commissioned by trade association, the UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) – underscore the industry’s central economic importance, both in terms of direct value and security of the national energy supply.
The downstream oil sector encompasses a wide range of companies involved in the production, import, distribution and sale of refined products, including the UK’s refineries, storage terminals, pipelines and filling stations. Conclusions from the report include that the sector’s annual contribution to UK GDP is £21.2 billion, with 300,000 jobs supported by the industry, with every job in the sector supporting a further 1.4 jobs elsewhere in the economy. As the UK faces an ongoing productivity challenge, it was also found that the sector is 29% above the national average in terms of efficiency of output.
“Be it highly-skilled careers or tax receipts, to the way our products enable all other major sectors of the economy to grow, the downstream oil sector has a vital part to play in keeping the UK economy moving,” said Stephen Marcos Jones, UKPIA director-general.
As society looks for ways to develop low carbon solutions to reduce global emissions, we believe that the downstream oil sector can continue to deliver significant reductions in emissions as well as enable others to work towards a sustainable, just and orderly low-carbon economy.
“This report marks the first of a number of studies we will be publishing in 2019, as part of UKPIA’s Future Vision, demonstrating that the downstream oil sector has an essential role not only now, but in the decades to come.”The economic contribution of the UK downstream oil sector report is available at http://www.ukpia.com/publications or in hard copy on request from the UKPIA press office.
BP’s Kingsbury terminal which has been acquired by Essar; the company has also acquired BP’s Northampton terminal
Last week the Essar Oil UK Group of companies (Essar) unveiled the latest phase of its strategic business development, with the announcement of the acquisition of a number of assets from BP.
Under the agreement, Essar will acquire an equity stake in the UKOP pipeline, a share of the contractual joint venture (with Shell) which runs the Kingsbury terminal and a 100% interest in the Northampton terminal. The BP assets are being acquired by two wholly owned subsidiaries of EOUK, namely Essar Midlands Limited and InfraNorth Limited.
Last month World Fuel Services won two contracts with London Oxford airport and London Heliport in Battersea to supply jet A-1, Avgas and training packages with the five-year contract commencing this month.
The largest user of Avgas in the UK, London Oxford is the third largest general aviation airport in the London area with World Fuel also offering refuelling equipment, maintenance and marketing support with the possibility of a new tank farm in Oxford.
“The win of this competitive bid expands our supply to 14 UK locations including three of the top five,” said Noel Siggery, GA & market development.
“Our partnership with London Oxford and London Heliport will be an important addition to the World Fuel network as we continue to bring solutions to our customers. Our operators and card holders in the region will benefit from this partnership because they will receive quality services and a great business option in England.”
London Oxford airport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers whose investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development. In February 2012, the Reubens purchased the London Heliport, the UK’s only CAA licensed heliport. The heliport is a 22-minute helicopter ride from London Oxford airport which is one of the fastest growing airports for private business aviation in the UK.
www.wfscorp.com/en
The new Holton Heath depot, which will support Certas Energy’s regional presence in the south west, joins a network of over 130 depots across the UK
Following a £2 million investment to turn a former truck parking location into a large fuel storage depot, Certas Energy is opening a new depot at Holton Heath.
Eight delivery tankers will be based at the Holton Heath depot, which will have capacity to distribute to homes, businesses, farms, construction sites, schools and haulage companies, over a sizeable geographical area.
We’re delighted to be opening a new Certas Energy depot in Holton Heath and extending our service to more homes and businesses in and around Poole,” commented Steve Gettings, regional director in the south west of England.
“The Holton Heath site has undergone a real transformation since the start of the project and offers excellent access to local areas. A reliable supply of fuel and lubricants is key to keeping our customers moving, and we’re committed to supporting the local community over the long term with tailored solutions to meet their individual needs.”www.certasenergy.co.uk
FPS chief executive Guy Pulham and Ireland representative Nick Hayes are keen to meet up with minister Richard Bruton to discuss the opportunity of setting up a working group
Responding to the first draft of Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has not only written to Richard Bruton, Irish minister for communications, climate action and the environment, but also requested a meeting to discuss how the association can work with government to help reduce Ireland’s carbon footprint.
The FPS and its members feel strongly that oil and – more long-term – a liquid efuel and/or bio fuel, can be part of the phased solution and the association has been working closely with the European Confederation of Fuel Distributors (ECFD), boiler manufacturers and other trade associations to promote a liquid bio fuel.
“Our members play an important role in the Irish economy in supplying not only heating oil for homes and businesses but also fuel for agriculture, construction, road transport, marine fuels and importantly fuel for back-up generators for hospitals, schools, care homes and data centres,” said Nick Hayes, FPS Ireland representative.
“Several demonstration projects with heating systems running on partly renewable liquid fuels are already in place across Europe, achieving substantial levels of emissions reduction so it is disappointing that this potential is not mentioned in the minister’s recent statement.
“The minister says that at least 170,000 homes will be supported to switch from oil-fired boilers to heat pumps and solar panels. I would appreciate understanding the rationale for this figure and the technology assigned for the switch. There is a danger in making early technology decisions and also in only concentrating on a small section of oil-fired homes when industry innovation can help all oil-fired homes.”
“We have in the UK set up a working group with the government alongside different sections of the supply chain with representation from trade associations for refineries, boiler manufacturers and installers and tank storage,” added Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive.
“This working group has been welcomed by the government in providing information and ideas on action to be taken to meet carbon reduction targets in off gas grid buildings and we would welcome the opportunity of setting up a working group with minister Bruton.
“We are not trying to protect the heating oil industry at all costs and we recognise and support the Irish Government’s work to meet carbon reduction targets but our members believe that a liquid fuel should have a major role in meeting the future needs of off grid homes. There is ample supply, an effective distribution network and low-cost installation requirements to use oil for heating and cooking. These are excellent benefits which could be retained using a bio or carbon neutral liquid fuel.”
Ongoing running costs continue to be good versus electric solutions and this is supported by the recent figures released by Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of comparative domestic heating prices, who say the average annual cost of heating a three-bedroom home in Ireland with heating oil is €1,594 per year when the same house to heat using electric storage heaters is €2,153 per annum. Oil is also far cheaper than air source heat pumps (with radiators) at €1,890 per year and LPG €2,296.
The social implications for having a dependence on one technology are also important and should not be understated. With 400,000 households in Ireland in fuel poverty, replacing oil with high capital/high running cost alternatives will directly affect those people most in need.
The FPS believes the government should look at a tiered approach to achieving the 2050 carbon reduction target, setting a pathway of home heating carbon emission reductions. That way industry can adapt all aspects of technological innovation thereby providing the means for consumers to make cost competitive choices in meeting those targets. A change to the standard specifications of the fuel would also give industry time to implement innovative solutions.
“Such a pathway would also give consumers the opportunity to make short term efficiencies such as replacing old oil boilers now,” added Guy Pulham.
“Highly efficient, oil-fired condensing heating systems save up to 30% of fuel oil, and by adding smart meters to tanks and installing better insulation in homes further efficiencies can be achieved. We urge minister Bruton to meet with us and discuss a pathway forward.”www.fpsonline.co.uk/
Ensuring fuel tanks are well-protected
An increasing number of fuel thefts have been occurring at transport premises where stock tanks are being targeted, with some companies having encountered multiple attacks where large quantities of fuels have been stolen.
Thefts have risen sharply over the winter months according to Fuel Theft Solutions with organised criminals using adapted vehicles to take advantage of the increased darker hours and tank positioning. Traffic noise and refrigerated units running, further enables the use of fuel transfer pumps to go unnoticed.
The company also points out that there have been many reports of perimeters being breached with fences cut or unbolted. By drilling into the ullage area and passing a pipe through into the fuel, stock tanks have been targeted with a a magnetic cover used to conceal the hole. Other breaches have occurred where the top lock has been cut and the inspection cover opened.
Among the measures, the company advises to help combat theft are the installation of CCTV and improved lighting; the removal of foliage around stock tanks and perimeter fencing; the installation and use of audible padlocks and inspection hatch alarms; the use of security marked grease on the fuel tank and the use of DieselDye™ with signs warning of its use.www.dieseldye.com
“We recognise that claims are often behaviour driven, which is why we have embedded Risk Management at the heart of every policy,” commented Stewart Ower, managing director of Compass Environmental
As leaders in their respective industries, Evergreen Insurance Services and Compass Environmental Consultancy have joined forces to provide a unique insurance and risk management solution for fuel oil distributors.
Alongside their insurance partner Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurers, they have created ‘Oilshield’, a comprehensive insurance package to provide whole business protection, all under one policy.
With ever increasing fines and significant reputational damage for causing environmental pollution, it has never been more important to have adequate protection if the worst should happen. Every year millions of deliveries are made to domestic and commercial premises. Getting it wrong, just once, could put you out of business.
“Whether it’s the bulk storage of fuel at a depot, the transportation of fuel to clients or the delivery of fuel into their facilities, we recognise that each part of the journey presents its own unique obstacles,” said Dave Gardiner, of Evergreen Insurance Services.
“That’s why Oilshield protects all aspects of fuel distribution operations – property, vehicles and driver actions all covered under one policy.
“We recognise that claims are often behaviour driven, which is why we have embedded Risk Management at the heart of every policy,” commented Stewart Ower, managing director of Compass.
“As part of an ongoing relationship, Compass Environmental will deliver a programme of risk management initiatives that are relevant to your business with emphasis on promoting continual improvement to minimise risk.”
To discuss your insurance needs, call 020 3907 1361 or visit www.oilshield.co.uk.
Guy Pulham, FPS (left) and Paul Rose (OFTEC)
Below, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) chief executive, Guy Pulham and OFTEC CEO Paul Rose comment:
“A wide range of responses to government’s call for evidence were received but the conclusions drawn in the document highlighted BEIS’ continued focus on the electrification of heat using heat pumps. “We believe this approach will not provide a complete solution and does not consider several recent developments in Europe which highlight how liquid fuels, whether that is a bio fuel or an efuel, can be part of the solution. There is aneed for a mix of low-emission energy sources and technologies to be deployed to meet the requirements of different buildings, dependent on their potential thermal efficiency.
“The Call for Evidence ended in June 2018 and since then the FPS has, in partnership with OFTEC and other trade associations in the UK and Europe, been working together to promote the introduction of a renewable, low carbon liquid fuel for off grid households, which would not require a complete change of infrastructure.
“We believe this should play a major role in meeting the future heating needs of off grid homes and it is a mistake to focus so much on electric solutions which offer high cost/low efficiency solutions for the 1.5m households off grid households currently using oil in the UK. Several demonstration projects with heating systems running on partly renewable liquid fuels are already in place across Europe, achieving substantial levels of emissions reduction. So, it is disappointing that this potential is not more positively promoted in the government’s response.
“The social implications for an over dependence on one technology are also important and should not be understated. Government’s response was published just after the publication of the Committee on Fuel Poverty’s (CFP) Third Annual Report which showed the number of fuel poor households in England alone has risen by 210,000 to 2.55 million.
“The report highlighted how financial assistance would be needed by the 116,000 fuel poor households who use heating oil in England, if government focuses on heat pumps or electricity as the preferred solutions to meeting future heating needs.
“Importantly, the CFP said in its report that on a pence-per-kilowatt-hour basis, it needs to be recognised that oil heating is significantly lower cost than heating by electricity. This is supported by recent figures released by Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of comparative domestic heating prices, which show the average annual cost of heating a three-bedroom home in Great Britain with heating oil is £1178 per year – nearly half the cost of electric storage heaters at £2069 per annum. Oil is also far cheaper than any renewable heating options; including air source heat pumps (with radiators) at £1,805 per year or with underfloor heating at £1380, and biomass (wood pellets) at £1,548 per annum.
“We were particularly concerned by the statement made in the response by government which said most off-grid homes are suitable for heat pump deployment, quoting their own study undertaken by Delta Energy and Environment (Delta EE) which estimates “that around 15% of off gas grid dwellings are currently not suitable for electric heating”.
“Unfortunately, the study is based on a tiny number of homes and appears at odds with a statement made by BEIS minister Claire Perry in the House of Commons in October 2018, in which she stated only 3% of oil-heated homes in Great Britain were in EPC band A-C which in previous studies has shown is the rating compatible with heat pumps.
“Furthermore, Delta EE also says “Heating for rural off-gas grid dwellings tends to rely on higher carbon and higher cost fossil fuel sources such as oil ….” Both the CFP and Sutherland Tables clearly show that oil heating is cheaper than electric and renewable forms such as heat pumps and has been for more than five years. Again, it is concerning that misleading statements and studies such as Delta EE’s are being used by BEIS to formulate future policy and strategy around decarbonisation of rural off-gas grid dwellings.
“In its response, BEIS stated they are implementing various studies into viable solutions and we urge BEIS to work closely with the liquid fuels industry to develop a roadmap to carbon reduction with a bio/efuel transition as part of the overall picture for off grid households.
“FPS actively supports the Industry Contact Group set up by OFTEC and BEIS and will continue to contribute to this discussion group. We believe the group can play an important part in helping BEIS shape strategy by bringing together the whole of the supply chain including the UK petroleum industry association (UKPIA) and the Tank Storage Association (TSA), whilst achieving the carbon reduction goals of 2050 and protect the cost (and choice) of heating systems available to the consumer.
“We will be looking to government for policies that unlock further development into a liquid bio or efuel. It is at least reassuring that, so far, nothing has been ruled out and that BEIS is seeking more evidence before making any decisions. It is also pleasing that BEIS has agreed with three key principles that were identified by respondents in respect to any future regulation:
Staff from both Certas Energy and Roadking will be in attendance at the official opening
On Thursday 31st January, Certas Energy will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of its new bunker refuelling site at Holyhead in North Wales.
The bunker site, which is the island of Anglesey’s only dedicated HGV refuelling facility, is located alongside the existing RoadKing truck stop.
“We’re delighted the site is now open, and we’re looking forward to meeting customers at the launch event,” said Andrew Goodwin, Certas Energy’s national bunker manager. “The Holyhead site has been designed to meet the needs of the 400,000 lorries and trailers that pass through the port each year. The location of the refuelling bunker ensures that hauliers will no longer need to plan a detour to refuel before making their onward journeys.”
The Labour Party’s plans to impose a £12,096 a year lorry tax per truck would penalise British business, says The Freight Transport Association (FTA). The plans were mooted by Clive Lewis, a member of the Shadow Treasury team, last week and, according to FTA, are based on inaccurate information.
In his comments, Clive Lewis quotes research that claims HGVs currently only pay 11 per cent of their UK road infrastructure costs. But if you look closer at the figures, this is inaccurate. Christopher Snelling, Head of UK Policy at FTA, which represents more than 17,000 logistics businesses nationwide, explained: “FTA is appalled at this short-sighted policy and calls on Clive Lewis to reconsider any potential changes to lorry taxation. The claim that HGVs only pay 11 per cent of their UK road infrastructure costs is false – between the highest fuel duty of any major economy in the world, the HGV Road User Levy, VED and road tolls, HGVs in fact currently pay enough tax and charges to cover over 90% of the UK’s entire road maintenance budget.”
Total UK spending by all authorities on highway maintenance (including bridges, footpaths etc) was £4.7bn in the financial year 2015-16; tax take from HGVs alone covered almost 94 per cent of this cost.
Snelling continued: “Britain needs HGVs to deliver nearly four million tonnes of goods every day in order to function. Everything that makes operating a lorry more expensive makes Britain a less competitive place to do business and increases the cost of goods in the shops.”
He concluded: “There are smart ways to work to reduce the environmental footprint of HGVs and make logistics more efficient, that could benefit us all. Blunt tax hikes are the opposite of that and would change nothing while hurting the economy.”
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With 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. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.
https://fta.co.uk
“This is another milestone in the development of Essar’s UK retail network,” said Ramsay Macdonald, head of retail at Essar
Essar has confirmed the first opening of a Morrisons Daily at one of its branded retail outlets at Moulsford in Oxfordshire, with several more planned to follow suit in 2019.
The station is one of 12 MPK sites recently unveiled under the Essar marque, following an agreement reached in November with the top independent garage group. Essar entered the UK retail market with the opening of its first branded forecourt in November 2015 at Coalville in Leicestershire, and now has a network of 67 sites.
“This is another milestone in the development of Essar’s UK retail network,” said Ramsay Macdonald, head of retail at Essar.
“With a vibrant modern and fresh brand, we believe we are ideally placed to showcase best in class ‘Roadside Retail’ and Morrisons Daily is certainly in that category. MPK are transforming their business and this is a huge vote of confidence that Essar can assist their development as a major convenience led business. The fantastic range of fresh and chilled foods to go means our customers can do a daily shop, or pick something up on their journey, while filling up at a competitive price.”
“Morrisons Daily operates across the UK, offering a wide range of fresh food and grocery items to our customers,” said Wayne Harrand, head of retail, MPK Garages.
“The new store will provide the local community with all of their daily shopping needs in one convenient location, coupled with the clean and fresh new Essar branding. We can see the Moulsford site going from strength to strength in the future.”https://www.essaroil.co.uk/
Earlier this month more than 80,000 litres of suspected illicit fuel was seized following a three-day operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Officers temporarily closed four petrol stations in Leeds, Motherwell, Cowdenbeath and Hillington for three days after discovering about 73,000 litres of fuel thought to be illegal.
Two vehicles were also seized in Loanhead, Midlothian, along with a further 7,000 litres of suspected illicit fuel. The estimated duty loss of all the seized fuel is about £56,000.
A 30-year-old man from the Crossmaglen area of County Armagh was arrested in Leeds and brought to Scotland for interview. He has been released pending further investigation.
The seizures and arrests follow a suspected fuel laundering plant in Northern Ireland which has been dismantled by HMRC officers. Two men were arrested and the plant is thought to have the potential to produce more than 10 million litres of illicit fuel every year.
Joe Hendry, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Fuel laundering is unregulated and dangerous.
Illicit fuel is sold at reduced prices and motorists may think they are getting a good deal because it is cheaper. I would caution them to think again as the true cost is far from a bargain.
HMRC declined to identify the four sites where the fuel was seized.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
The 2019 OAMPS Hazardous Industries sponsored Driver of the Year and The QBE Insurance sponsored Depot of the Year competitions celebrate the best in the industry – last year’s driver of the year was Clifford Tappin of Lovell Fuels
As part of their annual awards celebrations, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has started its search for the best tanker driver and fuel distribution depot.
To enter for the Driver and Depot of the Year awards your company must be an FPS member.
For the Driver of the Year Award, judges are looking for that driver who not only has an outstanding safety record but has gone that ‘extra mile’ for customers. Whilst, the winner of the coveted Depot of the Year prize will have to show that they are the leaders in their field, setting the highest of standards or making the biggest improvements in health and safety and other operating procedures.
Over several years, Robbie Rouse, a qualified teacher, trainer and HR professional, has been designing, developing and refining Evalu-8.
His innovative new cloud-based software package measures competence, identifies training needs and supports every aspect of a company’s human resources (HR) demands.
For companies still using a manual process and spreadsheets to record employee matters, Evalu-8 offers an easier way to measure and monitor an employee’s skills, knowledge and behavior. It also facilitates the setting of targets and KPIs to measure both qualitative and quantitative information and makes it possible to identify areas of strength and weakness more objectively.
Robbie has a strong background in fuel oil distribution, having latterly spent over four years as talent and HR director at Craggs Energy, where he launched a sales academy and helped hone the performance of the company’s sales team. Robbie has also held roles at Certas Energy, GB Oils and Company Fuel Cards where he was instrumental in recruiting, training and managing a new fuel card business.
“I’ve developed an HR suite where everything can be done via an electronic portal including storage of contracts, CVs, company handbook etc, with each employee able to access their own dashboard. Every aspect of the software is configurable and being cloud-based, information can be accessed anytime, and from anywhere.”
Evalu-8, which costs £1.75 per month per employee, is currently being trialled by fuel distributors keen to monitor sales and/or driver performance. Those using have found that it helps identify employees who are underperforming which in turn leads to more constructive feedback and better coaching.
The system, which records sickness, absence and lateness, also works out commission and bonuses and enables employees to book in their holidays within the parameters set by their company.
“Producing a series of reports ensures that managers can better analyse the reasons why some perform well whilst others underperform. Being fully objective makes it easier to deliver feedback and to see if improvements have been made once feedback has been given.
“With not all drivers being IT literate, some may need assistance in using the software but that’s been the only issue reported to date,” said Robbie.
Evalu-8’s launch has not only attracted the attention of those focusing on sales and telemarketing in fuel distribution; but has also sparked interest from diverse sectors including schools looking for a system that allows parents to see how their child is performing in class.
“We’re still in the early stages but so far so good,” said Robbie who plans to exhibit at FPS EXPO 2019 next May.
“During my time in the fuel industry, it became clear that technology and the need to make quality sales calls were fast becoming the real drivers. Since then I’ve spent much time thinking about the creation of a tool which would help people better manage their teams.”
Talking to managers and directors, Robbie discovered there was a real need for an employee management tool. When asked to sum up his new product and what it does, Robbie said:
“The short answer is it does everything that a manager of people needs it to do!”
For more information email robbie@evalu-8.com or contact via the https://evalu-8.com website to arrange an online demonstration
Standing next to the new Mabanaft road loading rack at Oikos storage on Canvey Island are Mabanaft’s joint managing director, Martin Cook (r) and Toby Simmons, aviation manager
Mabanaft recently hosted an open day at the Oikos storage facility on Canvey Island to showcase their new road loading facility.
Oikos offers a deep-water jetty (Jetty 2) that can accommodate tankers up to 120,000 mts deadweight and access to the UKOP and CLH-PS pipelines – making the storage facility a strategic location for importing and distributing fuel to the south east, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
Mabanaft’s exclusive new road loading rack is the first independent project of its kind on the Thames in the last 10 years. Dedicated to aviation fuel, the fully automated road loading rack can load a truck in under 20 minutes and is open 24/7 every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Roscommon Way, the recently constructed access road, also provides a link to the A12, A13 and M25, keeping haulage traffic away from Canvey Island residential areas.
Industry representatives including aviation fuel suppliers, hauliers and independent fuel consultants attended the open day, along with senior members of Mabanaft and Oikos.
Oikos general manager, Tony Woodward, gave a short talk about the history of the facility, outlining plans for future development and highlighting the significant benefits the terminal offers. This was followed by a tour of the site to see Jetty 2 and Mabanaft’s road-loading rack up close.
The combination of Jetty 2 and Mabanaft’s exclusive new road loading rack are an exciting development for Mabanaft, helping to consolidate their position as a provider of jet aviation fuel in the UK.
“The Thames is key to supplying the south east of England,” said Martin Cook, Mabanaft’s joint MD.
“Committing to Oikos with an exclusive state of the art truck loading rack, as well as the traditional pipeline links, ensures that Mabanaft will have sole access to a resilient new UK supply route and be able to supply jet fuel to airlines for many years to come.” https://www.mabalive.co.uk/news/december-2018/mabanaft-consolidate-jet-aviation-fuel-supply
“Essar was pleased to work with Passion for Learning to deliver this aviation experience for local children,” said Ian Cotton, head of communications
Children from schools local to Essar’s Stanlow refinery recently participated in a special visit to Cheshire College South and West in Ellesmere Port. The visit was organised through Essar’s partnership with Passion for Learning, a local charitable organisation working to support primary school age children.
“As the business continues to invest in customer experience and product leadership, Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel is a natural next step for Watson Fuels’ product stable,” said Bob Taylor, Watson Fuels managing director
Watson Fuels has partnered with Esso to announce a distribution agreement for premium grade diesel fuel – Esso Diesel Efficient™. The advanced fuel formulation has been engineered to lower emissions as well as to enhance the performance of heavy-duty and light-duty on-road fleets.
In independent testing, carried out at premier UK vehicle testing site Millbrook Proving Ground, Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel showed significant reductions in emissions, including an average 10% reduction in harmful NOx emissions, 22% reduction in particulate matter emissions and 2.8% reduction in CO2*.
The addition of Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel to Watson Fuels’ product stable further enhances the quality and breadth of the firm’s offering for customers. The new product is available through Watson Fuels from five Esso supply terminals in the UK – West London, Birmingham, Purfleet, Avonmouth and Hythe.
Suitable for use in both heavy-duty and light-duty road vehicles, the advanced diesel fuel is formulated to help remove dirty fuel injector deposits, reduce fuel system corrosion and give customers a faster, cleaner fill through its anti-foaming properties.
It has also been shown to lower fuel consumption by an average of 2.8%, making it even more appealing to fleets across the UK*.
“Getting greater fuel efficiency from your fleet is crucial to the financial success of your business – that’s why we developed Esso Diesel Efficient™ fuel,” commented Graham Green, Esso UK commercial sales manager who is looking forward to working with the team at Watson Fuels to help more customers experience the fuel’s benefits.
“Watson Fuels is constantly looking to innovate and ensure that our customers have access to the highest-performing fuel solutions on the market,” said Bob Taylor, managing director of Watson Fuels. https://watsonfuels.co.uk/esso-diesel-efficient/
*Independent tests performed at Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd., UK:
“We must focus on solutions that will address the unique issues associated with hard to treat rural properties,” says OFTEC’s CEO Paul Rose
As a new report shows the number of fuel poor households in England has risen to over 2.5 million. OFTEC says recent revisions to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme don’t go far enough in ensuring that low income homes do not suffer at the expense of the government’s Clean Growth agenda.
Despite government introducing the Fuel Poverty Strategy 2015, the number of households unable to afford to adequately heat their homes has risen by 210,000 to 2.55 million.
Matthew Cox, HOYER UK’s senior fleet engineer, beside one of the new Scania vehicles which currently make up 10% of the company’s fleet
HOYER, which recently announced an increase in its investment budget from EUR 90 million in 2018 to a record level of EUR 173 million for 2019, will expand its UK Petrolog fleet with the delivery of 26 new Scania P 450 vehicles in early 2019.
The order includes eight Hydrapak and 16 Non-Hydrapak trucks with drivers having the benefit of new features including Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning as standard. As part of HOYER’s growth strategy, further vehicles will be tendered early next year.
“We are pleased to announce the arrival of new additions to our Scania fleet,” Allan Davison, operations director of HOYER Petrolog in the UK.
“Scania has always offered an exceptionally reliable vehicle whilst also bringing the environmental benefits of returning excellent fuel economy and, importantly, this vehicle is always a popular choice with our driver workforce.”
The appointments of Gary Oliver and Roger Parr highlight Suttons Tankers’ UK strategy to continually improve the customer experience
Suttons Tankers has strengthened its team with two new appointments at board level. Gary Oliver joins as operations director west, replacing Roger Parr who has now been appointed as the company’s new commercial director.
Roger’s appointment recognises his successful leadership in a series of continuous improvement projects for leading customers of Suttons Tankers.
Gary joins the company from DX Network Services where he has worked as a regional director and operations director since 2010.
Working with Steve Hassall, operations director east, Gary will be responsible for leading the business strategy, objectives and performance at Suttons’ Widnes, Eastham and Willenhall depots.
Gary brings significant experience from the freight and deliveries sector to his new role with Suttons, having also held senior management roles with Target Express and City Link.
“I’m pleased to welcome Gary to the business and look forward to benefiting from his vast experience in senior roles, enhancing customer relations,” said Michael Cundy, managing director of Suttons Tankers.
“And congratulations to Roger who is making a natural progression having been an integral part of our commercial leadership team since joining in 2015.
“These two appointments highlight our UK strategy to continually improve the customer experience and add value at all points in the delivery chain.
“We look forward to reaping the rewards of this fresh structure and approach within our tanker division.”
Suttons Tankers operates in the UK with a fleet of more than 500 vehicles focused on the chemicals, gas and fuel sectors. suttonsgroup.com