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With EU leaders recently approving the agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and future relations, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) has cautiously welcomed this positive progress, but recognises that the agreement still needs to go through the UK Parliamentary process before it is approved.
It is essential for TSA members to ensure access to as frictionless a border with the EU and the Rest of World (RoW) as possible following 29th March 2019. We do not believe this is possible without a deal in place.
If the UK Parliament approves the deal on the 12th December, there will be a significant amount of work required during the transition period to finalise the details of our trading relationship. We have highlighted several areas with UK Government where detailed discussion and analysis is required, these include:
James Stairmand (r), founder and CEO of OnlineFuels, and Marc Noy, managing director of OnlineFuels Deutschland
Last week it was announced that OnlineFuels, a leading B2B online fuel sales platform in the UK, and Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH had entered into a joint venture in Germany, creating OLF Deutschland GmbH.
On launching a fuel sales platform for the commercial B2B market in Germany, OnlineFuels Deutschland intends to cooperate with other oil and energy companies in Germany.
“Germany is the largest fuel market in Europe – an ideal place for us to expand our online offerings,” explained James Stairmand, founder and CEO of OnlineFuels.
Jörg Debus, Shell Commercial Fuels Manager Europa/Africa, said: “With an online platform we want to give our B2B customers the opportunity to order products around the clock to mitigate potential exposures. In addition, the platform aims to make the oil purchasing process as simple and efficient as possible for our clients.”
The go-live is planned for the first half of 2019. The company’s headquarters will be in Hamburg.www.onlinefuels.comwww.onlinefuels.dewww.shell.de
Last year Certas Energy opened a Shell GTL Fuel refuelling station at the Port of Liverpool to provide HGV drivers with a lower emission fuel to help fleet operators to assist in the improvement of local air quality
Certas Energy has become an official partner of the Northern Powerhouse, joining the partnership to support improvements in fuel efficiency, transportation and air quality in the North.
“We are extremely proud to be an official partner of the Northern Powerhouse, demonstrating our commitment to providing innovative alternatives to traditional fuel supply and management solutions that support improvements in efficiency and productivity,” said Brian Worrall, director of corporate affairs.
“Already recognised as a top five business in the 2017 North West Top 200 list, we have continued to invest in the region both in terms of infrastructure and our workforce and we look forward to working with industry, government and local communities to lead the way in smarter, cleaner energy choices to support sustainable growth across the North of England and Wales.”
Among the many racing activities enjoyed by customers and terminal operators was the chance to do 10 laps in a single seater racing car
Mabanaft recently hosted a race day at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Dunfermline, Fife, where guests were treated to a high-octane motor sport event at Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre.
Comprising of track racing, rally driving and go-karting, the driving experience included an initial spin in a Civic Type R with race safety training, followed by 10 laps in a single seater racing car. After lunch participants were back behind the wheel ready for 6 laps in a rally car before taking part in a 30 lap go kart competition.
“It was a great day,” said commercial director Martin Cook.
“Our guests – customers and terminal operators – thoroughly enjoyed the racing. For us, it was an opportunity to show our appreciation of their ongoing support, and spend time discussing business in an informal environment. We like to take a collaborative approach to dealing with the challenges that face the industry and enjoyed exploring, amongst other topics, the imminent changes to legislation surrounding bio-fuels and greenhouse gas emissions affecting the whole of the UK.”
Amy Johnston of Certas who attended the event said:
“It was really good, different from your typical day out, a lot of fun and not too formal – despite the typical Scottish weather, it didn’t rain!
“It was great to catch up with the team from Mabanaft; they are a fantastic company to work with, always ready go the extra mile. If we ever need information or to get a better understanding about anything, they are always our first port of call.”
The event was rounded off with a presentation ceremony and awards for speed and technique. Scott Thomson was awarded best driving technique while Emma Shorter came first for fastest Go Karting lap. Inevitably, one driver did get called out for ignoring red flags in the rally event. Naming no names, but everyone who attended the event knows exactly who we are referring to!www.mabalive.co.uk
With ‘a key role to play in delivering a cleaner, safer environment for all’, David Wells, chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), set out his framework for the future of logistics which includes ‘the achievable aim of zero atmospheric emissions and near zero deaths and injuries from freight movements by 2050’.
David was speaking earlier this month at the inaugural Future Logistics Conference & Expo, which ‘brought together the brightest minds in the logistics sector to debate the factors that will shape the industry in the coming years’. On show at the event were the very latest emerging technologies in the freight industry with more than 20 leading speakers – including experts from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the Transport Research Laboratory.
“From self-driving vehicles to artificial intelligence, the world around us is changing fast and the logistics sector is embracing new technologies and solutions quickly,” added David.
“As the only event of its kind, the Future Logistics Conference & Expo armed companies with the toolkit required to embrace our brave new world; empowering them to reap the opportunities on offer but also protect against the challenges ahead, including Brexit and worsening skills shortages.
“FTA has already established a framework to propel the logistics sector into a bright and innovative future, defined by technological progress, safety, compliance and employee welfare. With the support of government, businesses and the wider logistics community, we aim to create an industry that has the systems in place to constantly adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers; future tools are utilised to unlock every possible inch of efficiency; talented and skilled workers are attracted to join the sector; and we achieve zero atmospheric emissions and near zero deaths and injuries from freight movements. And we aim to do this all by 5050.”
The event was also supported by Multimodal 2019 and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
www.fta.co.uk
As part of the aviation-only collaboration, Fuel Proof will supply bunded tanks, with capacities from 330 litres up to 85,000 litres, to a number of airports and air fields across the UK
Heysham-based fuel storage equipment manufacturer, Fuel Proof, has entered into a new partnership with Gulf Aviation. The new collaboration will see the two international brands work together on the storage and distribution of Jet A1 and Avgas 100LL fuels for a range of Gulf Aviation customers across the UK, which includes Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport.
As part of the aviation-only collaboration, Fuel Proof will supply a range of bunded tanks with capacities from 330 litres all the way up to 85,000 litres, to a number of airports and air fields across the UK.
With an inner tank constructed from stainless steel, the storage tanks offer security and durability with systems that are designed to deliver better security, service life, ease of use, reliability and value for money for aviation customers.
The storage options will be available through leases, lease purchases or direct sales and can be adapted to meet individual budgets and requirements.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Fuel Proof to enhance the storage capabilities we can offer our aviation fuel customers,” said commercial manager, David Dykes.
“We know from listening to our customers that they already trust the Fuel Proof brand and welcome the quality of their products and the safety they offer. It was one of the main reasons we chose to speak with them about a partnership, and we also know they share the same values as us in terms of providing excellent service and exceptional value.”
Roger Pilkington, who oversees the aviation department at Fuel Proof, added:
“We are very excited about the opportunity this offers us as a business – Gulf Aviation is a huge company and an internationally-recognised brand.
“We know our products offer the highest in quality, so we are confident in our ability to accommodate all fuel requests – from small airfields to regional airports. We’re looking forward to growing and adapting with Gulf Aviation over the course of our partnership.”www.gulfaviation.co.uk
Paying their respects – Gleaner Oils in Elgin and Marsh Fuels in Newbury and as Fuel Oil News editor Jane Raphael was taking this poignant WW1 scene in the Cheshire village of Lower Peover, an NWF Fuels tanker was passing by
As the centenary of Armistice Day approached, Fuel Oil News was pleased to see photographs of tankers with large red poppies.
Knowing that the origins of many early fuel distribution businesses came about post war, their tributes to the fallen are very apt.
At Gleaner Oils, Emma Golledge said:
“Whilst there is no direct link between the founders and the Armed Forces, our head office in Elgin is situated next to an RAF base and an Army base, so many of our staff and customers in the area have very strong links to the military.”
Dave Marsh at Marsh Fuels in Berkshire said:
“As individuals and as a company we like to show our respect for those who gave their lives in the service of the Armed Forces and for those who serve today.”If your company has a photograph to share, please send to jane@andpublishing.co.uk.
Celebrating on the panoramic deck of the National Theatre in London are Eleven Recruitment director, Sarah Stott with Nick Kendall (l) and Mark Nolan, Nolan Oils
On Thursday 8th November fuel distributors, recruitment clients and candidates gathered at the National Theatre in London to not only celebrate Oil Recruitment’s 20th birthday, but also to launch Oil Recruitment’s rebrand to Eleven Recruitment.
Oil Recruitment has been well-known in the downstream fuel distribution industry for the past 20 years.
Speaking to Fuel Oil News for the October 2018 issue, managing director Nick Smith explained the reasons behind the new name and the new look. See here.
“In addition to its strong oil focus, Oil Recruitment has actually covered non-oil sectors for most of those 20 years. Indeed, we’ve been finding roles for people in gas & power and speciality chemicals for 19 years.
“Eleven Recruitment’s focus is now on deepening the specialism within each of its existing niche sectors through a widening knowledge and greater research,” added Nick.
Within the next five years, Eleven Recruitment aims to have earned a position as first choice recruitment partner for the fuel distribution sector, and to have doubled the size of its team in each sector.www.elevenrecruitment.com
“The FPS strongly believes that a liquid fuel – a greener version of existing heating oil – can and should play a big part in how the future needs of off-grid homeowners are met,” says Guy Pulham, FPS CEO
As an alternative to heating oil, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has reiterated its ongoing commitment to a carbon neutral liquid fuel or e-fuel.
Giving evidence to an inquiry on technologies to meet Clean Growth emission reduction targets last month, the FPS called on government to invest in and encourage the development of e-fuels.
“The FPS strongly believes that a liquid fuel – a greener version of existing heating oil – can and should play a big part in how the future needs of off-grid homeowners are met,” said FPS CEO Guy Pulham.
“We believe Clean Growth emission reduction targets can be met – and met in such a way that doesn’t cause rural households a huge expense or inconvenience.
“Whilst we understand the investment in electric solutions, we’re concerned that for heating rural homes switching to an electric heating system from an oil boiler and tank system is not straightforward or cheap.
“It makes sense to enjoy the benefits of a liquid fuel which would allow homeowners to cut their carbon footprint, without a big upfront charge and in a relatively easy way with just a few modifications. Plans are already in place to begin testing various bio fuels in the real world in both the UK and Europe.
“We believe that government needs to create the same drive for development in the UK as we’re seeing in Europe. The government states in its Clean Growth Strategy that the UK should lead the way in innovation, we believe funding research into e-fuels is a perfect opportunity.
“Short-term steps can also be taken to reduce emissions, including replacing old boilers with oil-fired condensing boilers, using smart meters and smart controls to maximise the energy efficiency, and installing better insulation to keep more heat in and use less fuel.
“We will continue to work in partnership with other trade associations in the UK and Europe to develop alternative, greener liquid fuel technology,” concluded Guy.www.fpsonline.co.uk
“Our Norwich team will play a core part in delivering a compelling experience for our customers, and in fuelling Watson Fuels’ continued success,” said Serena Scott, regional domestic manager who is heading up the centre
On Wednesday 14th November, Watson Fuels will officially open its new Norwich Customer Contact Centre. Joining the Watson Fuels UK management team for the ribbon cutting ceremony will be the global World Fuel Services leadership team.
Delegates attending the inaugural conference in 2017
On Tuesday 13th November Certas Energy will be holding its second Clean Air Conference, with this year’s conference taking place at Herringham Hall, Regents University, London.
Alternative fuels represent a real and immediate solution to cleaning up Britain’s air quality problem while maintaining business productivity and profitability – however, there is confusion amongst businesses around the benefits of alternative fuels and their role in reducing emissions.
The conference, which is designed to ‘clear the air on alternative fuels and explore ways businesses can help improve local air quality’ will feature many highlights including the launch of its latest industry report – The Alternative Guide to navigating the new Energy Mix: Separating Fuel Facts from Fiction’Conference agenda and speakers
The transaction provides an attractive entry into the Port of Amsterdam. Historically, the NuStar Europe business has experienced a high contract renewal rate with its customers with storage utilisation rates averaging approximately 90% in the first half of 2018
Inter Pipeline’s European storage subsidiary, Inter Terminals has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of NuStar Energy, L.P.’s European bulk liquid storage business, NuStar Europe for cash consideration of USD$270 million, or approximately CAD$354 million.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
“The addition of NuStar Europe is an exciting step forward for our European bulk liquid storage business,” commented Christian Bayle, Inter Pipeline’s president and chief executive officer.
“The acquisition materially increases our overall storage capacity and establishes Inter Terminals as the UK’s largest independent storage operator.
Furthermore, the transaction provides an attractive entry into the Port of Amsterdam. The Port is the world’s largest gasoline blending hub and has experienced significant storage growth over the years.”
NuStar Europe consists of seven coastal terminals totaling 9.1 million barrels of storage. One terminal is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands with the remaining facilities located in the United Kingdom (UK) near London, Runcorn, Eastham, Grangemouth, Clydebank and Belfast. The acquisition will increase Inter Terminal’s storage capacity by approximately 33% to 37 million barrels.
In the UK, the 1.9 million barrel Grays terminal is strategically located on the river Thames and serves the greater London area. Grays is responsible for handling approximately 17 million barrels of refined products per year, and provides cost effective access to London’s fuel distribution network. The 49-tank terminal has averaged approximately 100 percent utilisation over the past three years.
The smaller terminals at Belfast, Eastham, Grangemouth, Runcorn and Clydebank in the UK primarily support the distribution of petrochemicals, gasoline, diesel and sulphur to regional demand centres.
The 3.8 million barrel state-of-the-art terminal in Amsterdam plays a key role in the Port of Amsterdam with approximately 10% of the independent storage capacity. The terminal provides gasoline, gas oil and fuel oil storage, and blending services, including those required to produce IMO 2020 compliant marine fuels. The 44-tank facility has averaged approximately 100% utilisation over the past three years.
Cash flow in the business is supported by cost-of-service and fixed-fee contracts with major integrated oil companies, petrochemical companies and petroleum traders with terms typically ranging from one to five years. Additional revenue is generated through ancillary services such as product blending and throughput fees.www.interterminals.com
By January 2019, over 70% of Wincanton’s fleet will meet Euro 6 standards for exhaust emissions of NOx and other pollutants
As the government looks for ways to reduce harmful emissions, several Clean Air Zones (CAZ) have been identified and agreed by local authorities across the UK. While this is a positive step for air quality and the environment, it carries consequences for many industries – particularly logistics – which will have to anticipate the new charges when driving in these zones.
For example, some city councils have suggested daily charges of up to £12.50 for taxis and private cars to drive in designated Clean Air Zones. This increases to up to £100 per day for lorries and HGVs, a significant cost, not just for businesses but inevitably for the customer.
The five cities that have been identified for the CAZ are Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton with London selected for an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Companies which have invested in ‘clean’ engines will not incur charges but there could be a large proportion of businesses which are unaware of these changes or how they might affect them.
A recent survey from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), found that only 55% of small and medium-sized businesses know that CAZs are being introduced. Companies not investing in clean engines or working with reputable partners who are, risk being hit by these costs.
At Wincanton, over 70% of our fleet will meet Euro 6 standards for exhaust emissions of NOx and other pollutants by January 2019. We are confident that with the latest technology and renewal of the fleet we will meet the requirements of the CAZ for our own benefit and that of our customers. What’s more we are the first (and only) 3PL to have committed to electric trucks for urban deliveries, with a small fleet of FUSO eCanter vehicles currently being rolled out with a major customer.
However, we realise not all providers will be in this position, whether they are a 3PL or subcontractor and this means higher operating costs. If these costs eventually get passed onto customers, businesses could soon see the negative impact of high emission engines not only on the environment but also on their bottom line.
Time is ticking for companies to take action on this issue. There is a deadline of 31st December for local authorities to publish plans on what Clean Air Zones will look like and confirm charges for different types of vehicles.
From plastic to air pollution, environmental issues have never been so high on the public agenda.www.wincanton.co.uk
Adrian Proctor (l) and Barry Newton at the Geos Group’s terminal in the Port of Blyth
Fuel Oil News recently visited the Port of Blyth to see the Geos Group’s terminal first hand. Specialists in marine gas oil supply and distribution, the group is now the largest independent marine fuel supplier in the UK
Keen to learn more about the company’s Sea Bunkering’s trading origins, and to discover what prompted the move into a physical fuel supply, editor Jane Raphael met with managing director Barry Newton and commercial director Adrian Proctor, both based at the company’s Henley-on-Thames head office.
Barry, who had previously worked with Phillips 66, joined Sea Bunkering in the city of Hull back in the 1990s with the emphasis firmly on oil trading.
“In those pre-internet days selling marine fuel literally meant driving to the port to ask if anyone needed it! Whilst our fuel supply was then sourced through a network of physical suppliers,” explained Barry.
“The biggest change to this market has been the internet which moved the industry from local to global – going into physical storage was an opportunity that we just had to take.”
The Blyth terminal – wholly-owned by the Geos Group – was opened in 2015 in a port which had previously been without any fuel provision. The project was led and managed by Liz Winship who now works alongside the terminal’s operations manager, Norman Donaldson and three operatives.
“From a strategic point of view, it is best that we control our own fuel stocks,” explained Adrian.
“Having a physical footprint gives us far better flexibility to meet customer demand and to be much more proactive on sales. Additionally, many of our customers work in environments where fuel is needed very quickly, particularly if another energy source fails.”
Varun is looking forward to working with colleagues old and new as Greenergy expands its low-cost/high service offer to marine fuel customers
Varun Chhabria has joined Greenergy as group head of marine fuels. Joining from Certas Energy, Varun is already well-known within Greenergy, having previously worked at Inver Energy.
As the UK’s largest fuel supplier, Greenergy has made significant infrastructure investments in order to import and supply its own fuel products. The company now intends to leverage these infrastructure capabilities to support marine customers.
Changes to marine fuel specifications in 2020 are making marine fuels more similar to the road fuels that we currently supply,” explained Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“We therefore intend to build on our existing distillate supply chains to blend, store and supply marine fuels, both in the UK and further afield. Varun brings a wealth of experience to this project and we welcome him to the team.”
“The combination of Greenergy’s scale in the UK and its international expansion make this an exciting time to be joining the company,” added Varun.
“The company has strength and depth across its business and I look forward to working with colleagues old and new as we expand Greenergy’s low-cost/high service offer to marine fuel customers.”www.greenergy.com
Commercial director Jonathan Davies beside the new vehicles which have been named Glyndwr and Dai after former members of staff
Joining a fleet of 15 trucks, Ammanford-based DJ Davies Fuels has acquired its first Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit and a 3.5-tonne FUSO Canter from Euro Commercials.
Operating from a strategically located network of depots throughout South Wales, DJ Davies not only supplies domestic heating oil, industrial, commercial and agricultural fuel oils, but also premium solid fuels, including smokeless coal, multi-fuel briquettes and firewood logs.
The Canter is now undertaking local deliveries from Lampeter – and offers a nationwide solid fuel delivery service to retail customers via fuels4u.com.
The tractor unit is busy undertaking work for the Fuel Express consortium which specialises in the distribution of a pre-packed domestic fuel, barbecue charcoal, gas and ancillary products to national and independent forecourts and convenience stores. Recent expansion has seen DJ Davies not only covering Wales for Fuel Express, but also now having additional responsibility for south west England.
Commercial director Jonathan Davies whose grandfather Denzil founded the business in 1971, said:
“Both new trucks are named after former employees. The Actros is ‘Glyndwr’, in honour of Glyndwr Williams, a lorry enthusiast who worked for the company as a driver’s helper for more than 30 years, before retiring due to ill health in 2017.
The Canter is named after Dai Collins, who passed away in 2014 after losing his battle with cancer – Mr Collins had spent his working life at the Swansea branch which DJ Davies acquired 10 years ago.
“Glyndwr and Dai were both very popular with colleagues and these expressions of recognition for former members of staff have been very well received by those with whom they worked. Glyndwr is delighted to see his name on the Actros, and Dai’s family have thanked us for the gesture.”www.djdaviesfuels.co.uk
Credit: MrJub
With mid-October witnessing the first Green GB Week to promote action on climate change, OFTEC has received further evidence that its work to develop a low carbon liquid fuel to replace kerosene could provide the answer to reducing carbon emissions from heating rural homes.
Earlier this year, OFTEC commissioned a series of independent reports into the viability of liquid biofuels to meet the future needs of the 2.2 million homes across the UK and Republic of Ireland which currently rely on oil. The initial findings offer positive reading.
The reports outline the growing demand for biofuels from the UK and EU and the willingness of major suppliers to meet this, as well as their interest in new markets such as domestic heating.
Biodiesel from waste blends, primarily Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME) and Tallow Methyl Ester (TME), would provide the most likely solution in the short term, moving to blends from other waste streams in the medium to longer term.
The reports recognise current concerns over sustainability of supply but suggest that this will be addressed as the biofuel market develops further and demand grows, technologies advance and other sources of raw material become more readily available.
Speaking during Green GB Week, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose said:
“We firmly believe the answer lies in biofuels and these latest reports add further credence to our thinking. The IPCC report starkly outlines the urgent need to ramp up action on climate change now. We are continuing our calls to government to support our work in transferring oil heated homes to a low carbon future in the most cost-effective way and will continue to channel our resources into making this happen.
“A liquid biofuel would offer these households an almost drop-in replacement for kerosene. We are working closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy alongside wider industry, to ensure that oil heated homes are provided with the right, future proof low carbon solution for their needs.”www.oftec.org
Brian Worrall, the new UPEI president looks forward to ‘engaging more deeply on the role that independent fuel suppliers can play in the energy transition’
At its general meeting held in Bonn on 18-19 October, the UPEI membership elected Brian Worrall as president of the presiding board, taking over from acting president Thierry De Meulder.
Director of corporate affairs for DCC/Certas Energy UK, Brian Worrall has held the office of vice president of UPEI since January 2018 with Mathias Ploetzke (MEW – Mittelständische Energiewirtschaft Deutschland) elected to Brian’s former position.
“I am delighted to take up the position of UPEI president and thank the membership for its confidence and support in this respect,” said Brian.
“I look forward to taking UPEI forward and engaging more deeply on the role that independent fuel suppliers can play in the energy transition, as well as the potential and benefits of liquid fuels in this context.
“I would like to pay tribute to my predecessors Thomas Johannsen and Thierry De Meulder and thank them for their commitment and hard work.”
Tim Doggett – ‘looking forward to exciting times ahead and to reaching our next fuel logistics landmark’
Clugston Distribution, which has recently hit the landmark figure of distributing over two billion litres of fuel, is on target to deliver another record result this year with the delivery of over 407 million litres of fuel; the highest figure since the company expanded into bulk fuel distribution in 2012.
The company’s dedicated bulk fuel logistics fleet now consists of 18 vehicles, 20 trailers, 32 drivers and two planners serving an ever-growing number of fuel customers with increasing demand from three strategic locations in Billingham in the north east, Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire and Upper Broughton in the East Midlands, with customers ranging from supermarkets, ship operators and vehicle manufacturers through to independent petrol stations and fuel suppliers across the UK and Europe.
“Since 2012, the bulk fuel sector has been an area we have excelled in,” said distribution director, Tim Doggett,
“The close proximity of our main distribution hub in Scunthorpe to the Immingham refineries is the ideal platform to further grow the fuel side of the business. Our expertise in delivering quality and timely logistics services to our customers has ensured steady progression and sustained growth.
“2018 has also seen us invest across the business, including the expansion of our international services with the introduction of new routes and capabilities across road, air and sea which further complements and adds to our well-established bulk fuel, powder and general distribution logistics services.”www.clugston.co.uk/logistics/
“Expansion of our involvement in aviation fuel supply is an important strategic step for Petrolog,” said Mark Binns, director of the business unit Petrolog. Credit: AlexeyPetrov
“We are very pleased to be able to add new business that further extends our relationship with long-standing customers,” said Mark Binns, director of the business unit Petrolog.
In the UK HOYER is reporting positive business developments through the signing of new contracts with Air BP and WFS (World Fuel Services) with TOTAL Deutschland GmbH in Germany, and Valero Energy at Dublin airport.
This year Petrolog was awarded a contract with Air BP for fuel deliveries to 96 airports throughout the UK with HOYER undertaking the whole of Air BP’s delivery logistics, including monitoring of stocks, generating and receiving orders, and delivery.WFS (World Fuel Services) has signed a three-year contract to supply four airports across the north of the UK.
HOYER has been responsible for deliveries to service station networks of BP and TOTAL for many years, and WFS more recently.
Since late August Petrolog has also been supplying aviation fuel on a daily basis to Berlin’s Tegel airport on behalf of TOTAL Deutschland GmbH.
The HOYER Group’s business unit Chemilog also helps to ensure smooth air traffic. During the winter months, the unit not only supplies several airports with de-icing agents for runways, but the division also covers almost the entire Europe-wide logistics for a leading manufacturer of aircraft de-icing agents. Due to the unpredictable and often short-term demand, HOYER offers a 24/7 on-call service and thus guarantees delivery times within a few hours.www.hoyer-group.com
Having recently acquired Birlem Oil, the Crown Oil Group’s Speedy Fuels brand is looking forward to expanding its presence in the south east
This month has seen Crown Oil acquire two fuel distributors – Oldbury-based Beesley Fuels and London-based Birlem Oil.
Run by the Beesley family for more than 50 years, Beesley Fuels which turns over £8.5m, was sold for an undisclosed sum. Having worked together for the past 20 years, when Andrew Beesley decided to retire, Crown made the decision to purchase.
“I’m delighted to see Beesley Fuels become part of another strong family business and looking forward to watching it flourish,” said Andrew.
Expanding its presence in the south east, the Crown Group’s Speedy Oil brand has also acquired Birlem Oil which has three depots east, west and north of London.
“We’re delighted with the acquisition of Birlem,” said Matthew Greensmith, managing director of the Crown Oil Group.
“We’ve worked with the Buckley family for a number of years and they share the same values as us, the business is a natural fit for the group.”
“Speedy has been a valued partner of Birlem for a number of years so it seemed only right that the business should continue its journey under its care,” added Kirk Buckley.
“We’re pleased to have been able to reach a deal with Crown and the Greensmith family and look forward to watching Birlem go from strength to strength under their ownership.”crownoil.co.uk
As NOx emissions legislation tightens, Viessmann’s proven, sophisticated blue flame burner technology future-proofs the Vitorondens oil boiler for the UK
Viessmann is formally adding a domestic oil boiler to its UK product range, having operated in the market for many years as a niche player.
The Vitorondens 200-T floor-standing oil-condensing boiler features Viessmann’s bespoke two-stage Vitoflame blue flame condensing oil technology and is future-proofed against tightening OFTEC laws on NOx emissions that come into force on 26th September and are set to become more stringent in the next five years.
“The exceptionally high standards of the Vitorondens 200-T has been proven in Germany and other international markets for many years,” said Viessmann’s marketing director, Darren McMahon.
“The time is now right for the Vitorondens boiler to be more widely introduced into the UK as an alternative to biomass and LPG boilers for off-grid customers and where renewable options aren’t always ideal – for example, in older and less well insulated buildings which need a high-temperature heating system.”
The Vitorondens boiler complies with the new OFTEC requirement for maximum flue gas NOx emissions of 120mg/kWh and it will meet the even lower NOx emissions levels expected to be legislated in the next five years.
“This will be good news for our installers, to whom we now provide a complete product range and access to technology that’s easy to install, well-proven and future-proofed against future changes in legislation,” added Darren.
“Sharing the same connections as our Vitodens gas boilers, the Vitorondens 200-T can be installed via Viessmann’s time-saving four-pipe system, which has no need for cut-off valves or cylinder-overheat thermostats.”
Where kerosene is used as a fuel, installers can acquire a conversion kit by contacting comsales-uk@viessmann.com or 01952 675090.
Greenergy has acquired 100% of the shares of Rexon Energy, a used cooking oil exporter based in Singapore. This is an upstream investment for Greenergy to provide raw materials for its biodiesel manufacturing operations including those at Immingham and Teesside.
“We have increased our purchasing of used cooking oils from around the world over a number of years and Rexon has become a significant supplier,” said Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“Our acquisition of Rexon provides greater integration in this part of our supply chain.”
Greenergy continues to expand its manufacturing operations through incremental investment at its facilities on Teesside and at Immingham in the UK. The company has also recently acquired a biodiesel manufacturing facility in Amsterdam which is due to commence production in 2019.
www.greenergy.com
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has called on the government to introduce E10 at the earliest possible opportunity as news emerged earlier this month of Vivergo Fuels’ plans to close its bioethanol plant in Hull.
Making the announcement, Mark Chesworth, Vivergo Fuels’ managing director, said:
“The government’s lack of pace to introduce E10 over the past decade has further undermined our ability to operate” and contributed to the decision to close a plant capable of producing up to 420m litres a year of bioethanol.
The government wants to see the introduction of greener petrol with twice the renewable ethanol content – known as E10 – and is currently running a consultation on the subject. E10 will deliver emissions savings equivalent to taking 700,000 cars off the road as well as bringing many other benefits.
However, the government has merely issued a call for evidence on introduction of E10, whereas the main proposal in the consultation document is a requirement on larger filling stations to ensure regular E5 petrol continues to remain available. The document acknowledges this requirement would have the consequence of delaying the introduction of E10.
“Introducing E10 should be a government priority,” said Gaynor Hartnell, REA’s head of renewable fuels.
“Vivergo is a part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse project and a great example of highly-skilled British manufacturing. At a time when the UK is facing substantial external energy risks government should be doing all it can to ensure a market for domestically-produced, environmentally sustainable fuels.
“A simple mandate is favoured by most of the relevant stakeholders, including the NFU and ourselves; had the current government consultation proposed this, perhaps Vivergo would not be making this announcement.”
vivergofuels.com
www.r-e-a.net