News 71
Nick Goodwin besides Standard Fuel Oil’s new Alpeco bottom loading skid.
Having fitted Alpeco equipment on two new tankers last year, Standard Fuel Oils chose the same company to supply and install a new 3-arm bottom loading skid at its Merseyside depot in Knowsley
Following the commissioning of the new trucks, Alpeco was asked to quote for the supply and installation of a 3-arm bottom loading skid,” said Adrian Baskott.
“With the depot’s existing loading bay being an aged top loading construction, the key goals that Standard wanted to achieve were improved safety and efficiency. As the new trucks were being equipped for bottom loading it made sense to realise the benefits of safer, faster loading. We won the order, designing and building the skid at our Aylesbury premises within agreed timescales.”
The skid is equipped with Liquid Controls M25 mechanical flow meters capable of loading rates up to 1100 litres per minute with all of the necessary safety features needed to provide a safe, reliable and economic solution when loading road tankers.
Installation was carried out by Alpeco’s sub contractor STK who kept operational disruption to a minimum by keeping the existing top loading bay operational whilst the new skid was being installed and commissioned.
The 2014 tankers feature Alpeco’s 5 compartment BLVR and Actiman manifold system and Alpeco MF800 bulk metering system with TE550 electronic register and metered uplift facility.
Standard also has a further two new tankers on order. Both will be fitted with Alpeco equipment including the new TRUCK III electronic register with inventory and cross over prevention software.In the September issue of Fuel Oil News, Nick Goodwin talks about the company’s development since its inception in 2011.www.standardfueloils.co.uk
www.alpecoltd.com
The Turners/GreenChem fleet now consists of 10 tankers, three of which (above) are totally branded as GreenChem vehicles
Turners (Soham) has recently taken delivery of new units and trailers for its exclusive contract with GreenChem.
The Turners/GreenChem fleet now consists of 10 tankers, three of which are totally branded as GreenChem vehicles.
Although GreenChem does use other haulage companies to deliver bulk AdBlue to its telemetry managed AdBlue tanks, Turners operate the lion’s share of the fleet.
Vehicles are located throughout the UK optimising the logistics and collections from any one of the eight AdBlue manufacturing locations which GreenChem employs.
“GreenChem has been working in a symbiotic relationship with Turners for over five years, supplying over a one million litres a year to Turners’ operational locations,” said GreenChem’s managing director, Chris Haynes.
“Over this period, our working relationship has blossomed with both companies growing rapidly to maintain the demand for bulk AdBlue.
A typical trip for a driver will involve up to ten individual drops per trip with an average of four trips undertaken each week. Each tanker can load a maximum of 26,000 litres due to the weight of AdBlue which at 1.09 kg/litre is 30% heavier than diesel.
“Working with Turners has helped GreenChem deliver its promise. Turners know the haulage industry and are keen to ensure vehicles are reliable and that drivers are happy in their work. A driver’s attitude is so important in this type of multi-drop operation as they’re GreenChem’s eyes and ears. We actively encourage their feedback with drivers encouraged to ring me at anytime,” said Chris.www.greenchem-adblue.comwww.turners-distribution.com
In recognition of the 4th anniversary of the acquisition of the Stanlow Refinery, Essar Oil UK, whose Ellesmere Port site won its 19th consecutive RoSPA award, made a £7,500 donation to the West Cheshire Foodbank.
“The safety, good health and wellbeing of everyone who works at Stanlow is core business for us,” said site manager Jon Mason.
Essar Oil UK’s commitment to occupational health and safety at its Ellesmere Port site saw the company win a RoSPA Gold Award for 2015 and the Order of Distinction for 19 consecutive Gold Awards.
Representatives of the West Cheshire Foodbank attended the anniversary celebration at Stanlow, receiving over 900 kilos of food donated by employees in addition to the donation.
“I’m delighted that we were able to link our anniversary celebrations with support for a charity which is performing such valuable work in our local communities,” said Jon. “I would like to thank everyone at Stanlow for their personal contributions to such a deserving cause.”
“West Cheshire Foodbank is only able to respond to people struggling with food poverty because neighbours are generous,” said reverend Christine Jones, chair of the trustees.
“Essar has recognised the on-going local need and the workforce has pulled together to provide significant donations of food and money. When representatives from Foodbank were invited to receive the gifts at Essar’s fourth celebration, we were encouraged by the sense of community and to know there was support and understanding from local business.”
Stanlow produces approximately 15% of UK transport fuels, including three billion litres of petrol, 3.5 billion litres of diesel and two billion litres of jet fuel per year.
www.essar.com
The Rix Tiger, part of the Rix Sea Shuttle fleet which helped J.R. Rix and Sons grow profit by a third in 2014
J.R. Rix and Sons saw net profits increase by a third in 2014, fuelled by significant growth in its shipping business. Rix purchased 17 new tankers last year with more in the pipeline for later this year
The Hull group, which includes domestic, commercial and marine fuel distribution, and shipping, among its core operations, saw profits increase from £3.3m in 2013 to £4.4m last year.
Group turnover fell from £490m in 2013 to £453m, despite an increase in the overall volume of fuel sold by the company in the year to December 31st, 2014, as a result of the fall in oil prices.
Rory Clarke, managing director Rix Petroleum and director of J.R. Rix and Sons, said profit had been bolstered by Rix Shipping, which increased turnover from £3.8m to £6.8m and returned a profit of £2m.
Rix Sea Shuttle, the part of Rix Shipping which supplies crew transfer vessels to the windfarm sector, won a number of contracts at home and abroad, as activity in Europe’s renewable energy industry stepped up.
Earlier this year Rix Sea Shuttle announced the order of a fifth crew transfer vessel as demand across the offshore windfarm industry continues to grow.
The company will take delivery of the 27.4 metre ship, made by French company Piriou, in April, 2016.
Total UK Limited has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive and subsequently fined £1.4 million plus £35,000 in costs for a breach of COMAH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The case was heard at Hull Crown Court at the end of July. The prosecution arose following a fire which occurred over five years ago at Total’s Lindsey Oil Refinery on 29th June 2010.
In an external statement, the company said:
Total UK Limited deeply regrets the accident in 2010 and wishes to repeat its profound sorrow and regret to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Robert Greenacre, a colleague working for a maintenance contractor, who died during the incident at the Lindsey Oil Refinery site.
Total has worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive during their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and have fully cooperated to provide them with all the necessary information. Following findings from the investigation, immediate improvements were made including a re-design of piping, the implementation of revised systems and procedures and the provision of additional training to prevent such an accident occurring in the future.
We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and contractors and we are continuously reviewing our Safety, Health and Environmental risk management practices and procedures across the whole of our operations.
www.total.co.uk
Hydrodec – fully engaged in the planning, permitting and financing process for its oil re-refinery
The Hydrodec Group has announced plans to develop a facility to re-refine used lubricant oils into high quality base oils.
The company, which already operates re-refineries in Canton, Ohio and New South Wales, has chosen Peel Port’s new Port Wirral site at Eastham on Merseyside.
The site has the advantage of excellent transport connections by road, rail and water along the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal and will enable Hydrodec to tap into the established petrochemicals expertise in the region.
“Hydrodec is focused on developing the UK’s first purpose built used lubricant oil-refinery producing the highest quality base oils,” said Hydrodec chief executive Ian Smale.
“We’re currently fully engaged in the planning, permitting and financing process for the project.”
Subject to planning permission, the new re-refinery is set to create up to 40 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, and will support further jobs during the construction phases of the facility.
Construction is anticipated to commence in 2016 and will take approximately 18 months to complete.
Peel Ports is currently embarking on ambitious growth plans in the North West, having created Port Salford, the new £125m multi-modal logistics hub on the Manchester Ship Canal, the company is also investing £300m to create the UK’s most centrally located deep water container terminal, known as Liverpool2. The Port of Liverpool currently handles 40% of all the UK’s transatlantic trade.www.hydrodec.com
Pleased to work with Sustrans in developing this training course, the FTA is delighted at the uptake to date.
Last week saw a new lorry driver course launched in Belfast with the aim of reducing cyclist casualties on roads. The Safe Urban Driving initiative to improve the safety of cyclists on roads is a joint venture between the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and walking and cycling charity Sustrans in partnership with Cycle Training UK. It is funded by the Public Health Agency and Belfast Strategic Partnership.
Following a second year as official fuel partner to the Silverstone Classic, JET is looking forward to partnering the event again in 2016
JET put over 70 customers at the heart of all the racing action when they joined the company at the Silverstone Classic in late July; JET has been the festival’s official fuel partner for two years running.
“The event was an ideal opportunity for us to thank our customers for their ongoing loyalty, said Mary Wolf, deputy managing director at Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing.
“As a brand building exercise, Silverstone Classic is a fantastic way to reach a vast number of car and driving enthusiasts,” said brand communications manager, Anne Day.
This year the JET Village Green and Fun Fair attracted high visitor numbers thanks to a wide range of children’s rides and activities, a climbing wall, chill out zones, food and drink options, a hugely popular six track Scalextric challenge and a Formula One simulator.
Visitors to JET’s area of the festival also had the chance to take part in two Q&A sessions with the fuel brand’s 2015 ambassador, racing driver Nicolas Hamilton, brother of Lewis Hamilton. Nicolas lives with cerebral palsy and is the first disabled competitor to participate in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Nicolas was happy to sign autographs and be pictured alongside his own car, an Audi S3 NGTC with AmD Tuning.
“The typical British weather could have put a dampener on the event but thankfully the JET Hub was under cover and provided much-needed shelter for visitors,” added Mary.
“And, for those willing to brave getting caught in a shower, our 50+ team of JET staff volunteers handed out over 3,500 JET ponchos! Feedback from members of the public who visited the JET Village Green and Hub was very positive and we’re already looking forward to continuing our role as official fuel partner of Silverstone Classic 2016.”www.phillips66.co.uk/EN/jetbrand
Visit knowledge.energyinst.org/collections/shale-gas for more information.
The Energy Institute has published A Guide to Shale Gas; FREE to download it addresses the technological, environmental and legal aspects of exploiting this energy source.
The UK government has promised to support the safe deployment of shale gas as part of the UK’s energy policy, but fracking applications have been rejected by local councils. There has been vigorous debate about the potential benefits and risks of developing shale gas in the UK.
Produced independently and based on sound science, this 20-page document – knowledge.energyinst.org/collections/shale-gas – aims to bring scientific and technical accuracy to the debate and to help readers expand their knowledge of the subject. It explains in factual terms how shale gas is extracted, its impact on the environment and its potential role in meeting future UK energy needs.
Louise Kingham OBE FEI, Chief Executive, Energy Institute, says, “Our Energy Barometer survey among energy professionals has highlighted the need for the energy industry to improve its communication with the public.
“Shale gas is a clear priority among the areas that require greater explanation, with the survey showing it as the single most poorly communicated topic on the energy spectrum. With this publication, we want to promote better understanding between the sector and wider society; to present facts from an independent perspective and to help people make informed decisions on energy matters.”
A guide to shale gas explains what it is and where it comes from – as well as its potential impacts and legal framework. It has been developed from an extensive review and analysis of existing literature and contributions by over 75 subject specialists – including professionally qualified EI fellows and members from relevant backgrounds and experience. It has also been subjected to a robust peer review process prior to publication.
The guide is available to download free of charge. Hard copies are also available at £10 each (bulk discounts are available for community groups, organisations and academia).
Shale fracking and its potential impact on bulk liquid storage in the UK will be among the topics at the annual conference of the Tank Storage Association (TSA).
The next annual one-day event takes place on Thursday 15th October at the E.On Lounge of the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Check out the full conference programme and the list of exhibitors at www.tankstorage-event.org.uk.
The TSA’s conference and exhibition has a proven track record of successfully bringing together people who care about safe and effective bulk liquid storage operations.
To register for this event go to www.tankstorage-event.org.uk/delegate-registration/
“Independent fuel retailers don’t want to invest in their own engineering department or facilities management so we provide that service,” says Ian Jacques, the recently appointed group commercial director at the Eurotank Service Group
On 1st August, Eurotank will move to a new group structure in response to changes in the fuel retailing industry and sustained growth outside of the company’s core business in tank maintenance.
“With oil companies divesting sites we needed a structure that allowed us to meet the needs of our growing independent dealer customer base,” said Edward Wheeler, group managing director of Eurotank Service Group.
Eurotank Environmental, Eurotank Systems, Eurotank Construction and Eurotank Ireland will then come under the umbrella company, Eurotank Service Group.
Eurotank Environmental will continue to operate within the core business of tank maintenance and specialist related services. Eurotank’s pump & payment system service division has been merged with Eurotank’s reactive maintenance & vapour recovery system service engineering team and will operate as Eurotank Systems. The construction and installation division now operates as Eurotank Construction, while Eurotank Ireland remains its own entity, providing all of the services offered across the group.
“It was critical to us that the independent retailers feel that they’re only dealing with one entity, which is Eurotank,” added Wheeler.
“One of our strengths as a business is that we’re a single point of contact for customers. A good example of this is with our pump service contracts, where we maintain pumps, install new pumps, carry out vapour recovery testing, repair manholes, clean tanks and generally maintain the forecourt for customers.
The restructure also sees the appointment of Ian Jacques as group commercial director. The former managing director of Scheidt & Bachmann UK has worked closely with Eurotank since 2012, following the formation of the Eurotank/S&B partnership, which saw Eurotank become the service and installation arm of S&B in the UK and Ireland.
Eurotank Systems is now the commercial agent and distributer for S&B’s range of dispensers and payment systems in the UK & Irish markets, as well as its field-based technician support.www.eurotank.eu.com
The Layer Marney Cup is an ideal event for Gulf to be associated with says Steve White, general manager for Gulf Oil
Next month, Gulf Oil will be supporting the historic Layer Marney Cup, a car fuel consumption trial first run 101 years ago in 1914.
“This is an ideal event for Gulf to be associated with,” said Steve White, general manager for Gulf Oil.
“This event – and the people and vehicles participating – truly reflects the Gulf strap line Quality, Endurance, Passion.”
An impressive selection of cars produced during the last century will take part in the competition on Sunday 16 August.
The first re-run of a unique event which took place during the dawn of motoring will see the cars drive through the Stow Maries Aerodrome – the UK’s only First World War airport still in use. With some WW1 aircraft based there, the airport has recently been recreated to look as it would have done during the war and, if the weather is kind that day, spectators may also witness some aircraft practising their displays.
At the Gulf branded forecourt McCreadies of Layer Marney tanks will be unsealed and checked for fuel consumption.
“The event will be a visual delight for spectators, whether car enthusiasts or not,” said Sheila Charrington from Layer Marney Tower.
“For the younger generation it will be a real eye opener and a lesson in history. The world of fuel and motor racing has changed exponentially in the last 100 years, which will be demonstrated through the classes taking part in the competition.”
For more information contact Sheila Charrington on Sheila@layermarneytower.co.uk.www.gulfoil.co.uk
New owners TCB are looking forward to further developing the Disc-Lock business
The European distributor of the Disc-Lock safety wheel nut, Disc-Lock Europe has been acquired by UK owned Tension Control Bolts.
Wrexham-based Tension Control Bolts (TCB) manufactures and distributes high strength, bolted systems for applications world wide.
From bridge splice plates to beam-to-column connections and stadia roof trusses to rail switches and crossings, the projects of this fast growing company have included the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the Shard of Glass in London, Heathrow Airport – Terminal Five, the main stadia for the London 2012 Olympics and Paddington Station, London.
On 1st July, TCB senior sales engineer Gary Mason assumed the day-to-day running of Disc-Lock Europe from TCB House in Wrexham.
Bob Hope, chairman of Disc-Lock Europe said: “After 28 years, I’m delighted to be stepping down as chairman and handing the reins to TCB, a world leader in the field of bolted systems. As Disc-Lock Europe will continue to operate in its own right as a company, existing customers will not encounter any disruption to the normal service. Indeed, I will continue to be involved for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.”
Tim Stokes, TCB managing director added: “We’re very pleased to have acquired Disc-Lock Europe. Its range of Disc-Lock washers, nuts and wheel nuts provide a perfect match with our own existing product range.” www.tcbolts.com
The AGA portfolio includes AGA, Rangemaster, Mercury, Falcon, Marvel, Stanley and La Cornue. Headquartered in Leamington Spa, AGA has approximately $400 million in annual revenues and more than 2,500 employees worldwide
Subject to the approval of its shareholders the AGA Rangemaster Group is to be acquired by the US Middleby Corporation for £129.2 million.
Once the deal is completed later this year, the US firm has said it would carry out a strategic review of operations but was planning to keep AGA’s manufacturing in the UK.
“The addition of AGA’s world class brands, product range and manufacturing capability to our existing portfolio will further strengthen Middleby’s global reach and enhance our position as a leader in the premium segment for residential kitchen equipment,” said Middleby’s chairman and CEO Selim A. Bassoul.
“We believe this transaction will provide meaningful synergies as we build upon the combined strengths of both Middleby and AGA. We will leverage the existing sales, service and manufacturing capabilities of AGA with the Middleby market expertise, product innovation and well established global distribution network.”
Last year, AGA announced a fall in profits mainly because of pension costs, shop closures and site rationalisation, although revenues rose. Middleby will finance the transaction under its current $1.0 billion revolving credit facility. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.www.agarangemaster.comwww.middleby.com
Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley
According to the results of a poll held at OFTEC’s annual conference last month, over three-quarters of those questioned were looking towards hybrid heating systems, with oil working in tandem with renewable technologies.
A further 16% said a shift to bio-liquid fuels such as OFTEC’s B30K, a blend of 30% FAME and 70% kerosene, would be a likely move.
Almost three quarters of the heating industry professionals who attended also think the government’s 2050 Heat Strategy is unrealistic.
The survey of more than 50 industry leaders, manufacturers and technicians found that 70% felt DECC’s Heat Strategy, published earlier this year, would result in less than half of the UK domestic heating market coming from renewable sources by 2050. It will also fall far short of its target to achieve an 80% reduction in UK carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2050.
A further 67% of those polled said the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in its current form is the wrong vehicle to move UK homes to renewable heat. An overwhelming 98% also said heat pumps were not a realistic alternative to oil-fired boilers for retrofit properties without significant – and costly – upgrades to insulation and controls.
Commenting on the results, OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley said: “Cynically you could say that an audience with a keen interest in oil would take the opportunity to knock the government’s Heat Strategy and renewable technologies.
“However, OFTEC members fully support the UK’s transition to low carbon heat and recognise the increasing role domestic renewable heating technologies will play in the longer term. That’s why OFTEC has launched registrations and MCS certification for heat pumps and solar thermal systems, with biomass to follow later this year.
OFTEC has again called for a more pragmatic approach and continues to lobby for an alternative approach, including a simple boiler scrappage scheme. With sales of new oil condensing boilers so far this year up 9% on 2014 levels, there is clearly a strong demand and an opportunity to make considerable carbon savings.
Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley with hybrid systems and bio-fuels representing a more affordable, half-way house solution for many.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is still investigating the cause of the oil tank fire which caused extensive damage to three housesPic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Following a serious oil tank fire that caused extensive damage to three houses in Dunmurry, just outside Belfast, OFTEC is asking is it time Northern Ireland had a competent persons scheme similar to that currently operating in England and Wales?
Reported in the July issue of Fuel Oil News (pages 4 and 21), the fire is believed to have started in a shed before spreading to an oil tank which ruptured, setting fire to other oil tanks in the near vicinity.
Meanwhile, OFTEC is calling on the Northern Ireland government to introduce mandatory registration for all oil and boiler installers, following the example of the competent persons scheme in England and Wales. This will give householders more security, knowing that their appliances and oil tanks have been installed by a qualified person and they meet building control regulations.
David Blevings, OFTEC said: “Oil tank fires have the potential to be extremely dangerous and, as sadly highlighted in this case, to substantially damage properties. We know that oil is a very safe fuel if stored correctly and the best way to protect yourself and others is to make sure your oil tank and any fuel burning appliances are installed correctly, and inspected and serviced by an OFTEC registered technician at least once a year.”
“OFTEC is reminding householders that registered technicians will check all oil appliances and oil tanks during annual boiler service visits to minimise the risk of such incidents. All tanks should be checked and advice given on how to comply with current building regulations in terms of fire safety and environmental protection. OFTEC technicians are reminded that if the recommended separation distances cannot be met, you can advise consumers to place a fire safety panel(s) that provide a minimum 30-minute fire-resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of an oil tank.”www.oftec.org.ukwww.nifrs.org
Europe’s biggest ethane tank – INEOS has also built two brand new import terminals to receive the gas, one at Grangemouth and the other at Rafnes in Norway
Earlier this month a 330 tonne roof was placed on Europe’s biggest ethane tank. The move means that INEOS is on schedule for the first US ethane to arrive in Grangemouth during the second half of 2016.
The £450m investment into the ethane project represents part of a rescue package for Grangemouth. Part of a $1 billion dollar global project, spanning China, the US and Europe – all to bring ethane to Grangemouth and Norway – it will transform the Grangemouth petrochemicals business and provide a secure supply of essential ethane for the next 15 years.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, the 330 tonne roof was floated up almost 150 feet on nothing more than a cushion of air. The tank, which is 56 metres in diameter and 44 metres high, is designed to hold over 60,000 cubic metres of ethane brought from the US to replace declining North Sea supply.
“This is an important day for Grangemouth. It takes us one step nearer our goal of importing US ethane to Scotland and putting Grangemouth back into the premier league of petrochemical plants,” said INEOS O&P UK’s chief executive John McNally.
The project will transform Grangemouth overnight and will allow its manufacturing assets to once more compete globally, providing raw materials for thousands of manufacturing businesses across the UK and Europe.
The building of Europe’s largest ethane storage tank is just part of INEOS’ $1 billion global project to get US shale gas to Europe. The company, which has contracts to access a 100-mile pipeline from the Marcellus Shale in western Pennsylvania to the Marcus Hook gas terminal close to Philadelphia, has commissioned eight huge Dragon class ships to carry the liquefied shale gas ethane from the US to Europe.www.ineos.com
Greg Lofts – “a supply chain specialist whose consultative approach supports Suttons’ ability to provide customers with the service that is right for them and their business”
Greg Lofts has been appointed business development director at Suttons Tankers, as the company looks to further strengthen its UK leadership team and expand the products and services it provides to customers.
Greg joins Suttons with an impressive track record in business development and account management, most recently at Wincanton.
His remit includes the strategic development of the division’s new business opportunities and existing accounts in the bulk chemicals, gases, fuels and food sectors, with a focus on relationship management and customer service.
“Greg’s experience and proven ability to lead teams and deliver solutions tailored to individual customers, rather than applying a one size fits all model, is key to the development of our business and an ideal fit with Suttons,” said Michael Cundy, managing director, Suttons Tankers.
“He’s a supply chain specialist whose consultative approach supports Suttons’ ability to provide customers with the service that is right for them and their business.”
“Suttons is an ambitious business with a dynamic leadership team who I have admired for a long time,” said Greg. “They have a rich history and continue to move forward at great pace.”
“In addition to focusing on both new and existing customers and their requirements, I will work closely with our highly experienced and dedicated teams to deliver value adding innovative world class solutions.”
“It is this commitment which will further cement our position as industry leaders in specialist bulk logistics and supply chain services.”www.suttonsgroup.com
Iain Duncan, general manager at Scania Inverness with Nicola Clase, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK and Claes Jacobsson, managing director Scania GB
Following an 18-month development project, Scania has opened a new £3m state of the art premises at Bridge Point in Inverness.
Scania Inverness, which is ADR-ready, plans to include the addition of tank testing and Petroleum Regulations work in order to serve the local fuel supply industry.
The 1.8 acre site with a high security, CCTV-monitored truck parking area offers two full length pits, an DVSA Authorised Test Facility with brake tester, beam setter and shaker plate, a rolling road, tachograph bay and steam cleaning equipment. The workshop provides extended opening hours and a fully stocked parts department provides components for all makes of trucks and related equipment, including trailers, tail-lifts and refrigerators. In total, £400,000 of the £3m Scania Inverness investment has been channelled into workshop equipment and special tooling.
In addition to new vehicle sales, the branch offers used truck sales and a full vehicle rental service through Scania Truck Rental.
“The staff we have at Scania Inverness are very much our most important asset,” says Sandy Millar, regional executive director for Scania Scotland. “Compliance is a key issue for operators today, and the complexity of modern vehicles mean that only technicians with the very best training and access to the latest advanced diagnostic and maintenance technology are capable of reliably carrying out work to the standards required by legislation.”
“As home to a wide and diverse range of transport operations, and with many local operators traditionally favouring the Scania marque, the Inverness area has long been an important location for us,” comments Claes Jacobsson, managing director of Scania (Great Britain) Limited. www.scania.co.uk
The Falkirk team, which is named after the silverback gorilla, hopes the connection with such a powerful species will resonate in their performance during the coming season
Brogan Fuels has agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with the Falkirk Silverbacks Australian Rules football team “It’s important that we support clubs in the area where we work, which we try to do where we can,” said Brogan Fuels general manager Gerry Paice.
Easy to fit and install – user friendly equipment from Emco Wheaton with Euro 6 compatibility
The implications of Euro 6 regulations on the road tanker industry have presented many challenges for fleet operators.
With additional space required for the Euro 6 exhaust gas system and AdBlue tanks, the implications are not just in terms of the increased vehicle/equipment costs and the impact on payload but also the increased maintenance due to emission diagnostics says Emco Wheaton.
Through technological innovation, Emco Wheaton has made design improvements to tanker truck equipment that better suit the needs of vehicles with Euro 6 engines which in the long term, will have a positive impact on the bottom line.A re-engineered electronic pumping system
In the re-design of a re-engineered electronic pump metering system, Emco Wheaton has not only made this equipment more user friendly but also ensured that its cabinet design consolidates a range of equipment in one lightweight, compact cabinet. Easy to fit and install, the M535 series brings the units down in size, so it can be easily accommodated on a truck chassis where space is now a premium.Bulk fluids transportation
In the bulk fluids transportation market, Emco Wheaton engineers have met the space restriction challenge brought about by Euro 6. By streamlining and making their tank truck equipment more compact and lightweight, Emco Wheaton has ensured that payload capacity is not compromised by the addition of the emissions equipment.www.emcowheaton.com
The hallmark of the XPO Logistics brand is an iconic shade of red worn by all employees. The company’s top three European markets are France, the UK and Spain with operations in Italy and the Netherlands
With its acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle last month, XPO Logistics became a top ten global supply chain provider.
To emphasis the company’s European capacity and drive for innovation in transport, logistics solutions and global forwarding, this month the company launched a major advertising campaign in Europe based on the theme Welcome to the next supply chain generation.
Reinforcing that Norbert Dentressangle is now XPO Logistics, the campaign focuses on the company’s commitment to providing customers with responsive solutions, both locally and globally.
“We’re always ready to challenge established models and offer bespoke solutions that contribute to the performance of our customers’ supply chains today and tomorrow,” said Hervé Montjotin, chief executive officer of XPO Logistics in Europe.
“Our next generation in Europe is a world-class service team in every respect: entrepreneurial and attuned to customer needs – supply chain experts who utilise the latest technological advances to achieve optimum results for our customers.”
Continuing a long-standing partnership as the official carrier of the Tour de France, the first red XPO Logistics trucks have been on display at each of the 2015 Tour’s major stages. The trucks bear the hashtag #WeAreXPO, which has become a symbol of pride among XPO Logistics employees.www.xpo.comwww.norbert-dentressangle.com
Adrian Lightwood – “The Heating and Renewables Roadshows present an excellent opportunity to showcase OFTEC’s new scopes of registration”
The Oil-Fired Technical Association (OFTEC) is to showcase its new scopes of registration at the Heating and Renewables Roadshows which will take place across the UK in September.September
Thursday 10th – Ricoh Coventry
Tuesday 15th – Westpoint Exeter
Thursday 17th – FIVE Farnborough
Tuesday 22nd – RHC Edinburgh
Thursday 24th – Event City Manchesterheatingandrenewablesroadshow.co.uk
“With oil prices remaining so low and the trend predicted to continue, the future for oil looks positive,” said OFTEC registrations director Adrian Lightwood.
“However, OFTEC recognises the increasing role domestic renewable heating technologies will play in the longer term and fully supports the UK’s transition to low carbon heat. We want to help forward thinking oil installation businesses to expand their customer reach.
“The Heating and Renewables Roadshows present an excellent opportunity to showcase OFTEC’s new scopes of registration covering heat pumps, solar thermal systems and solid fuel, with biomass registrations to be launched later this year.
“It’s an exciting time for OFTEC as we move into a more energy diverse era. Our aim is to consolidate OFTEC’s position as one of the leading Competent Persons Scheme operators within the heating sector and remain the quality benchmark for installers, servicing technicians and homeowners alike.
“Plus, those installers already working in the renewable and solid fuel sectors can also take advantage of the extensive benefits, from self-certification to free technical advice, and value for money OFTEC registration provides.”
Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) currently operate in the grey areas
Following the introduction of Sulphur Emission Control Areas in the North and the Baltic Seas on 1st January 2015, the European Maritime Safety Agency has reported on the results of spot checks on vessels.
To check compliance with the new EU regulations sulphur content of fuel in 1,458 vessels operating in European waters was tested between January – April 2015. Ninety vessels (6%) were found to be non-compliant with the new regulations.
Reasons for non-compliance included keeping inaccurate records or having incorrect processes, being unable to produce satisfactory fuel samples, and having fuel in tank with a sulphur content above 0.1%.
The EU requires member states to conduct spot checks on a minimum of 10% of ships in its waters in 2015, although several states exceed this and test up to 20%.
“Being in control of our supply chain from the oil refinery and onwards to the vessel means that our customers can trust us to supply top quality product every time,” said Barry Newton, managing director of the Geos Group, a specialist physical supplier of marine gas oil which has terminals at Aberdeen, Thames, Blyth, Heysham, Montrose, Great Yarmouth and Lerwick.
As of 1 January 2015, vessels operating in EU Sulphur Emission Control Areas, or SECA (including the North Sea, Baltic Sea, North American coastal areas and the US Caribbean Sea), are required by EU law to burn fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1%, a reduction from 1%.www.geosgroup.com