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Top chef praises Olleco’s fundraising

Proud supporters of the charity Hospitality Action, Olleco has now raised over £54,000 in donations Olleco which converts organic waste into renewable energy has now donated £54,917.38 to Hospitality Action. The fundraising efforts of the company, which supplies premium cooking oils/fats and collects used cooking oil and waste food, were praised by Michel Roux Jr. “As a supporter of Hospitality Action, I’m delighted that Olleco, a long standing supplier of mine, is supporting a cause close to my heart. The on-going donation of over £54,000 is truly a phenomenal amount of money and will go a very long way towards helping those in our industry who have fallen on hard times. Olleco is clearly extremely passionate about giving back to the industry and I can’t thank them enough for their continued support of Hospitality Action.” Serving over 50,000 catering establishments, waste oil collected by Olleco is converted into biodiesel whilst waste food is converted into biomethane, electricity and heat. Olleco employs over 550 people, has 14 depots strategically located across the country, three bio-refineries, a biodiesel plant and two anaerobic digestion facilities. “We felt there was no better cause to support as the hospitality sector is at the very heart of what we do,” said Robert Behan Olleco CEO. “Every time we supply our customers with premium cooking oils and collect their organic waste, they’re not only helping the environment but are also strengthening this vital support network for their peers. The funds raised have been used by the charity to transform the lives of many of its beneficiaries who have experienced challenges in their lives and find themselves in need.”www.olleco.co.uk/about-us/hospitality-action

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Rix joins business resilience forum

Speaking about the threat of cyber crime Rix Petroleum’s Rory Clarke said: “Ignoring this threat to your business is like leaving the office with the alarm off and the keys in the front door.” The Humberside police force has teamed up with leading firms from across the area, including Rix Petroleum, and the Hull University Business School to form the Humber Business Resilience Forum (HBRF). From next month businesses across the Humberside force area will have the opportunity to sign up for a new way of protecting themselves from cyber criminals. “Cyber crime, including cyber enabled fraud, is the single biggest threat to our business today,” said Rory Clarke, managing director, Rix Petroleum, one of the first business leaders to be approached to join the HBRF board. “It comes in many guises and is occurring with increasing frequency. As a consequence cyber security management is critically important to the way that we operate. “Ultimately our cyber security protects our shareholders, customers, employees and suppliers from the significant risks of financial loss, business disruption and reputational damage which in turn ultimately protects employment, investment and business development in our region. Ignoring this threat to your business is like leaving the office with the alarm off and the keys in the front door.” The HBRF – which will officially launch in June – aims to be a one-stop-shop for businesses to access the most up to date knowledge and expertise on cyber security issues and how to protect themselves, via its website and open business seminars. “It’s believed that 90% of all cyber crime can be prevented by taking simple steps to improve security,” said DI Rich Osgerby. “The HBRF will provide a fantastic way of helping us to educate businesses of all sizes about how they can best do this.” “As technology changes working practices and our reliance on technological operations deepens, no organisation can afford to be casual about information security.” said Dr Dionysios Demetis from Hull University Business School. The launch of the Humber Business Resilience Forum will take place at Hull University Business School on Wednesday 8 June, 4-6pm as part of the 2016 Humber Business Week.www.hull.ac.uk/hubs

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Firsts for FPS EXPO in Liverpool

There was a warm welcome to FPS EXPO 2016 in Liverpool which offered a new venue, new city, new exhibitors, new products, new seminars and a new after show event The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has reported that FPS EXPO 2016 saw a 15% increase on last year’s visitor numbers. For the first time, the two-day event took place at the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool, (ECL) and recorded visitors from afar afield as the Falkland Islands, Australia, Singapore, the USA, Mexico and Canada as well as Europe. This year more than half of the exhibiting companies announced new products and services and – for the first time – key industry professionals from DVSA, HSE, the Deputy Traffic Commissioner and CIRIA spoke in a series of seminars. “The ability to network with all the major companies, organisations and associations involved in fuel distribution under one roof remains one of FPS EXPO’s key attractions,” said Dawn Shakespeare marketing and events manager. “FPS EXPO is always extremely popular but 2016 beat all expectations with the interest in Liverpool being phenomenal,” added Dawn. “The first night drinks reception meant that lots of exhibitors and visitors made the most of a fantastic opportunity to network on an informal basis, plus having our after show party at Circo Liverpool – a circus-themed bar/restaurant with panoramic views of Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock – was a great end to the exhibition. “Again this was a first for FPS EXPO – we wanted this year’s exhibition to end with a bang and we felt this venue would add to the uniqueness of the 2016 exhibition – new venue, new city, new exhibitors, new products, new seminars and a new after show event. Next year’s event also takes place at ECL Liverpool on 10th & 11th May. For more information or to book exhibition space visit www.fpsshow.co.uk or e-mail ds@fpsonline.co.uk.

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‘A significant accolade’ for Adler & Allan

Alan Scrafton (centre) with (l) Stewart Ower, MD of E&S Environmental and Richard Proctor, MD of Darcy’s Adler & Allan’s innovative ethanol coalescing filter has won the manufacturer/service provider category at UKSpill’s first ever awards evening. Adler & Allan was also commended for its domestic spill entry which focused on cleaning up the aftermath of a significant pipeline tapping incident in southern England. Thousands of tonnes of fuel spilled in a remote rural location, threatening to cause wide ranging contamination, including a public water supply borehole, protected chalk streams and private wells. On average, the ethanol coalescing filter can remove 90% of all BTEX components from surface water discharged from forecourt separators.   BTEX compounds can cause acute and long term toxic effects if they enter the soil and groundwater system. In addition to their toxicity, benzene is known to be a carcinogen. The ethanol coalescing filter, which also won at last year’s APEA awards, can be easily fitted to existing separators without any requirements for modification or upheaval, whilst meeting stringent Environment Agency pollution guidelines. “The UKSpill awards are a significant accolade,” said Alan Scrafton, head of marketing. “Our ethanol coalescing filter provides an important first-line defence against pollution. It is ideal for any business where fuel is stored and dispensed on site, such as forecourts, retail outlets and organisations in the oil, aviation and marine sectors. “To also gain a commendation for our pipe tapping support services is a great achievement. Fuel theft is an increasing issue for the UK and Adler & Allan is at the forefront of helping businesses prevent its occurrence, while cleaning up after pipe tapping incidents.www.adlerandallan.co.uk

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JET partners third Silverstone Classic

Visitors will also have the chance to meet JET’s ambassador, racing driver Nicolas Hamilton, who will chat about his racing experience and his tireless campaigning to encourage everyone to Exceed Expectations. Nicolas, whose brother is Lewis Hamilton, lives with cerebral palsy Following the success of its original three-year sponsorship deal, JET is to extend its role as official fuel partner to the Silverstone Classic for a further three years, through until 2019. For this year’s event, which takes place from 29th to 31st July, JET has teamed up with Vital Equipment, suppliers of high quality fuels and lubricants for the motorsport industry, to provide two refuelling stations for competitors. This is Vital Equipment’s first venture into classic sports car events, having already established a respected reputation in the nation’s GT, TT, rallying and touring car events. JET’s village green and fun fair will return again this year with the addition of sponsorship for the event’s iconic big wheel. The village green will also include family entertainment, children’s rides, chill out zones, crazy golf and a range of food and drink options. “We’re delighted and very proud to be part of the continued success of what is without doubt, one of the world’s biggest – and best – classic motor racing festivals,” commented   Mary Wolf, managing director, UK & Ireland marketing for Phillips 66. We’re also very excited to be taking on the title sponsorship of the Super Touring Car Championship races at this year’s event as part of our sponsorship.” In June, JET will launch its unique Silverstone Classic ‘Money Can’t Buy Prize’ for two lucky individuals. This prize will include full hospitality and accommodation over the weekend, £500 spending money, and high adrenalin on and off-track experiences. Details of how to enter the competition will be available at www.jetsc.co.uk. 

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MechTronic – fuelled with team spirit

The MechTronic cyclist team – Ryan, Chris, Phil, Brad and Ben Earlier this month a team of cyclists from MechTronic took part in the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride, a 119km charity bike ride in aid of the RNLI which was completed in just four and a half hours. Setting off from Scarborough the team endured heavy rain and windy conditions although the sun did make an appearance as they cycled through some of the picturesque Yorkshire countryside. A particular highlight of the ride was the iconic Côte de Harwood Dale climb. Coming 13.4km into the ride, this is a tough 1.3km climb with an average gradient of 7.4% and a challenging maximum gradient of 16%. “This is the second year we’ve completed the ride,” said team member Ryan. “Although our legs were still hurting a couple of days later, it was worth all the pain for such a fantastic cause and we’re already looking forward to doing the race again next year!” In the meantime, the next challenges for the MechTronic team are the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride – 70-miles from Wetherby to Filey on 18th June – and the York 100 on 14th August which will see the team cycle 100 miles across the North Yorkshire countryside.mechtronic.ltd.uk

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Executive chairman steps down

“It has always been a pleasure working in the bulk liquid storage industry,” says Richard Sammons who retired at the end of April After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Richard Sammons stepped down from his role as executive chairman of Inter Terminals at the end of April. Richard started with Simon Storage as finance director in April 1986 before progressing to chief executive from 2006 to 2014. “I am delighted in the progress achieved within Inter Terminals,” commented Richard. “From its beginnings as a UK terminal operator, Inter Terminals has become one of the largest terminal networks in Europe with subsidiaries in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. “I wish Martyn Lyons, CEO and his executive team and workforce every success for the future.”www.InterTerminals.com

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The right person to take OFTEC forward

OFTEC’S new chief executive is to be Paul Rose. Currently OFTEC’s technical director, Paul will take up the position on 1st August 2016 following Jeremy Hawksley’s retirement at the end of July. Paul has worked in a number of technical roles for the organisation since 2005. He was appointed as chief executive following a competitive selection process during which external candidates were interviewed. Commenting on the appointment OFTEC chairman, Nick Hawkins, said: “Paul is very well known in the oil heating sector having been technical director at OFTEC since 2011. “He represents OFTEC on a number of national and European technical panels relating to heating. Paul is a member of the Chartered Management Institute, Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE), and is a UKAS technical assessor in the area of ‘certification of persons,’ a route to registering with a competent persons scheme. “The Board is confident that Paul is the right person to take OFTEC forward and to ensure that oil heating and cooking has a bright future.” www.oftec.org  

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Royal approval for fuel management company

As a winner, Fairbanks can use The Queen’s Award Emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of their quality and success Last week on Her Majesty’s 90th birthday Fairbanks was crowned winner of the 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise. This award is recognised as the UKs highest accolade for business success and it was in the International Trade category that Fairbanks has excelled, with its exponential growth worldwide. Fairbanks provides fuel monitoring and management services to the downstream fuel retail industry. Its services have been adopted by the majority of independent UK forecourts, as well as by major clients such as Tesco, Shell and BP, both nationally and internationally. In addition, Fairbanks has 6 licensees, the most recent being Canada and South Africa. “This is a very proud day for everyone at Fairbanks and Steve Jones and I would like to thank all of our 200 staff for their loyalty and commitment; without them none of this would have been possible,” said Bob Conlin, joint managing director. “This honour, received in our 20th year of business, formally endorses the many years of work everyone has put in to make this business what it is today. The service we offer ensures that the people living and working around forecourts are protected and our environment is safeguarded for future generations. This mark of excellence will help the business increase its market share and open doors into new territories such as India and the Americas, generating further jobs in Lancashire.” For over 50 years, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise has acknowledged outstanding achievement in international trade, highlighting substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success. Fairbanks will be celebrating this exceptional achievement with an open day during the summer, which will be attended by local dignitaries including Charles Kay-Shuttleworth, the Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire, who will present the award on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.www.fairbanksglobal.com 

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FPS tanker driver of the year named

Ian Ross centre with Graham Smerdon (l), Pen Underwriting and FPS president Duncan Grant Chosen for his ‘truly extraordinary customer commitment’ Ian Ross from NWF Fuels Wardle depot in Cheshire has taken the title of 2016 FPS Driver of the Year

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Awards and £90m investment at CLH-PS

CLH-PS currently supplies airports at Heathrow (pictured above), Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester Recognising the outstanding contribution of a Spanish company in the UK, an Annual Golden Award is made by the London-based Spanish Chamber of Commerce each year. This year the CLH Group, which created the CLH Pipeline System (CLH-PS) to manage the UK’s Government Pipeline Storage System (GPSS) acquired last May, is the recipient. The GPSS acquisition was the first investment carried out by CLH in a European country and the second at an international level following the creation of a joint venture in Oman in 2014. “This prize recognises the extraordinary effort made by CLH to perform an operation of this status,” explained Salvador Guillén, CLH Group managing director. “The acquisition represented an increase of 50% of the pipeline network that the CLH Group has in Spain.” CLH-PS has now embarked on a £90 million programme of modernisation of assets and the implementation of advanced technologies which is expected to take until December 2018. “This level of investment shows the commitment of the CLH Group to become the leader in the safe and efficient distribution of liquid fuel in the UK,” said CLH-PS chairman, Juan Bonilla. “We must not forget that, at the moment, CLH-PS is the only independent network in the UK dedicated to the storage and distribution of jet fuel through pipelines.” CLH-PS currently supplies fuel to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports in addition to the UK Ministry of Defence. The CLH Group has recently been awarded the operation and renovation of the fuel storage terminal at Dublin Airport with a new company – CLH Aviation Ireland – created to manage these infrastructures.www.clh.es/clhps/staff/section.cfm?id=1&side=2349&lang=en

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Up-to-date knowledge of the terminals market

  The 4th international experience exchange programme – Oil Terminal Management: Logistics for Traders – takes place in Amsterdam from 1-3 June 2016. This workshop series focuses on ports and terminals, traders and major oil companies, logistics companies and service providers who need to get up-to-date knowledge of terminal design, new technologies and features of this market. The programme includes on-site visits to terminals – the Ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam and the terminals of Royal Vopak Europort, Botlek Tank and Oiltanking Amsterdam B.V. at Odfjell Rotterdam. On the second day there will be a networking session with key personnel from terminals and ports with Louis Monninkhof, business development director at the Port of Rotterdam and Port of Amsterdam’s head of cluster energy, Femke Brenninkmeijer both speaking. Gordon McManus, research director, refining & oil product markets at Wood Mackenzie and Ciaran Roe, Analytic, Platts will also be presenting. Leaders from the following terminals will also be present

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Hoyer Petrolog retains Valero refuelling contract

l-r Tommy Vickers, HOYER operations manager Valero Into-plane operation with members of the driving team – Joe Gilmore, Des Byrne, Trevor Blanche, John Stynes, Greg Byrne and Karl Burke – Dublin airport HOYER Petrolog has retained its Into-Plane refuelling operation with Valero at Dublin airport with a three-year extension to its current deal. Allan Davison, operations director said: “The extension of this contract is excellent news for HOYER and secures a strategically important piece of business within Ireland. “Our excellent relationship with Valero extends back to 2000 and we are excited about the opportunities the next three years offers.” The contract involves refuelling planes during all hours of airport operation and involves 10 refuelling vehicles and 28 staff. In March 2016 HOYER took over the task of delivering to more than 200 TOTAL service stations in West and North Germany; since February the company has also been supplying TOTAL fuels to stations in Bremen and in the Ruhr district and Emsland region.

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Thames Oilport completes first phase of development

The first in a series of diesel shipments are now being stored on site at Thames Oilport. A joint venture between Greenergy and Shell, Greenergy now owns two thirds with Shell retaining its one third shareholding Last Wednesday (6th April) Thames Oilport took receipt of the first in a series of diesel shipments to be stored on site. The arrival of these shipments is a major milestone that brings fuel into the terminal for the first time since the closure of the Coryton refinery. The development of Thames Oilport is being carried out in phases. The current phase brings into use 176,000 cbm of tankage, which Greenergy will use for diesel storage to take advantage of the contango market conditions. It follows extensive refucrbishment of tanks in the east part of the site ranging in size from 24-39,000 cbm, as well as redevelopment and automation of a complex pumping exchange and a network of piping connecting the tanks to the Thames jetty. At this stage of Thames Oilport’s development, fuel is being moved into and out of the terminal by ship. The works have been carried out by the team employed at Thames Oilport, supported by contractors carrying out a range of specialist functions including engineering, fabrication, cable installation, piping modifications and tank repair. This site-experienced team will now continue to work to complete the next phase, adding a further 64,000 cbm of sotage by the third quarter of 2016. “Everyone here is delighted to have oil back on the site at last,” said Chris Brookhouse, chief executive of Thames Oilport who joined Greenergy in January 2105 as director of infrastructure. “There has been a lot of activity to prepare for this day and there’s a lot more still to do. We have a route-map to continue to develop the facility, and we’ll be bringing more tankage into use by the end of the year and adding more capability thereafter.”www.greenergy.com

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Boiler scrappage to tackle air quality?

More calls for a boiler scrappage scheme to improve air quality. Photo:  andykirby79 A broader boiler scrappage scheme is being recommended to improve air quality, following a recently published report from Policy Exchange and King’s College London. Recognising the benefit of the Boris Boilers scheme launched in February 2016, the report said this welcome start needed to be expanded and refocused in order to maximise benefits in terms of air quality. The report Up In The Air: How to Solve London’s Air Quality Crisis: Part 2’ suggests a scrappage scheme with a target of replacing 500,000 boilers in London by 2020 and for all boilers to meet the ultra low NOx by 2025. The suggestion was welcomed by the Heating & Hot Water Industry Council where director Stewart Clements, said: “Despite its significance, combustion from boilers and cookers has until now, rarely been considered when discussing air quality. We know that there are approximately 9 million inefficient boilers in UK homes, contributing to both carbon emissions and poor air quality. “The delivery of boiler scrappage schemes is tried, tested and successful. This new report recognises this and advocates the creation of a robust boiler scrappage scheme. It calls for grants to be offered to homes and business to upgrade their heating systems. I hope this new report will assist in kick starting a proper and full debate on air pollution and its effects.” Fuel Oil News is disappointed to report that although Boris included both oil and gas boilers in his scrappage scheme, this one seems to focus only on the latter…. .http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/publications/category/item/up-in-the-air-how-to-solve-london-s-air-quality-crisis-part-2 

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Navigator Terminals completes acquisition

Formed by Macquarie Capital and Greenergy earlier this year, Navigator Terminals offers customers unique storage solutions for crude, petroleum, chemicals, liquefied gas, bitumen and biofuel products at strategic locations at major UK ports including Seal Sands on Teesside pictured here Navigator Terminals has completed the acquisition of Royal Vopak’s UK facilities at West Thurrock (Thames), Seal Sands (Teesside) and Windmill (Barry, South Wales) and Greenergy North Tees from Greenergy. Through these acquisitions, Navigator has an initial storage capacity of approximately 1.5 million cubic metres, making it the UK’s largest independent bulk liquid storage provider. Ian Cochrane has been appointed chief executive of the new venture. He joins from Vopak UK where he was managing director and brings over 40 years’ experience in the global oil and chemical industries. He will be working with an experienced team managing the terminals and ensuring that the company maintains and improves on the services delivered to existing and future customers. Following the completion of the acquisition, Ian said: “Our priority is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our facilities and to provide the highest levels of quality and customer service. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure to enable us to maintain these priorities and ensure our customers are able to grow and succeed with Navigator.”www.navigatorterminals.com

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Ronson – ‘the journey is not over yet’

“We continue to innovate, adapt and improve: we continue to focus on the detail and we continue to care,” said Gerald Ronson who recently celebrated 50 years in the retail industrySuzanne Plunkett 2016©. With a mantra of retail is detail Gerald Ronson launched his first Heron branded petrol station in St Albans on 24th March 1966; last week he held a lunch to celebrate his 50-year milestone in retail. “What we created in 1966 was revolutionary,” said Gerald who is now in his late seventies has since built over 1,000 service stations. “Our combination of service, quality and low prices meant that when we opened our first station in St Albans in 1966, we had queues of cars for half a mile waiting to fill up at four shillings and 10 pence (old money) a gallon.” Rontec, which incorporates Snax24, now operates over 220 sites across England and Wales and has a £1 billion plus turnover. It was Ronson’s acquisition of Total UK’s retail network of 810 service stations that signalled his return to the sector in scale. Having made the acquisition, Rontec immediately sold non-core elements – DCC took 300 wholesale sites, the railheads went back to Total with UK pipelines sold to Valero. Shell took 254 retail sites leaving Rontec with 250 sites plus cash. “When I started there were around 38,000 filling stations in the UK; now there are fewer than 9,000, with just four remaining in central London,” said Gerald. “Petrol retailing is in my DNA, and whilst it is my hobby, it is a business that I am deadly serious about,” said Gerald. “I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved but watch this space because our journey is not over yet.”www.rontec.com

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Win an iPad mini 2

Win an iPad mini 2 at FPS EXPO 2016 – to take part in the competition visit Mabanaft on stand number 39 Mabanaft’s competition at FPS EXPO always goes down well with visitors and this year the emphasis will be firmly on FUN. Visitors to the Mabanaft stand will be invited to play an iPad game. Participants will get one practice run, then three goes at playing the game and their highest score will be recorded. At the end of the competition the person with the highest recorded score will win. Since practice helps perfect this type of skill, avid gamers may be at an advantage. In order to redress the balance, one other participant’s name will be randomly selected to win the runner-up prize regardless of their score. “We wanted to come up with something a bit different this year and we think the iPad game will prove very popular,” said marketing manager Martin Cook. “I’ve tried the game out and it’s certainly addictive! The person with the highest score will win an iPad mini 2 and there will be a fabulous box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates for the runner up.” Visit Mabanaft on stand 39 where a member of the team will take your details, record your top score and give you a bag of goodies as a thank you for taking part. The competition closes at 1.30pm on Thursday 21st April, the last day of the show. The winner and runner up will be announced and prizes awarded at 2.00pm.www.mabanaft.co.uk

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Keeping up to date with fuel distribution

From companies with more than 40 years’ experience to recently established businesses, the latest information on the industry’s products/services can be found at next week’s FPS EXPO in Liverpool.

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Back in the premier league

“We know that ethane from US shale gas has transformed US manufacturing and we are now a step closer to seeing this advantage being brought here to Grangemouth.”Petroineos Fuels will be exhibiting at FPS EXPO 2016 Eight years after being mothballed, INEOS has confirmed that it has successfully completed operational trials on the second manufacturing unit (Train 2) of its gas cracker at Grangemouth. In 2008 the KG ethylene cracker was unable to operate at full capacity and INEOS was left with no option but to close the second manufacturing unit.

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EnergyLink – flexible contracting from Wincanton

“These new vehicles will give our customers the ability to react to a changing market place,” says Wincanton’s managing director Chris Fenton Wincanton will be showcasing its new EnergyLink service at next month’s FPS EXPO. EnergyLink is a UK-wide network to support greater flexibility in delivery services for the energy sector and will be on show alongside other products and services which Wincanton provides to the bulk sector. The launch of EnergyLink will be accompanied by a £5m investment in new assets to provide greater capacity in its growing bulk tanker division in the energy sector. The new equipment is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of this year and will have a UK wide presence. The services for the fuels, bitumen and oils markets will be available through a flexible contracting model, underpinned by the safety and service credentials established by Wincanton in these markets for more than five decades. “Having worked in fuel and bulk since the 1970s, we have the knowledge to understand what it takes to stay ahead of the curve,” said managing director Chris Fenton. We actively seek to develop and utilise innovative new technologies that add value for our customers and deliver greater efficiencies.” “Through increasing our tanker fleet in the energy sector as well as consistently improving our driver training, we’re addressing the needs of our customers for both today and tomorrow, working on a collaborative basis to ensure that our fleet remains fuel efficient and effective. These new vehicles will give our customers the ability to react to a changing market place.”www.wincanton.co.uk

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New – venue, exhibitors, products and services

The new venue – FPS EXPO 2016 takes place on Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st April at the new Exhibition Centre, Liverpool to register for a FREE place visit www.fpsshow.co.uk With a new venue and an increase in exhibition space, FPS EXPO 2016 has seen exhibition spaces filled faster than ever says the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. “We’re seeing lots of new companies exhibiting at FPS EXPO as well as companies, which have not exhibited for a number of years, now returning to the show and many are booking much larger stands due to the space available at the new venue,” said Dawn Shakespeare, FPS marketing and events manager. Argent Energy UK, Netwatch Systems, Carbery Plastics, Binboy, British Engineering Services, Ecom Instruments UK, IMA, Fairbanks Environmental, Oriel Systems and WEC Leeds are among the new exhibitors. Some of the biggest names operating in the manufacturing, supply, distribution and technology sectors across the UK and Europe are confirmed including Scania, Wincanton, MAN Truck and Bus, Philips 66, RTN, Kingspan Environmental, Hytek, Emco Wheaton, Pen Underwriting incorporating OAMPS, Williams Tankers, Valero Energy and Mabanaft. FPS EXPO 2016 takes place on Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st April at the new Exhibition Centre, Liverpool to register for a FREE place visit www.fpsshow.co.uk.

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Fairbanks manages Welcome Break wetstock

Delighted to have secured the Welcome Break contract, Fairbanks will also be among the exhibitors at FPS EXPO 2016 Welcome Break has signed a three-year contract with Fairbanks for the wetstock management of its 31 petrol filling stations which supply Shell, Texaco and BP branded fuels. Within a few weeks of engaging the Fairbanks service, Welcome Break encountered an issue at a BP site. Reacting instantly, Fairbanks contacted the site by phone, email and text to ensure that the problem was brought to the immediate attention of relevant personnel. “I was very impressed with Fairbanks’ quick response,” said Helen Rounce, forecourt operations manager for Welcome Break. “Within a very short time of the incident occurring, the site received a call from one of Fairbanks’ analysts to raise the alarm and provide practical advice – a complete step change from what we’d experienced with our previous provider. This certainly fills me with confidence that the service delivery from Fairbanks will be of a very high calibre.” “We’re delighted to have secured the Welcome Break contract,” said Matthew Lloyd, Fairbanks UK sales manager. “I’m confident that we will provide an excellent service to Helen and her forecourt network for many years to come.” More than 13,000 stations in 35 countries now benefit from Fairbanks solutions via licensees using the Fairbanks system to manage wetstock across Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia.www.fairbanksglobal.com

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StocExpo 2016 surpasses expectations

StocExpo 2017 takes place on 28-30 March 2017 – for more information email nick@stocexpo.com Record numbers attended StocExpo 2016 in Antwerp earlier this month; the event has seen a 13% increase in visitor numbers since 2013. “Once again StocExpo has surpassed all our expectations,” said Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage portfolio event manager. “The quality of visitors, which included major names such as Shell, Oiltanking, BP, ExxonMobil, Vopak and LBC Tank Terminals, was exceptional. “And we’re thrilled to announce that 72% of our 150 exhibitors rebooked stands live on the show floor, highlighting just how important the event is for suppliers and buyers. “We far exceeded our own expectations as to how busy we would be, in terms of quality visitors expressing real and current demands for our products and services,” said Alec Keeler, managing director, Loadtec Engineered Systems. Euan Fisher, business development manager at Fort Vale, agreed: “The launch of our new loading arm, Safeload, attracted a large amount of visitors which resulted in some significant future enquiries.” With its mix of global and local talks, Nick Powell reported that this year’s conference programme had received great delegate feedback. Among the speakers was Accenture’s Eduard J. Smits who discussed the convergence of IT and OT in terminal operations.” “As much as we might not like it, data is becoming more important to us every day,” said Eduard. “We need to adjust to today’s real-time processes, and create a culture where everyone within an organisation trusts each other, in order to move forward.” Exhibitors also used the show to launch new products – a new range of mobile vapour combustors from Endegs, Chubb Ajax unveiled its E-FOAM systems; Implico previewed its new OpenTAS and Scully Systems which also celebrated its 80th anniversary at the show, displayed its new Intellitrol2 overfill prevention, static ground proving and vehicle identification control system. For more information email nick@stocexpo.com