News 70
Neil Madden editor of Bulk Distributor, a sister publication to Fuel Oil News, reports from StocExpo in the May 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News
StocExpo 2015 brought together the world’s tank terminal industry for three days of networking, business and knowledge sharing.
The event’s three-day conference welcomed over 170 delegates and 30 speakers from key ports, terminals and financial institutions. BP, Wood Mackenzie and Oil Tanking North America were among those who discussed a plethora of subjects, from global fuel market developments and tank corrosion to financial trends and supply chain integration.New products and services
StocExpo 2015 attracted exhibitors from right across the supply chain. Emco Wheaton launched its TODO Break-Away range, Protego introduced its PM-HF pilot-controlled pressure and vacuum relief valve, whilst Hempel unveiled its HEMPADUR AvantGuard, a portfolio of three new anti-corrosive zinc primers.
“I’ve seen products that could be really beneficial to me and potentially save my organisation some money,” said Mikko Hietanen, financial director at Baltic Tank .said It has been a perfect opportunity to make some very useful contacts. Overall it has been a great show.”
The show ‘opened up numerous potential opportunities’ for Hazchem Safety said sales coordinator Paul Latimer.
At Newson Gale international sales manager Rachel Stevenson reported: “We have had some really interesting visits from leading industry decision makers, we’ve received two quote requests already plus we have seen particular interest in our road tanker recognition earthing system.
“We were thrilled to welcome even more exhibitors to this year’s event and also play host to FETSA’s annual meeting, welcoming the heads of all the key European Tank Storage Associations said Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage portfolio event director. Nick Powell can be contacted on +44 (0)20 8843 8801 or nick@stocexpo.com.
The next StocExpo will take place on 15-17 March 2016 at Antwerp Expo, Antwerp.www.stocexpo.com
A lucky Gulf customer will win a trip to Le 24 Heures du Mans
To celebrate Gulf’s involvement in this year’s 24 hours of Le Mans, Certas Energy has launched an 8 week consumer promotion across its Gulf forecourts.
The promotion, which is designed to boost volumes and re-engage the motoring public with Gulf’s racing pedigree, runs at participating sites until the end of May and one lucky driver will win a trip for two people to the unique event over the weekend of 13/14 June as guests of Gulf and the Aston Martin Racing team.
Gulf customers can enter by supplying their details and transaction reference online at www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans. One transaction reference equals one entry and multiple entries are permitted.
The prize includes transport, accommodation and VIP hospitality at ‘Le 24 Heures du Mans’ including paddock access, a meet and greet with the drivers and access to a private suite overlooking the team pits. www.gulfoil.co.uk/lemans
Dan Bauckham (4th from left) with the team at Imperial Commercials’ sales, service and parts facility in St Philips, Bristol
DAF dealership Imperial Commercials Bristol has been presented with the J W Suckling Transport service provider of the year award; the first DAF dealership to win the award.
Suckling Transport first presented the award in 2011 to recognise the importance of the support received from their supply chain.
The award winner is decided based on data collected throughout the year regarding the service provider’s performance in relation to MoT first time pass rates, audit scores and service, which is measured according to Suckling’s ISO9001 registered quality system and Service Level Agreement targets.
Suckling uses 12 service partners to support its national road tanker fleet and the 2014 performance data from each was measured objectively and weighted on importance. Imperial Commercials secured victory with a 100% MoT pass rate, high levels of service and low vehicle downtime.
“The project to support Suckling and its tanker operation first began in 2011 and is now a key part of our business in Bristol”, said James Rehling, manager of Imperial Commercial’s ADR vehicle repair facility.
“We would like to say a special thank-you to Daniel Bauckham, Suckling’s director of engineering, for all his support in helping us set up this part of the business. As a result of our increased experience in this field, we are adding a tanker vehicle bay to our new workshop in Swindon opening on May 1st 2015.”
Bauckham added, “It’s been a pleasure to award Imperial Commercials for its hard work and outstanding performance in 2014. The service from the team in Bristol has been invaluable to our rapidly expanding business.” www.sucklingtransport.co.uk
Total’s new facilities significantly add to the company’s existing capabilities for both lubricants formulation and testing
Earlier this month Total Lubmarine opened new laboratory facilities near Lyon in France. The new facilities are dedicated to the research and formulation of new marine lubricants.
Equipped with state of the art equipment to support the research team’s quest to develop the next generation of lubes for the shipping sector, the move comes against a backdrop of changing ECA regulations and the development of marine engines with several operating modes, capable of burning two types of fuel.
The lubes required to keep these engines running are more complex than ever before and the new facilities will enable Total Lubmarine researchers to develop a new range of lubricants suitable for the challenges of the next 10 years.
“We are re-imagining the lubes of today,” said Norbert Schieren, general manager of Total Lubmarine. “We are developing lubes suitable for the stresses and strains of the marine environment: whatever the fuel and whatever the engine.
“We strongly believe that innovative, research-based chemistry is the key to creating adaptable lubricants. The next generation of lubricants must be born out of innovative chemistry if they are to be simple for operators to use and at the same time match tough and variable operating conditions.”
The spacious new facilities include engine testing and tribology equipment, along with significant analytical resources. All existing test beds have been extensively re-built and modernised and meet the most stringent safety and quality regulations.www.lubmarine.com/en/products-lubmarine.html
The results of a major study to look at ways to reduce the cost of decommissioning will be unveiled in Aberdeen on 27th May.
The study, which is being conducted by ABB Consulting on behalf of Decom North Sea and Zero Waste Scotland, aims to improve the efficiency of future decommissioning activity and to identify decommissioning solutions which encompass re-use and thereby contribute to the circular economy approach for maximising the useful life of assets.
The study is engaging with operators on the benefits of different techniques available such single lift, piece small, salvage and load transfer. ABB Consulting, which has more than 30 years’ experience in demolition and decommissioning services, will seek to identify the barriers and uncertainties in using these methods and establish who in the industry is offering solutions using such techniques.
Jonathan Turner, senior project manager at ABB Consulting, said: This type of research will provide a much-needed authoritative overview of what’s happening in the sector and operator concerns in relation to decommissioning. As an industry we need to take steps to understand the challenges, overcome the barriers and establish cost-saving solutions. ABB Consulting has been gathering extensive information on innovative methods and technologies being used to minimise preparation for lift, optimise module separation and offer faster deck to deck jacket cutting technology.”
www.decomnorthsea.com
Texaco retailers have been benefiting from reduced Merchant Service Charges (MSC) after Valero, restructured their agreement with their acquirer.
The reduction, which came into effect in January 2015, has been possible after Visa introduced lower Cross Border rates between European countries, pre-empting proposed EU legislation changes that come into effect this autumn.
“This is a great saving for our retailers, some of which could save as much as £3,000 per year,” said Andrew Cox, director of sales and marketing at Valero. “When we renegotiated our rates, our retailers were able to benefit immediately, and, I believe, we have been able to do this ahead of our competitors.”
“We have one of the best retailer offerings on the market and if we can negotiate a better rate on something like MSC’s to save our retailers money then we will,” Cox added.
Valero also offers its customers secure and reliable fuel supply, next day fuel deliveries seven days a week, Texaco quality fuels with Supreme grades, and the opportunity to drive volume with Valero’s high earning Star Rewards loyalty scheme.
Celebrating on the OAMPS Petrochemical stand at FPS EXPO are Duncan Grant, the newly appointed FPS president with the winning Flynn Fuels’ tanker driver Ciaran Quinn and runner up Raymond Geary from Barton Petroleum. The Driver of the Year awards were presented by Ian Peach (far right)
Ciaran Quinn from County Westmeath distributor Flynn Fuels was presented with the 2015 FPS Driver of the Year Award at an evening event on the first day of last week’s FPS EXPO.
Ciaran, who fought off tough competition from a record number of entries to win this year’s competition, made it to the finals together with Raymond Geary of Barton Petroleum and Terry Chapman of Tincknell Fuels.
Samantha Keegan, fuel manager at Flynn Fuels who entered Ciaran for the award said: “He is one of the finest drivers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“It’s the little things that Ciaran does, minding the stock at all times, not running out of product here at our depot, teaching new staff about computer systems within the fuel department, teaching himself all about the loading systems and computers to be an expert in all areas of fuel and never refusing to do a job whatever its extremity.”
Sponsors of the Driver of the Year award, OAMPS Petrochemical’s Andy Dix said “This award recognises the high standards being set by drivers in the UK and Republic of 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.”
“This award recognises the extra efforts that our member drivers show, day in day out,” added Dawn Shakespeare, marketing & events manager. “Each year this award provides the FPS with an opportunity to recognise those that are continuing to drive quality in this exciting industry.”
Pete George – looking forward to working alongside the Geos Group to ‘capture the many growth opportunities it offers’
A new strategic marine fuel distribution alliance between Phillips 66 and the Geos Group has been formed at the Port of Blyth.
The UK’s largest independent marine gas oil supplier, the Geos Group owns the recently opened fuel storage facility in Blyth and has joined forces with Phillips 66 which will be operating all ex-rack road loading services from the site.
From Blyth, the Phillips 66 and Geos Group partnership will supply fuel by road to vessels in ports throughout the north east of the UK, including Grangemouth, Tyne & Wear and Tees. The new alliance will also service ports in the north west, including Liverpool, Birkenhead and Barrow-in-Furness.
The new £6million+ marine gas oil supply facility on the Blyth Estuary was built at the port’s Bates Terminal during 2014, and operations began in February 2015. The tank farm has a total capacity of 15 million litres of fuel, and is expected to supply a wide range of vessels operating in the North Sea energy sector.
Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing comments: “With more than 130 years of experience behind us, this new venture is helping Phillips 66 to shape the changing energy landscape. This alliance with a strong, strategic partner opens up opportunities for Phillips 66, and strengthens our supply position in this region. We are delighted to be at the forefront of this exciting endeavour, and we look forward to working alongside the Geos Group to capture the many growth opportunities it offers.”
Geos Group’s managing director, Barry Newton, adds: “Launching Blyth as a major fuelling point for ship operators in the north east has been a great step forward for the Geos Group. I am delighted that we have formed a mutually beneficial road distribution relationship with Phillips 66, with whom we have been doing business for many years.”www.geosgroup.comwww.phillips66.co.uk
(l-r) Ron Tomal, Stuart Sealey, and Donald Smith
After 40 years in the oil industry, Ron Tomal, terminal manager at Certas Energy’s Aberdeen and Inverness terminals has retired. Donald Smith has been named as the new terminal manager.
After six years in the role, it will be a sad occasion for Certas Energy and its employees across Scotland when Ron says his final farewell to the business. Ron’s distinguished career began in 1975 with Ellis & McHardy Oils (a BP distributor) in the Forfar depot, which Certas Energy now owns. Ron has assumed a number of roles during his tenure with Certas Energy, including operational and health, safety and environmental positions.
Stuart Sealey, operations & HSE director, commented: “Ron has been a valued employee for many years. On behalf of Certas Energy, I’d like to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the business over the years. We wish him well as he starts the next exciting phase of his well-deserved retirement.”Donald Smith takes over the reins
Following a successful transition from previous oil operators in 2010, Certas Energy has been operating the Aberdeen Pointlaw and the Inverness Cromwell Road terminals. As one experienced employee leaves, another begins, with Donald Smith taking the reins as terminal manager having joined the business at the beginning of April.
New terminals manager, Donald Smith, brings a wealth of experience to the role, built up over thirty years and with a particularly strong safety, international energy, engineering and project management background. In that period he has worked in a variety of management and leadership roles providing comprehensive technical and people support for companies in the UK, Middle East and internationally.
Welcoming Donald to the Certas Energy family Stuart Sealey said: “I look forward to working with Donald and the team at Aberdeen and Inverness to ensure the business remains a prominent player in the Aberdeen area and beyond.
“Donald holds full responsibility for the safe and efficient running of these terminals. This includes accountability for both sites’ operating safely, compliantly and cost effectively.
In Scotland, Certas Energy operates under the brands Caledonian Oils, Brogan Fuels, Emo Oil and Scottish Fuels.Ron’s retirement plans
Originating from Kirriemuir, near Forfar in Angus, Ron’s career in the oil industry led to his move to Aberdeenshire over 20 years ago. Outside of work, Ron is a family man, happily married for 43 years, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. With his retirement imminent, Ron plans to enjoy the outdoors life, playing golf, cycling and walking in the Royal Deeside area where he lives. www.certasenergy.co.uk
Rural households can face unique challenges says Janice Banks of ACRE who points out that the current delivery of government- backed measures is failing those without a connection to the mains gas grid
Supported by rural communities’ charity ACRE, OFTEC and FPS have written to more than 500 prospective parliamentary candidates urging them to support proposals for a radical shake-up to home heating policies for the UK.
The letter, sent to election candidates representing the majority of rural constituencies in the UK, calls for a greater and more pragmatic approach to reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions.Recommendations put forward include:• Stronger emphasis on upgrading insulation in rural homes which have far poorer EPC ratings than urban properties• Incentivising the installation of high efficiency condensing boilers by re-introducing boiler scrappage schemes for oil boilers as well as mains gas boilers• Revising the domestic RHI to better incentivise hybrid heating systems and include bio-fuels such as B30K• Extend government funding to support low income off-grid households
Speaking about the letter, which has received significant positive support from many of its recipients, OFTEC’s director general, Jeremy Hawksley, said:
“There’s a great opportunity for the new government, whichever political colour it may be, to introduce much more realistic and all-inclusive domestic energy policies that address fuel poverty and carbon emission reduction simultaneously, rather than as separate goals.”
Janice Banks, chief executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) which is the national body representing 38 rural community councils, added:
“With a high percentage of inefficient, solid-wall housing and many homes without a connection to the mains gas grid, rural households can face unique fuel poverty challenges. However, the current delivery of government-backed measures is failing households that live in difficult-to-treat houses and those that have to rely on heating oil or LPG for their energy.”
The organisations behind the letter plan to push their message further once the new government is formed with the aim of improving conditions for the off-grid heating sector.www.oftec.org.ukwww.fpsonline.co.uk
OSS, the trading name of Hydrodec (UK), has acquired the business, assets and trade name of Eco-Oil from Eco-Oil International and its subsidiaries.
Together with Hydrodec UK’s existing OSS business this new operation will provide an excellent platform for growth whilst consolidating Hydrodec’s position as the UK’s leading service provider in used oil collection, products and associated waste services.
Both OSS and Eco-Oil collect and recycle waste oil and workshop hazardous waste together with fuel oil sales. Under the new arrangement both companies will in the short term continue to service existing customers as now and will trade under the existing business names. When and if appropriate changes will be made to achieve maximum synergy from the acquisition.
According to Hydrodec: “It’s important for our combined customer base to know that the service delivery will remain at its current high standard. It really is business as usual with customers being unaffected. The merging of the two businesses will give us a much broader operating base to eventually allow us to improve and enlarge the service we offer.”
The acquisition of the Eco-Oil business further secures the supply chain for used oil collection in the UK and underpins Hydrodec’s plans to invest in a base oil re-refinery. The combined entity will offer significant opportunities to improve the efficiency of the business model as well as improve a market leading total waste solutions for both existing and new customers in the automotive and industrial sectors.
www.ossgroup.uk.com
www.hydrodec.com
www.eco-oil.eu.com
This week Shell UK accepted offers for the sale of 185 company-owned service stations to selected independent dealers and has exchanged contracts for 158 of these service stations.
Through this transaction, Shell welcomes Motor Fuel Group (MFG) as a Shell dealer and strengthens its relationship with Euro Garages. It is anticipated that contracts for the remaining service stations will be exchanged in the coming weeks.
Of the 158 company owned sites, 90 have been purchased by Motor Fuel Group and 68 by Euro Garages. Handover of these service stations to the new owners will be completed by the end of 2015.
Spread across Great Britain, the 185 service stations will retain the Shell brand. Dealers will continue to sell Shell fuels for at least the first five years following the sale.
Shell
David Moss, Shell’s retail general manager, North Europe, said: “Our priority is to ensure that a consistently excellent customer offer is available across our network, whether the service station is owned by Shell or by an independent dealer. That’s why we selected these independent dealers to work with, as they will invest in the sites and aim to deliver the same high standards of safety and customer care that are synonymous with the Shell brand.” https://www.shell.co.uk/
MFG
MFG’s managing director, Jeremy Clarke said: “We’re delighted to be bringing another major brand to the MFG network. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to become one of the most dynamic and profitable independent forecourt operators in the UK. We’re
looking forward to working with Shell to maximise the potential of these sites to the benefit of our customers.” www.motorfuelgroup.com
Euro Garages
Zuber Issa, chief executive, Euro Garages, said: “The site portfolio secured extends our UK presence and consolidates our existing forecourt estate. As a result, more customers will be able to enjoy our branded retail convenience offer, whilst still being able to access quality Shell fuels and lubricants.” www.eurogarages.com
READ AN INTERVIEW WITH EURO GARAGES’ COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR IN THE OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS
Esso is rolling out a new site image at select Esso-branded service stations
ExxonMobil is rolling out a new site image along with new product names at select Esso-branded service stations.
“We’re always looking for ways to better serve our consumers and these changes are being considered to enhance the overall buying experience at our service stations, said a spokesperson.
“Synergy is the new name for the fuel products being used at the converted sites.
“The quality of our fuel remains unchanged and consumers can expect to buy the same high quality fuel at Esso-branded service stations.”www.esso.co.ukwww.exxonmobil.co.uk
High accuracy electronic gauging provides instant information on fuel stock levels, remaining tank capacity and ullage
Cameron Forecourt has supplied a new centralised fuelling system to significantly overhaul all aspects of one client’s fuelling operations.
The new system has amalgamated three separate fuelling sites, operated by waste management and recycling specialist, Chambers Waste Group where existing Optima PC units have been upgraded to the Jigsaw Eclipse fuel management system to allow complete, real time management and monitoring of fuel supplies. Three OLE tank gauge systems have also been installed.
High accuracy electronic gauging provides instant information on fuel stock levels, remaining tank capacity and ullage. Fuel drawings monitored by the Eclipse system can then be reconciled against fuelling from the tanks.
Chambers Waste, which operates a fleet of 55 operational vehicles, spends in excess of £1 million per annum on fuel.
Cameron Forecourt sales and marketing director Martyn Gent: “We’ve implemented a system at Chambers Waste which brings together what were three separate sites. Fuelling can take place at any time of day or night. The integrated package allows the customer to keep a constant check on fuel movements, stock levels, and consumption, providing complete and accurate wetstock reconciliation around the clock.” www.cameron-forecourt.co.uk
Gulf Aviation fuel tankers provided refuelling services at last month’s Cheltenham Festival
In partnership with Helicopter & Aviation Services, Gulf Aviation added another prestigious event to its portfolio when it offered refuelling facilities to visitors at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Good weather and the prospect of seeing the retiring champion jockey Tony McCoy brought royalty and the rich and famous. Normally there are up to 650 helicopter landings at the course during the meeting making it the busiest temporary airfield anywhere in the country – including the British Grand Prix.
Gulf Aviation has been supplying the UK aviation market for six years and is headed up by Alex Murphy. Within the last year the company has supplied refuelling facilities to other high profile customers: a major international sporting event and Cardiff Heliport; the base for the emergency services watching over the NATO summit.
Commenting on the company’s latest contract win, Alex said: “Since Gulf Aviation’s inception in 2009, the company has been going from strength to strength, servicing smaller private and business airfields, flying clubs as well as regional airports and supplying direct to airlines.
“This latest contract with Helicopter & Aviation Services to provide fuel for such a prestigious event allows us to showcase the benefits of working with a supplier with extensive experience of the aviation industry.
“We appreciate that fuel uplifts can be unpredictable and affected by weather conditions, which is why we carry out thorough risk assessments on-site and strive to be on hand at all times, supplying additional fuel to Helicopter & Aviation Services when they needed it.”
The now famous Cheltenham Gold Cup was created in 1924, since when it has continued to gain prominence within the racing calendar and is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s premier sporting events, alongside Wimbledon, the British Open and the British Grand Prix.http://aviation.gulfoil.co.uk/
HW Humphrey and Son reports that the EA Projects upgrade has given the company ‘many advantages’
EA Projects, which will be exhibiting at next month’s FPS EXPO, has installed new tanker loading and tank gauging systems for Porthmadog-based distributor HW Humphrey and Son.
“The installation of the EA Projects TAS has given us many advantages that we didn’t have before,” said Arwel Evans.
“This includes the automatic recording of all meter movements at the site including all our bunker sales. Being able to have all this information in one central system is a huge benefit for us and we’re very pleased with the system.”
The project included a major overhaul of the tank gauging systems on the site which has two separate tank farms. EAP supplied and installed new Hectronic Optilevel gauges to monitor product level, temperature and water level across 14 tanks which are achieving measurement accuracy of +/- 1mm .
An integrated bunkering system for refuelling the Humphreys fleet was also supplied which allows the distributor to reconcile all meter movements against physical stock levels and also provides detailed reporting on deliveries taken by third parties.
Additionally the iSupervisor TAS was supplied to control tanker loading via 4 arm bottom loading skid fitted with Isoil Vega II batch controllers which are being used to load the tankers of Humphries Oils and a third party. These loads are all based on loading plans managed by the system that may be controlled by the iSupervisor web interface either on or off site.www.humphreysoil.co.ukwww.ea-projects.com
“The importance of an energy efficient, well insulated and heated home cannot be underestimated – which is why we’re giving this strategy our full support,” says Mark Askew, FPS chief executive
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and OFTEC have joined forces to support the government’s newly unveiled fuel poverty plan, the first for 14 years.
“We greatly welcome this plan,” said Mark Askew, FPS chief executive.
“Especially as it will not only help those living in fuel poverty in gas-heated homes but those who can’t afford to properly heat their off-grid homes too.
“The combination of low income together with the highest energy bills means many are struggling to keep their homes warm and are living in fuel poverty. Currently, there are at least 320,000 fuel poor houses in England that are rated below Band E for energy efficiency, which means it costs a lot more to keep these homes warm.
“The government’s fuel poverty target is to ensure as many houses as possible achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C by 2030. At this level, it is far more affordable to maintain a warm and comfortable home, which is hugely important for health and wellbeing.
“The importance of an energy efficient, well insulated and heated home cannot be underestimated – which is why we’re giving this strategy our full support.”Making the most of a £25 million fund
Part of this new initiative is a £25 million fund to support low income off-grid households, which was announced by the Government in the Autumn Statement 2014. The so-called Central Heating Fund has been created to help pay for the installation of a first time central heating system, which would significantly boost the energy efficiency levels of a home.
The fund aims to improve the heating efficiency of up to 8,000 off-grid fuel poor homes.
“This is good news for those using oil heating systems in their homes, as funding will soon be available if any individuals are finding it difficult to pay their fuel bills,” says Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC director general.
“It is especially good news if there are measures that can be taken, namely installing a first time central heating system or insulating the home, to greatly enhance energy efficiency levels and lower bills in the process.”
The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will soon launch a Local Authority competition to decide on how best the funding should be spent and hopes to receive bids that make the most of this initiative in terms of all it can bring to non-gas households.
“In addition to this new fund, there is even more good news for those individuals who live in houses that use oil heating but are struggling to pay their bills, as the cost of oil heating is at an all-time low,” adds Mark Askew.www.oilsave.org.uk
The deal, which sees the addition of 58 sites from the Motor Fuel Group’s purchase of Murco’s retail business, takes the total number of MFG sites supplied by JET to 68.
The original ten MFG sites supplied by JET are spread from Southampton in the south to Glasgow in the north, while the additional sites are located throughout Scotland, Humberside, Yorkshire, Midlands and the South East. The bulk of these new sites will be supplied from JET’s supply points at Immingham, Kingsbury and Thames.
The new 5-year supply contract commences on 1st April with all sites due to be branded by the end of May 2015.
“We’ve made no secret of our plans to expand our network,” said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing.
“We’ve set a target of 400 sites by 2018 – so to win a quarter of MFG’s available sites is a real coup for everyone here at JET. This latest win takes the total number of JET sites to over 350 and with further site wins in the pipeline, it’s a very exciting time for our network.
“MFG is without doubt one of the largest and fastest growing independent fuel operators in the UK and as it continues its own expansion plans, we will certainly be delighted to be part of any further growth. The way MFG operates very much complements our approach to business. We hope that this latest win demonstrates that JET is a strong supply partner and is 100% committed to the future of the UK fuel retail market.”
MFG fuels director Jim Mulheran added: “Our relationship with JET stretches back to 2011 and since then we’ve established a very positive working partnership. We’ve been consistently impressed with how JET operates and, based on the success of previous contracts and a competitive supply deal, the decision to choose JET as our supplier for these additional sites was an easy one. We’re very much looking forward to working with Pete and everyone at JET over the next five years and beyond.”
www.phillips66.co.uk/EN/jetbrand
www.motorfuelgroup.com
Meeting the needs of a busy forecourt at Adler and Allan
Next month Adler and Allan will be exhibiting at the Forecourt Show (20th- 22nd April) – the UK’s biggest trade-only event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market – where the company’s revolutionary ethanol coalescing filter will be on show.
ASCO has been awarded a contract by BP Exploration and Production to provide a range of integrated oilfield services to support its UK North Sea operations.
The comprehensive contract, which is worth in excess of £100 million, covers a variety of activities including: supply-base operations; warehouse operations; the provision of waste management and local freight forwarding services.
The 5-year contract with options will bring all ASCO’s service lines together to provide a strong, cohesive delivery model focused on the provision of value and service excellence.
Craig Lennox, CEO – Europe at ASCO said: ‘We are pleased to be building on a client relationship that spans more than 20 years. Maintaining this strong and successful connection with BP is a great achievement and we look forward to safely and efficiently delivering on this key contract.’
Working for many of the worlds’ leading oil and gas companies, ASCO, which is owned by its management and private equity investors, Doughty Hanson, provides provide personnel, training and advisory services in both offshore and onshore markets.
www.ascoworld.com
Emco Wheaton will be among the exhibitors at next month’s FPS EXPO in Harrogate
Making it simpler for clients to find a distributor of the products they need, was one of the main reasons why Emco Wheaton chose to re-design its global website.
Designed to offer a more user-friendly experience, the new site also provides a better showcase for the company’s product range, which includes the TODO range of products.
“At Emco Wheaton we’re always looking to grow our global presence and service offerings in line with customer demand and an ever-changing industry,” said Emma Ardley-Batt, global marketing manager.
“Brand identity and being able to communicate via websites has never been more critical to a company’s long term success, so it was absolutely vital that the new website is easy to use and looks great.
“Thanks to the bright new design and simple layout, all users will find the new site much easier to navigate. Regardless of what they’re searching for, from the latest industry news to careers at Emco Wheaton, visitors can be sure to find it quickly, easily and within just a few clicks of a button.www.emcowheaton.com
Will you win an iPad mini 2 by guessing the ex-rack price onMabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays at a pre-specified time?
Guess the ex-rack price on MabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays* for your chance to win an iPad mini 2.
Following the success of its Guess the Price competition last year Mabanaft is planning to run a similar event at FPS EXPO 2015 – and this year the company will give away two fabulous silver iPad mini 2s.
Participants simply have to guess what they think the ex-rack price will be on MabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays* at a pre-specified time (to be confirmed on the day). The person to guess the correct price (or closest to the correct price) will win. The competition runs throughout the exhibition (Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd April) and a winner will be drawn on both days.
* 30 day payment term ex-rack price for kerosene at Grays. Terms and conditions apply.
At FPS this year Mabanaft will be promoting its fully responsive online price information and fuel ordering service MabaLIVE for mobile. The system now works seamlessly across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones allowing customers to view live pricing and place an order even when they are away from their office. Mabanaft’s marketing manager Martin Cook said: “Precision of pricing, plus the option to execute orders on a live basis allows clients to optimise market movements which can be highly beneficial for their business. For many customers being able to do this when away from their office is an enormous benefit”.
To take part in the competition visit Mabanaft on stand B48/49 where a member of the team will take your entry and give you a FREE power bank charger as a thank you for taking part. On both days the competition will close at 2.00pm and the winner will be drawn and awarded at 3.00pm followed by a champagne toast.
For information on MabaLIVE please call our marketing team on 0207 802 3300, email sales@mabanaft.co.uk or visit www.mabalive.co.uk.
“This is a fantastic win for us and reflects our strategy to substantially increase the number of Valero-supplied customers throughout the UK and Ireland,” says Eric Fisher, president – Europe
Valero has reached an agreement to supply 78 forecourts which MFG purchased from Murco last year. Fuel supply begins at the end of March and all sites should be Texaco-branded by mid-July.VALERO – STILL A POSITIVE STORY – SEE THE APRIL 2015 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS
Valero has gained 140 new sites in the past two years; with the addition of MFG’s 78 sites, Valero will supply over 850 Texaco-branded service stations in England and Wales.
“This is a fantastic win for us and reflects our strategy to substantially increase the number of Valero-supplied customers throughout the UK and Ireland,” said Eric Fisher, president – Europe. “Once again the benefits from our improvements to our supply infrastructure mean we’re able to deliver a very competitive package for retailers.”
Texaco retailers benefit from a secure and reliable fuel supply from Valero’s refinery network. Security of supply is just one of many benefits of signing up to the Texaco brand, including next day fuel deliveries seven days a week, Texaco quality fuels with Supreme grades, an award winning forecourt image, and the opportunity to drive volume with Valero’s high earning Star Rewards loyalty scheme.www.valero.com
Following acquisition of the retail assets of Murco Petroleum last October, the Motor Fuel Group (MFG) is replacing the Murco brand on its company station estate.
From 1 April 2015, BP fuel supply will commence at 136 stations (previously 49), JET supply at 68 stations (previously 10) and Texaco supply at 78 stations. Station rebranding programmes will commence immediately and are expected to be complete by the end of Q2 this year.
“Following exhaustive and detailed negotiations we’re delighted to have these three strong fuel brands throughout the MFG company station network,” said MFG fuels director Jim Mulheran.
“Together they give us supply, price and image flexibility which means that we can maximise the offer to motorists in each and every location that we operate.”
The Murco brand
“This deal doesn’t mean that the Murco brand will disappear,” said MFG managing director, Jeremy Clarke, who with his dealer team headed by Paul Almond, now “have the opportunity to put more emphasis and time on Murco as an exclusive dealer brand.”
“We’re giving our dealer business exclusivity to the Murco brand and along with this will be actively looking to grow the Murco network with a package which combines flexible delivery arrangements and a new, positive method of offering our dealers some very attractive trading terms.
“We can tailor our fuel supply arrangements to meet the individual needs of a customer, contribute towards forecourt or shop development projects and strongly believe that we can match, if not beat, any supply arrangements offered in the marketplace today.”
www.motorfuelgroup.com