FUEL OIL NEWS DIRECTORY 2018 FREE WITH YOUR MAY ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS – OUT SOON EMAIL: ann@andpublishing.co.uk

The CHP Unit will help Valero’s Pembroke refinery better control future electricity costs and achieve greater energy efficiency Proposals to construct a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cogeneration Unit at Pembroke Refinery have been given approval by Valero Energy Corporation, following the Welsh Government’s decision to grant planning permission for the planned £127 million project. The 45-megawatt unit proposed by Valero will provide power for the refinery, as well as supplement the refinery’s steam demand, and is the first project of its kind to receive planning permission as a Development of National Significance process under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. With the UK refining industry facing numerous challenges, the CHP Unit will help Valero better control future electricity costs and achieve greater energy efficiency. These changes will ensure refinery operations run more sustainably and that Pembroke – which is one of the leading employers in south Wales and one of Europe’s largest and most complex refineries – continues to be successful in the competitive global market. “Valero’s decision to approve our CHP Unit plans caps a year of tremendous effort to obtain approval for this major investment in the Welsh economy,” said Ed Tomp, Valero vice president and refinery general manager. “This project is at the heart of our plans to maintain the refinery’s long-term viability and help to secure future jobs in the downstream oil sector in Wales. Now that final approval has been received from the corporation, we will appoint a principal contractor to begin the construction phase and later this year hold an open day for local people to discuss job opportunities during the project.”www.valero.com/en-us/Pages/Pembroke.aspx 

Chief executive Guy Pulham says the FPS is eager to engage with the BEIS consultation and is urging all members to submit evidence to help shape the future of our industry On 19th March the Department for Business, Energy & lndustrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation period ‘seeking evidence and views on action we can take during the 2020s to phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating in off gas grid buildings‘ Evidence is sought from across society and, in particular, from consumers and the heat market – those using or working with fossil fuels and those using or working with low carbon alternatives.www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-future-framework-for-heat-in-buildings-call-for-evidence The closing date is 11.45pm on Monday 11th June. The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has welcomed this dialogue with BEIS which follows a roundtable discussion on government plans to decarbonise heating from the 1.2m homes and 250,000 businesses across the UK currently using oil heating. The FPS and its members put forward their thoughts as to how they want to work with government, providing information and ideas on action the government can take to meet carbon reduction targets in off gas grid buildings including taking a stepped change approach to carbon reductions through a government supported nationwide scheme to replace older oil boilers with energy efficient condensing boilers, the development of a bio fuel and alternative research into hybrid systems. The FPS also highlighted the important role members play in supplying not only heating oil but also fuel for agriculture, construction, road transport, marine fuels and fuel for back-up generators for hospitals, schools, care homes and data centres. “The initial direction of the Clean Growth Strategy didn’t appear to be technology neutral, so it’s positive that BEIS is now consulting further and asking for ideas and information from the heating oil industry,” said Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive. “We recognise the government’s work to meet the 2050 carbon reduction target, but oil and – more long-term – a bio product, can be part of the phased solution. We can put forward an alternative, credible solution with government support to achieve genuine energy savings in the short term and CO2 emission reduction through research into bio fuels to smooth the changeover to a decarbonised heat supply.” “All our members have a vital role to play in helping the government reach the right decisions on the best way forward for off grid energy solutions. The government talks about our heating industry retaining its position as a world leader and we believe that with assistance with research and development incentives we can help to lead the change,” added Guy. The FPS has also urged BEIS to facilitate a dialogue with the full supply chain so that refiners, importers and associated industries, such as aviation, are also included.

“While OFTEC in principal supports government’s desire to reduce carbon emissions, this cannot be at the expense of energy security,” says Paul Rose, OFTEC chief executive The impact of the recent extreme cold weather on the country’s energy supply should raise important questions for politicians as they consider the pathways towards future decarbonised energy, says OFTEC. The concerns over maintaining electricity supplies and whether natural gas would run out during the big freeze were, in the main, unfounded. However, the situation could have been very different if the UK were heavily dependent on electricity for heat and transport as outlined in many decarbonisation proposals. A combination of prolonged extreme weather, low temperatures and low wind speeds would place an enormous strain on the grid’s ability to generate sufficient electricity from renewable sources. This, combined with the enormous spike in demand, could leave many consumers without heat, light or transport – just when it is needed most. “Fuel security should be high on the list of priorities when energy planners and politicians are thinking about how to decarbonise our energy needs,” said Paul Rose, OFTEC chief executive. “The recent cold spell put severe strain on natural gas supplies and both oil and coal were required to help produce power at the major power stations. “Many policy advisors advocate a shift to decarbonised electricity for our future energy and transport needs. However, relying on one fuel type may leave us vulnerable over the winter months, particularly during extreme weather conditions which are expected to become more commonplace in our increasingly unpredictable climate. “At OFTEC, we believe that no single solution can meet society’s future energy needs. Embracing a broad mix of energy sources would reduce risk and we advocate an approach which would see a combination of low carbon liquid fuels, gas, biomass and electricity, depending on which best suits the needs of the homeowner.”www.oftec.org

FPS EXPO 2018 will take place on 18th and 19th April – register online at www.fpsshow.co.uk Following a very successful second exhibition at Liverpool in 2017, FPS EXPO 2018 will once again take place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th April with all exhibitors under one roof and a floorspace of over 8100 sq. metres.  Now in its 38th year, FPS EXPO 2018 will have over 150 companies from both the UK and Europe, with first time exhibitors Bunded Fuel Tanks t/a Weld Smart, GreenChem, Fairfax 3D Design, Cardfox Merchant Services, Normec S.r.l. The Oil Lady, Octane Holding Group and Storage Partners Sp.z.o.o. Ashdowne Oil & Chemical, Close Brothers Asset Finance, REDS Group, Cavagna UK, Talent Retention Solutions (TRS) and Wirehouse Employment Services. “Entry to the exhibition is free and the event normally attracts over 1200 visitors from around the globe, including the USA, China and Europe but this year the FPS is expecting to exceed those numbers,” said Dawn Shakespeare, FPS marketing & events manager. New FPS CEO Guy Pulham will be on stand 126 at the entrance to the exhibition and will be available to talk to visitors about the benefits of becoming a member of the trade association. Visitor registration is available online at www.fpsshow.co.uk. For more show information, please contact Dawn Shakespeare ds@fpsonline.co.uk. 

When a tanker overturned recently on a County Tyrone highway, a bar of household soap was called upon to stop thousands of litres of diesel spilling out.

The JET brand has recently added more sites to its growing network Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Intake Developments, has renewed its fuel supply contract with JET.  With a 100% supply position, JET has been Intake Developments’ fuel supplier of choice for over 35 years now, making the operator, which operates 10 sites, one of JET’s longest-standing customers.  “Since John and Anne Campbell, the founders of Intake Development, started a relationship with JET over 35 years ago, we’ve been consistently impressed by their professional but friendly approach to any topic or challenge we’ve faced,” said Intake Developments managing director, Robert Campbell. “The JET image is immediately recognisable and very familiar to customers in our region and has been updated and modernised to stand out in the modern market. We appreciate the personable, friendly approach that all JET staff have for their business partners. “This latest supply contract sets us on the journey towards 40 years of being Intake Developments’ fuel supplier of choice,” added Carl Smaller, JET’s retail account manager, North East. Intake Developments is currently in the process of purchasing new rollover car washes and a group of new jet washes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing best-in-class wash facilities to its customers. Work is also about to commence on forecourt resurfacing to improve safety and aesthetics of all ten sites. JET has also secured two new site wins – JET Barton Road Garage on the Shropshire-Wales border and Penny Newby Service Station in Scarborough. Since joining, both sites have been reimaged with JET’s latest image on the canopies, stanchions, pumps and pole signs, and both have opted to introduce JET’s SENTINELTM Diesel to meet customer demand for premium fuels.www.phillips66.co.uk/EN/jetbrand 

The SemLogistics acquisition is expected to be completed in Q3 meanwhile at the beginning of February Valero-branded tankers began lifting product from NuStar’s Thames terminal as part of a long term commitment to the south east of England Last week Valero Logistics UK, a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation, and SemGroup Europe Holding, a SemGroup Corporation company, signed an agreement for the purchase of SemLogistics Milford Haven fuel storage facility. Situated across the Haven from Valero’s refinery at Pembroke, the facility is one of the UK’s largest petroleum products storage facilities with 8.5 million barrels of capacity for storing gasoline, gasoline blend stocks, naphtha, jet fuel, gas oil, diesel, and crude oil. Over 67% of the storage capacity is multi-product or dual purpose, giving Valero the flexibility to meet customers’ demands in the UK and throughout Northwest Europe. Additionally, Milford Haven will continue to operate as a third-party storage facility, offering storage options for third-party customers across the European petroleum markets. “This facility complements our Pembroke refinery and fuel terminals in the UK and Ireland, making it a natural fit for the company,” said Joe Gorder, Valero chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This purchase demonstrates Valero’s commitment to Wales and the UK, and it aligns with our strategy to grow the logistics business and reduce secondary costs,” added Gorder. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, Valero expects the purchase be completed in the third quarter of 2018. Valero also expects to retain the UK employees currently engaged in the business to be acquired.www.valero.com

This new aviation fuel transport contract is ‘a further progression in HOYER’S business relationship with World Fuel Services’ says Allan Davidson HOYER Petrolog has signed an agreement with World Fuel Services to provide aviation fuel transport in Scotland. As part of the agreement HOYER will deliver fuel to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Newcastle Airports from the Grangemouth oil terminal. The agreement will add approximately 13 drivers, four vehicles and £1.5m annual turnover to HOYER Petrolog in the UK. “This new agreement represents a further progression in our business relationship with World Fuel Services, a growing fuels provider in the UK,” says Allan Davison, operations director, HOYER Petrolog. The new agreement is set to commence on 1st May 2018.www.hoyer.uk.com 

Marking the start of the partnership – Olly Dale, commercial director at Liverpool FC and Tony Weatherill, managing director of global marketing, research and development at Petro-Canada Lubricants In a three-year deal made earlier this month, Liverpool FC announced Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc (PCLI) as a global partner. “We’re delighted to welcome Petro-Canada Lubricants as an official partner of Liverpool FC,” said Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer. “To partner with a global business that shares LFC’s values of ambition and commitment is incredibly exciting for the Club. We look forward to working with PCLI to create unique and exciting programs which will help us engage with our fans and their customers around the world.”

NuStar currently has approximately 8,700 miles of pipeline and 79 terminal and storage facilities that store and distribute crude oil, refined products and specialty liquids Phase 1 of NuStar’s £25 million investment at Grays has now been completed with Jetty 1 receiving its first vessel earlier this month.  Recent upgrades now enable the jetty to receive vessels of up to 125,000 GDT due to an improved draft of 12.8 M, max LOA of 244 M and unrestricted beam. The new marine loading arms and additional shipping lines will ensure efficient vessel discharge. Jetty 2 works will be completed by the end of Q1 2018. In addition, four new road loading gantries have been commissioned, with a further one to be added by the end of Q1. This will result in the terminal having 7 retail bays available, plus 5 separate commercial loading bays. “This upgrade is a strategic investment for NuStar on the Thames and it will provide significant growth potential,” said UK vice president David McLoughlin. “Independent supply in the south east of England is critical to the competitiveness of the region and our clients have been fully supportive of this investment, which will enable the terminal to receive larger cargoes at a significantly faster rate than previously possible. “Grays Terminal is also ideally located, being close to the M25, which minimises road freight rates.”nustarenergy.com

In partnership with Future First, Greenergy is offering school students in years 10, 11 and 12 the chance to visit sites and talk with the company’s apprentices to find out more about working in the energy industry National education charity Future First has partnered with Greenergy to help inform state school students about the skills necessary to succeed in the energy and fuel industry. Under the scheme, Greenergy, will welcome local state school students from Years 10, 11 and 12 with an interest in maths, technology and sciences to its fuel terminals and biofuel manufacturing plants.  Greenergy will coordinate site tours, offer talks with apprentices and site management about their own career pathways and provide insight into the study routes they chose to pursue specific roles. The project forms part of Greenergy’s commitment to promote STEM  – science, technology, engineering and maths – subjects in higher education and to support young people in local communities. “At Greenergy we employ over 800 people in a range of roles; from IT professionals, engineers, graphic designers to logistics personnel and truck drivers,” said chief executive Andrew Owens. “By giving students an insight into how our business works, we hope to demonstrate the range of opportunities available in the industry.” Future First’s partnership with Greenergy, a leading supplier of road fuels and Europe’s largest manufacturer of biofuel from waste, will allow more students to see what careers are available on their doorsteps and to access the experience and advice from people who work there,” said Christine Gilbert, executive chair of Future First and a former Ofsted chief inspector. “This opportunity will help the students understand the breadth of opportunities in the sector and the skills needed for this range of jobs.  Future First believes everyone should be able to succeed in a career of their choice, regardless of their background, and the opportunities and insights gained through this partnership will help many young people make more informed choices “Students will see what a modern workplace looks like in action and will be able talk to professionals working at Greenergy. They will be able to connect personally with people whose stories and experiences bring the industry alive.  Hearing from employees in interesting jobs helps students make better informed decisions about what they need for their working life as well as develop the skills employers are looking for today.” If you know of a school that would be interested in taking part in the scheme, email Emma Fay, head of innovation and development at Future First emma.fay@futurefirst.org.uk or call 0207 239 8933.futurefirst.org.uk 

Are you compliant with the new changes made to Scotland’s oil regulations? The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has contacted Fuel Oil News for assistance in drawing attention to the changes that are happening in Scotland with respect to oil regulations.  With new rules now in place, if you store oil on your premises for onward distribution you will need to review the changes to make sure you are compliant.

Hoyer’s Allan Davison – another important step towards achieving strategic growth objectives in the aviation fuels market HOYER has confirmed that the company has entered into an agreement with BP to provide aviation fuel transport and logistics services throughout the UK. As part of the contract HOYER will take on responsibility for stock progression, scheduling, despatch and physical delivery of all aviation fuel in the UK. “This agreement with BP provides another important step for HOYER in the UK to achieve its strategic growth objectives in the aviation fuels market,” says Allan Davison, operations director at HOYER Petrolog. “The contract award also builds on the already existing relationship between the HOYER Group and BP’s fuel retail business which is one of our most important corporate customers.”www.hoyer.uk.com

Following the theft of 1,500 litres of heating oil from Whitehaven Respite Unit in Co Antrim, a home for children with disabilities, a call out to distributor members of the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) resulted in Solo Direct offering to give the unit 1,000 litres of oil to help during this difficult time. With £1,000 worth of oil stolen over the Christmas period, unit workers and children were left in extremely cold conditions causing considerable disruption and upset in the local community. The theft was only discovered when staff opened the unit after the festivities.Speaking to the BBC at the time, the unit’s acting deputy manager, Linda Guthrie said: “An overnight stay had to be cancelled, causing distress to the five children who were due to visit the respite unit.  These children have a significant disability with a number having autism and it takes a lot of preparation for them to come to Whitehaven.” “This is particularly unpleasant for the staff and children at Whitehaven,” said David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland manager. “On a positive note, I was pleased that the oil industry responded generously with Solo Direct offering Whitehaven 1,000 litres of oil to demonstrate their support in this tough situation.” At Solo Direct Andrew Hutchinson told Fuel Oil News’ Irish correspondent Aine Faherty that after OFTEC made an appeal to Northern Ireland oil businesses, he felt the gesture was a chance to give something back to the community which had been outraged by the theft. “It’s just 1,000 litres of oil and one of those things I thought the business could and should do,” said Andrew. OFTEC has since reminded oil users including homeowners, farms, schools, businesses, play groups and churches to be particularly vigilant and to take precautions to protect their fuel. “During the winter when many people keep their fuel tank stocked up, they can be easy targets for thieves,” added David. “Usually it’s only when people run out of oil and their heating stops working that theft becomes apparent. Simple precautions such as making a regular note of your oil levels will help to ensure that you are not the victim of oil theft.” www.oftec.org

The Port of Blyth where Philips 66 has handed over road tanker deliveries of marine gas oil to the Geos Group As Phillips 66 steps back from end-user sales in the UK locations where it stores physical stock of marine gas oil, the Geos Group (Sea Bunkering) has taken over the company’s road tanker delivery at the Port of Blyth in the north east of England The Geos Group (Sea Bunkering) owns and operates the 15 million-litre marine gas oil facility in Blyth; it already manages ex-pipe operations there, and also provides road transport delivery services from other UK ports including Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth. The company’s resources and expertise have therefore ensured that the handover from Phillips 66 of road tanker deliveries at Blyth has been very straightforward. “This new development at Blyth is a good step forward for our business”, said Adrian Proctor, commercial director of The Geos Group (Sea Bunkering). “This is in step with our overall strategy of being in control of our supply chain from refinery to vessel. Managing our own fuel storage tanks, ex-pipe operations, sea tanker movements and road transport logistics puts us firmly in control of our inventory and the level of service we offer – and ultimately gives us a competitive advantage over other marine gas oil suppliers.” The Geos Group (Sea Bunkering) is a physical supplier and international trader of marine gas oil, with stock in Aberdeen, Blyth, Great Yarmouth, Peterhead, Montrose, Heysham, Lerwick and Scalloway. From these locations the company can deliver fuel to anywhere around the UK coastline.www.geosgroup.com

Robert Stephen White (56) and Paul White (36), who defrauded their customers by charging them for more fuel than was actually delivered, were both sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court for Fraud by False Representation between Jan 1st 2009 – Jan 1st 2014 and Acquiring Criminal Property between Jan 1st 2009 – Jan 1st 2014.  

Pictured with Certas Energy managing director, Steve Taylor, (l) is the 2017 winner Darren Gilham who spotted an unconscious lady in a car whilst he was out delivering. His quick thinking ensured the lady, who suffered from diabetes, made a full recovery. The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is seeking drivers who have gone the extra mile for their customers, or who have done something way beyond their normal duties. Sponsored by OAMPS Hazardous Industries the prestigious FPS driver of the year award carries a £1000 winner’s prize and two runner-up prizes of £250 each. “If the standard of last year’s entries was anything to go by, we’re going to have a hard task to decide on the winner for this year’s awards,” said Dawn Dawn Shakespeare, FPS marketing and events manager. Last year’s winner was Darren Gilham from Certas Energy’s Ashford depot with Chris Brooks of NWF/Evesons Fuels, Kenilworth depot and Clifford Tappin of Lovell Fuels as runners up. “These awards recognise the high standards being set by drivers in the UK and Ireland and we hope the awards will continue to encourage oil distributors to promote an ethos of safe driving, cleaner deliveries and outstanding customer care to create more drivers capable of winning this award. FPS member companies are invited to submit nominations for drivers who have been employed by the company since the start of 2017. The competition is also limited to one entry per depot. In addition, the nominated driver must have had an incident free year (no accidents or spillages) in 2017. The closing date for entries is 1st March 2018 and each shortlisted candidate will be interviewed in March 2018 with the winner being announced in April 2018. Nomination forms for the driver of the year award 2018 and further information are available via by emailing ds@fpsonline.co.uk.