News 72
Having been appointed as the new FPS regional representative for Yorkshire and the North East of England, Janet Kettlewell has joined the FPS Council.
Janet Kettlewell, who is operations manager at Ripon-based Kettlewell Fuels, a small independent family distributor formed in 1987, said:“ To be appointed as a regional representative is fantastic news.
“Success in this industry is based on strong relationships with customers and colleagues, and I am keen to build great relationships with every oil distributor in Yorkshire and the North East. I have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience as well as an understanding of this region.
“Kettlewell Fuels is proud that it is one of the last remaining independent oil distributors in the area – we attribute this to the fact that we always go the extra mile for customers.
“This commitment is something I will bring to my new role on the FPS Council. I will be helping and supporting all FPS members across the region, both on a personal and national level, ensuring they have an industry voice by representing their views and concerns at the quarterly Council meetings. I look forward to making a big difference to the working lives of FPS members in this region.”
To get in touch with Janet please email Janet.Kettlewell@kettlewellfuels.co.uk.
The OFTEC team joins the campaign to fight fuel poverty. Last winter (2012/13) there were 18,200 excess winter death in the UK, the majority of which were caused by living in cold condition.
Approximately 80% of oil heated homes have the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G. In Cold Homes Week, OFTEC once again calls for improvements in energy efficiency.
Run by the Energy Bill Revolution (EBR), Cold Homes Week brings together more than 200 businesses, charities and organisations in support of ending fuel poverty.
This week OFTEC will write to the major political parties and rural MPs to highlight the issue and urge for more practical measures to form part of their election manifestos.WANTED – better insulation and a boiler scrappage scheme
“Even though oil prices have plummeted in recent months to a four-year low, fuel poverty is still more likely in oil-heated households,” says OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley. “This is due to poor insulation levels and the high number of old, inefficient boilers still in use.
“We are urging all the political parties to add a generous boiler scrappage scheme covering all condensing types, to their manifestos ahead of the general election. Also to provide particular support to better insulate rural homes which tend to be least energy efficient.”
According to EBR, one of the main problems is that UK homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, resulting in higher energy bills. As the majority of oil using homes are older, rural properties with the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G – approximately 80% of oil heated homes in England fall into this category – OFTEC is keen to support the cause.
“Simply upgrading to a modern condensing boiler could see average fuel bills cut by as much as 50% compared to this time last year, with better insulation measures resulting in even greater savings. Fuel poverty is an urgent issue which needs to be tackled now.”
OFTEC has also teamed up with Age UK to produce a booklet for older people, who are most at risk, to help them keep warm and well during the winter. www.oilsave.org.uk
The awards were presented to the Brogan Fuels team at the Carden Park Hotel, Chester; Andrew Salton (l) with contract manager David Smialowski
Brogan Fuels has once again taken the Shell Lubricants UK’ Distributor of the Year Award.
For the second year in a row, the Brogan Fuels, which is part of Certas Energy, scooped the top prize and two other major prizes – Raising the Bar in 2014 and Sales Support.
The awards recognise best in class within the lubricants distribution sector. The winners are required to demonstrate superior knowledge and expertise, combined with a great sales and operations approach, as well as exceptional customer service.
The competition is open to all contracted distributors which have partnerships with Shell Lubricants UK. The nominees are evaluated against a range of six critical criteria, specifically chosen to demonstrate KPIs which focus on different aspects of the business, in addition to sales volume. The reason for including cross-business KPIs is to emphasise that, to be successful, distributors need to work as a team and that sales volume is just a part of that success.
Andrew Salton, lubricants manager Scotland for Certas Energy, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition for the second year running. As a team we aspire to be the best in our sector; these awards indicate that we are just that. We have ambitious growth plans, and I believe that if we continue to work and deliver to the level currently demonstrated, we will achieve our goal. I’d like to thank all of my team who played a part in maintaining our position as the largest distributor of Shell Lubricants in Scotland.”http://www.brogans.co.uk
In changes under the rebrand, Martyn Lyons becomes chief executive of Inter Terminals with Richard Sammons in the new role of executive chairman
From January 1st Simon Storage is rebranded as Inter Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian company Inter Pipeline.
The combined Inter Terminals business, which includes operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark, is one of the largest independent bulk liquid storage businesses in Europe, with more than three million cubic metres of storage capacity located across 12 terminals. Terminals store hazardous and non hazardous liquids, including oils, chemicals, biofuels and waste oils at the coastal ports of Immingham, Teesside and Tyneside in the United Kingdom and on the Shannon estuary in Ireland.
Inter Terminals will be led by Martyn Lyons who is promoted to chief executive. With over 25 years experience in the tank storage sector, Martyn is well known within the industry and continues to serve as chairman of the UK Tank Storage Association. He succeeds Richard Sammons who is moving into a new role as executive chairman.
“I am delighted to see the integration of our operations under one unified management structure,” said Richard Sammons.
“I wish Martyn and his team every success in their new roles. Adopting the Inter Terminals name across our European terminal network will strengthen brand recognition and the marketing of our integrated suite of storage services. It also creates a stronger branding affiliation with Inter Pipeline which continues to provide strong support for our operational and growth initiatives across Europe. We look forward to serving both existing and new customers in the future.”www.interterminals.com
IAN WELCH HAS 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE DOWNSTREAM OIL INDUSTRY
Certas Energy has strengthened its retail team with the appointment of Ian Welch and Gary Conway, both former employees of Harvest Energy.
“As we continue to expand the Gulf branded network across the UK, we are delighted to bring Gary and Ian into the Certas Energy family,” said retail director Ramsay MacDonald.. “They share our team ethos and an enthusiasm for the business. It is important that our rapid growth is complemented by the recruitment of high calibre people who understand Certas Energy and the delivery of genuine customer service.”
Ian’s working life began in the Merchant Navy before he joined Texaco in 1990. He has now been associated with the downstream oil industry for nearly 25 years, gaining experience in commercial and retail sales, lubricants, fuel engineering and fuel cards. In his role as key accounts manager with Harvest, he helped grow dealer sites from less than 20 to over 100 in under four years. Alongside his career highlights, Ian has also achieved an MBA from City University London.
“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity,” explained Ian. “It is exciting to join a team that shares my passion for the business, has a drive, vision and does it with a smile on its face.”
Maxol Lubricants is now supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces with high quality lubrication oils
In mid December Maxol Lubricants secured a contract to be sole supplier of lubrication oil to the Irish Naval fleet.
The lubricants supplied as part of this contract will be used to service their eight vessels patrolling Ireland’s one million square kilometres of sea. The contract will span a minimum of two years with the possibility of a third.
General manager Owen O’Neill said: “Maxol Lubricants has established a highly successful business as a supplier of premium quality lubricants to a wide cross section of industries throughout Ireland. As a family owned Irish company we are very proud to be supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces.”
Operating out of Haulbowline, Co.Cork, the Irish Naval Services is one of the three standing branches of the Irish Defence Forces.
Lieutenant commander Stuart Armstrong commented: “It is imperative that our fleet is maintained and operated to the highest standards at all times and we trust Maxol Lubricants to provide the high quality lubrication oils needed for our vessels.”www.maxol-lubricants.ie
Tony Mills joins Fairbanks with a ‘large network of contacts’
Last week Tony Mills joined Fairbanks to assist with the delivery of the company’s global sales and marketing strategy.
Formerly with OPW in the US, Tony Mills has joined the Fairbanks leadership team which includes joint managing directors Steve Jones and Bob Conlin.
“We’re committed to growing the business and I’m delighted that Tony has joined us,” said Bob. “His previous role with OPW as director of engineering and new product development for fuel management products in the US gives him significant experience that we’re delighted to acquire.”
Steve Jones added: “We were impressed with his passion and drive along with his depth of understanding about our industry which, combined with his large network of contacts, will help us reach new customers in previously uncharted territories. We look forward to introducing him to our existing customers in the coming months.”
Fairbanks delivers intelligent fuel management services to many leading oil companies, hypermarkets and retailers across 35 countries and provides data analysis that enables faster decision making via a secure web based system.www.fairbanksglobal.com
In his ambassador role, Nicholas Hamilton will be assisting the JET brand with campaigns, promotions and events in 2015
Nicolas Hamilton, who recently saw his brother Lewis crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014, has been appointed as JET’s ambassador for 2015.
Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, is an avid racing driver himself and vocal campaigner for disability in motoring. He will help to promote the Phillips 66 vision of providing energy – improving lives and the JET theme of On the Journey Together. Throughout the year, he will be getting involved in campaigns, promotions and events, including Silverstone Classic in July, where JET will once again be the official fuel partner.
“I am really excited to be working with JET and Phillips 66,” said Nicholas. “There are many similarities in how we both approach achieving our goals and ambitions – yet also areas we can learn from one another.”
“Despite living with a challenging and debilitating condition, Nicolas has made it his life motto to Exceed Expectations, said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing.
“Having met with Nicolas at the Silverstone Classic last year, we knew straight away that he would make an excellent ambassador for JET as it is our continued goal to exceed the expectations of our JET network. We are very much looking forward to working alongside Nicolas over the next 12 months and to giving our dealers and distributors the opportunity to find out more about and be inspired by this dedicated young sportsperson and campaigner.”www.phillips66.co.uk
Hoyer Petrolog driver trainer Chris Hill spent two weeks in Tanzania delivering a variety of training
In its latest link up with Transaid, Hoyer seconded one of its most senior driver trainers, Chris Hill, to a professional driver training project at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
“We’re delighted to support the excellent work Transaid undertakes,” said operations director Allan Davidson. “We truly believe that the work undertaken by Transaid to assist with transport management and to develop driver training in developing countries has made a real difference in improving road safety in Zambia and Tanzania.
“Our driver trainers have contributed significantly to this worthwhile cause and have openly admitted that the experience has not only developed them professionally but also from a personal perspective.
Chris Hill, who is based at Hoyer’s Hythe terminal, commented: “It was a busy two weeks covering a variety of training, mainly focusing on driving the LGV 1 and practicing the reverse exercise, with classroom training as well all the trainees were very grateful of the training they were given and fully endorsed what was been put across to them.”
Despite the challenges of limited availability of equipment that might be considered standard in the UK, being able to make improvements in driver technique and to improve the handling of dangerous goods has proved to be personally and professionally fulfilling for trainers.
“In order for Transaid to keep improving road safety in Africa it’s vital that we can work with companies such as Hoyer Petrolog,” said Transaid’s acting chief executive Caroline Barber. “We’re extremely grateful to the company for their continued support and for offering their time and skills to develop the expertise of trainers at the National Institute of Transport which ultimately helps to address dramatic statistics and save many lives.”www.transaid.orgwww.hoyer-group.com
The six new Emco Wheaton products seen here will be joined by more variants in 2015
Emco Wheaton has launched six new products within its TODO range with plans to release more variants in 2015.
“The voice of our customers is a critical point of our development process,” said principal engineer Sam Blackmore. “We listened to our clients’ feedback seeking more sizes of the break-away couplings to support their production needs.”
The company welcomes more feedback about further products – see below. NEW marine break-away coupling
Available in a 4” diameter and is a version of the tried and tested TODO break-away coupling that has been designed to withstand harsh marine conditions.
Engineered to disconnect under straight pull force, separation takes place if a vessel moves too far. The valves, that are present in each half of the equipment, snap shut thereby minimising any potential spill of liquids into the environment or loss of client product. The marine break-away has a maximum working pressure of 25 bar.
Ken Rivers is one of the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit
On Wednesday 21st January, Ken Rivers and Judith Hackett will be among the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit II in London.
With its focus on the launch of the UK Process Safety Management Skills Strategy 2015 – 2018, HSE chair Judith will look at how the industry has been changing and how well process safety is understood by the new players that have entered the sector; the implications of the new COMAH 2015 regulation; public performance reporting and the Better Regulation Executive’s focus on enforcement.
With more than 35 years experience of the downstream oil industry, Ken is passionate about safety in the oil industry. He recently returned from New Zealand where he was running the country’s only oil refinery and was previously responsible for Shell’s refining and petrochemical operations in the UK.
Recognised as an industry expert, Ken chaired a joint industry/regulator task force in the wake of the Buncefield terminal explosion. He has also been appointed chair of the COMAH Strategic Forum tasked with improving the effectiveness of major hazard legislation in the UK and comprising both the regulatory authorities and the oil and chemical industries.
Also speaking are Allan Laing, CEO Pentagon Chemicals and chair of the Process Safety Management Project Board; and Malcolm Sarstedt, Europe operations manager – process safety, at Unilever.
An exhibition will also give the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of companies offering a variety of safety-related services to the process industries.www.psmsummit.com
(l-r): Grant Lockie, Speedy regional director (power) with Jim Williams, northern regional director and Anthony Sharkey, national sales manager, Certas Energy
Speedy has chosen Certas Energy as its national fuel partner in delivering temporary power generation.
Speedy already owns the largest fleet of fuel tankers in the hire industry and, together with Certas Energy, it will have a combined capability of more than 1,000 tankers servicing every UK postcode and over 150 Certas Energy refueling depots nationwide.
Speedy achieved an industry first in 2006 by being the only hire company in the UK to offer fuel services and, by partnering with Certas Energy, which delivers over six billion litres of fuel annually, fuel can now be delivered anywhere in the UK – even in remote and inaccessible areas.
A dedicated Certas Energy account manager will be based at Speedy’s head office in Haydock.
“Speedy’s power division has seen major expansion over the years,” said Jim Williams, northern regional director at Certas Energy. “This strategic partnership is a fantastic opportunity for both companies and we look forward to developing a long-term relationship.”
Brian Cornett, managing director of Speedy’s Power Division, said: “By partnering with Certas Energy we’re now able to service the power generation demands of all sectors and industries and we can help our customers minimise fuel spend, streamline the administration process and benefit from quick and easy refueling at strategically located sites throughout the UK.”www.certasenergy.co.ukwww.speedyservices.com
Spaces at FPS EXPO 2015 are filling faster than ever reports the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.
With just over three months to go before the exhibition takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, the FPS has confirmed that more than 80% of the exhibition space has already been sold.
“FPS EXPO is always extremely popular because of the diverse range of industry experts that exhibit but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event,” says marketing and events manager Dawn Shakespeare.
“In addition to the industry-renowned exhibitors that return year-on-year, we have a number of new firms exhibiting this year including Applied Pumps, Brit European Transport, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, and KDC Contractors, which we’re very excited about.”
Viewed as the main event in the oil distribution industry calendar, FPS EXPO 2015 is set to cover 5 halls at the Harrogate International Centre for the first time.
“There are some changes to this year’s EXPO,” said Dawn.
“We hope visitors and exhibitors will welcome the changes which include a visitor and exhibitor drinks reception on the first evening.
The Awards dinner is not being held in 2015 but this means we can really make the most of the Driver of the Year and Depot of the Year awards by presenting each award at the winner’s depot.
“Having a first night drinks reception means that lots of exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day and network on an informal basis.”
The 2015 event will be the 35th year of the exhibition and the show’s last year in Harrogate. It will feature representatives from industry leading distributors, manufacturers, software firms and equipment suppliers, all displaying the latest breakthroughs in technology and innovation within the oil distribution industry.
Spaces and tickets have been reserved by companies and individuals from around the world, and interest has even been expressed for the show in 2016 when the event moves to Liverpool’s new Arena and Convention Centre for the following three years.
“From new products on display and forums on best practice, to networking opportunities and raising awareness for your company and interacting with key decision makers within the industry, FPS EXPO 2015 has it all – for exhibitors and visitors alike,” adds Dawn.
“With less than a quarter of the exhibition space now available, any company thinking of reserving a stand or individual wanting to book a ticket should do so sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t miss out on the industry event of the year.”
Book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015 at www.fpsshow.co.uk.
To contact Dawn Shakespeare call +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk
l-r: – Mark (2nd from left) and Amanda Hobbs at the new depot with Brian Colquhoun, Rob Spearman and Paul Shepard of Clydesdale Bank
Hobbs Bros recently moved to brand new purpose-built premises on a two acre site in Gloucester.
Funded long term by Clydesdale Bank, Hobbs Bros moved from its previously rented premises to the newly purchased site in the autumn.
Established more than 100 years ago Hobbs is a fourth generation family business with a turnover of £18m, which distributes Texaco fuels and Chevron and Exol lubricants throughout Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire.
The new depot features four 200,000 litre tanks, two each for gas oil and kerosene plus 150,000 litre tanks for diesel and Premium paraffin.
The company’s 19 staff includes four members of the Hobbs family – owner Mark Hobbs is the great great grandson of the original proprietor Clem. Mark’s wife Amanda is company secretary, his sister Jane is lubricants manager with step son Chris being one of the tanker drivers for the company’s 11-strong fleet.
“We’d been in talks with Clydesdale Bank before and decided that now was the right time for us to transfer our full banking to them,” explained Mark. We’re confident that the move to the new premises will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality of service to our customers throughout Gloucestershire.
“In a family business environment, it’s easier to provide the highest quality of customer service,” added Mark. “We can make our own decisions straightaway without having to speak to a head office. I know if a worker calls in sick, I will take on their work and make sure the job is always done.”
“Hobbs Bros is a well-known, respected business in Gloucestershire which has always ensured that the local community has a regular supply of fuel and heat,” said Rob Spearman, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester. “We’re delighted that Hobbs was able to take advantage of one of the new lending initiatives we launched this year to help purchase their new premises.” www.hobbsbros.co.uk
Will Merrick (centre) with members of the Mansfield depot team
At the beginning of December, NWF Fuels officially opened its new depot at Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.
Operating in the eastern region as a JET branded distributor, the new depot is backed by Phillips 66. It covers Nottinghamshire across to Kingsbury in the West Midlands and Immingham in Lincolnshire as well as supplying to the Yorkshire cities of Sheffield, Doncaster and York and all points in between.
Looking after the new depot is regional manager Will Merrick who heads up a team comprising Steve Colton in transport, planning and routing, Margaret Barrett and Rachel Clarke in business development, Alex Lewin, internal sales, Helen Bull, customer service with Anne Patten being responsible for business administration.
“We believe that the building of this modern facility in such a strategic location for my region will offer great opportunities for development,” said Will.www.nwffuels.co.uk
For more about the new depot – please see the January 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News
Commercial director Darren Borras (r) receives the Business of the Year award from Ralph Montagu
The ninth annual New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards 2014/15 saw the WP Group win both the Sustainable Business Award and the Business of the Year Award.
“Sustainability isn’t just an initiative but a company-wide commitment to ensuring future generations are not compromised by the actions we take today,” said marketing manager, Harriet Phillips. “Through the launch of WP’s Sustainable Solutions Programme which has three key elements – people, planet and performance, we’ve delivered significant efficiency and emission savings both internally and to our customers, large and small.
“Across a series of recent energy efficient trials conducted, WP has been able to demonstrate a reduction of CO2 emissions in excess of 2000 tonnes and a waste reduction of 2500 litres with an opportunity to save considerably more.
“Having also taken the New Forest Business Partnership Business of the Year Award, we will also receive a year’s membership to the NFBP, an association that the company is honoured to support.” www.thewp-group.co.uk
Varun will be based both at the marine head office in Warrington and at The Maltings in Cardiff.
As its new trading & risk manager, specialist marine fuel trader Varun Chhabria brings ‘new expertise’ to the Certas Energy’s marine team.
In line with the growth plans for the marine sector of the business, Varun brings new industry experience to the expanding marine team. Varun’s career has focused exclusively on the marine industry, with positions at international commodities trading companies, Inver Energy and most recently as UK sourcing and trading Manager at OW Bunker UK. At these companies, Varun has developed skills in sales and trading, hedging and contract negotiation.Aiming to become a dominant player in marine fuel
Commenting on his new role, Varun said: “This is an exciting time to join Certas Energy – the marine distribution side of the business is really going places and has aspirations for significant growth which I intend to help facilitate. With the drive and ambition of the team, I’m confident that Certas Energy will become a dominant player in the marine fuel distribution sector over the coming years.
“Varun is an excellent fit with our current team dynamic,” said Gary Byers, head of UK marine. “He brings fresh experience on the trading side of the business and is already fully furnished with the business requirements of Certas Energy having worked with members of our team already.” www.certasenergy.co.uk
When designing this skid, Alpeco fully appreciated the space issues says Nolan Oils
Just 15 miles from Nolan Oil’s Bicester depot, Alpeco was the preferred supplier when the Oxfordshire distributor was looking to upgrade its fuel delivery station.
Whilst Nolan Oils needed to install a 4-arm 1700 LPM bottom loading skid, the company still needed to keep its existing top loading bay to facilitate the loading of 3rd party trucks many of which are not equipped for bottom loading.
Severe space constraints meant that Alpeco had to design and build a bespoke skid unit for a precise location. Built at Alpeco’s premises in Aylesbury, the skid was designed and configured in such a way as to allow it to be installed alongside Nolan’s existing top loading bay. To make best use of the limited space available, the four new pump units were installed separately in the tank bund thus allowing the skid frame to be more compact.
“Alpeco met our requirements,” said managing director Mark Nolan. “Following a visit by Alpeco’s design engineers, they fully appreciated the issue regarding space and supplied us with a very compact skid unit, enabling us to retain our existing top loading rack, with the result that loading speeds are now much faster.” www.nolanoils.co.uk
Anyone with information about fuel fraud should call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000
Last week over 100 HMRC officers were involved in searches which led to the dismantling of two diesel laundering plants on the Wirral and in Kent and eight arrests.
At the Birkenhead laundering plant over 9,000 litres of suspected illicit fuel was removed along with equipment and chemicals. Three men from Merseyside were subsequently arrested. At premises in Ashford in Kent, 12,000 litres were removed along with chemicals, equipment and a fuel tanker. Capable of producing nearly 120,000 litres of suspected illicit fuel a day; the plants would evade almost £12.5 million in taxes a year
A further eight premises were searched with a further five men arrested in Essex, Lancashire and the West Midlands. All those arrested have been bailed until April 2015 pending further enquiries. Investigations into the illegal fuel plants are continuing.
“It’s wrong that honest businesses should be undercut by criminals involved in making or selling laundered fuel,” said Sandra Smith, HMRC’s assistant director, criminal investigation.
Lord Oxburgh (l) receives his Melchett Award from Malcolm Brinded CBE FEI, vice president, Energy Institute
The above is the title of the Melchett Lecture delivered recently by former Shell chairman Lord Ronald Oxburgh of Liverpool who was also presented with the Melchett Award.
“I’m delighted to have been honoured by the Energy Institute (EI) in this way,” said Lord Oxburgh KBE HonFEI. “I offer my thanks both to the EI and to the numerous friends and colleagues with whom I have enjoyed discussing energy and energy policy over the years and from whom I have learned so much.”
An eminent geologist and geophysicist, Lord Oxburgh has worked in academia, the Civil Service and the private sector. After an early career teaching and researching in universities across the UK and the US, he became chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Defence and then rector of Imperial College.
Having been a member of the Shell Board for a number of years, he became chairman in 2005 and stepped down a year later having overseen the merger of Shell with Royal Dutch Petroleum to form the current Royal Dutch Shell.
He is currently president of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association and chairs several small renewable energy companies. He received his KBE in 1992 and became a life peer, joining the House of Lords in 1999, where he previously sat on its Select Committee on Science and Technology.
Part of the RE:Group team (l-r), Matthew Fenton, collections driver, Sarah Atkinson, business development manager, Paul Waine, managing director, and Rob Booth, production director.
RE:Group UK is poised for further growth following an investment of nearly £2m.
In the first quarter of 2015, the company, which collects and processes aqueous and oily waste and manufactures environmentally sound industrial fuels, is commissioning an innovative processing plant in Hull. The investment has so far generated five new jobs, with a further 19 posts expected to be created over the next two to three years as the plant’s production capacity is developed.
The new environmentally friendly process, which RE:Group claims is an ‘industry game changer’, will improve the processing of waste oils by facilitating a greater recovery rate, removing the need for the use of chemicals and providing a more commercially competitive product.
The company, which specialises in waste oil management and hydrocarbon recovery, currently handles more than 50 million litres of marine and industrial oil each year and sells advanced fuels under its RE:Fuel brand to sectors such as brewing, food production, aggregates and abattoirs.
Managing director, Paul Waine, said: “This is a significant and strategic investment for RE:Group giving us the increased capacity to develop our customer base through providing innovative hydrocarbon based products.”
The new 1.7 acre location in Hull’s riverside industrial area, will allow the company to consolidate operations through creating a physical link with two of its other sites – a tank storage area and fuel production facility. The new location is also home to Clipper House, a 3,200 sq. ft. newly restored Edwardian building, which becomes RE:Group’s new head office. www.regroup.uk.com
Fergus Ewing, minister for energy, enterprise and tourism, at the launch of the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre in Aberdeen
The newly established Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) is already having an impact on accelerating new technologies to support the North Sea oil and gas industry.
OGIC’s official launch in Aberdeen revealed that it now has its first projects coming on stream and is in discussion with more than 50 companies regarding technology development opportunities.
OGIC provides a single access point to the knowledge and capabilities of 12 Scottish universities for the oil and gas industry. It can also part-fund and provide management support for projects with the potential to deliver technology solutions to the exploration, production and decommissioning challenges facing the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). It links around 2,300 oil and gas operators and service companies to more than 450 academic staff and researchers in Scotland working in oil and gas related areas.
Speaking at the launch, Fergus Ewing, minister for energy, enterprise and tourism, said: “The Oil & Gas Innovation Centre represents a very positive step in the right direction in ensuring support for operators and supply chain companies – allowing them to maximise the recovery of our significant hydrocarbon resources.”
Ian Phillips, chief executive of OGIC, said: “Innovation is now one of the major priorities for the oil and gas sector locally and globally in order to maximise return from existing assets and to bring new, more challenging reserves into production.”
The Scottish Funding Council, which provided the initial capital for OGIC, has also welcomed OGIC’s transformation from concept through to delivery body in a matter of months. www.ogic.co.uk
One of JET’s specially rebranded tankers in support of Road Safety Week
During last week’s Road Safety Week JET helped to raise road safety awareness by rebranding four of its tankers with special Road Safety Week messages.
The four JET promotional tankers took to the roads in the brand’s core delivery areas – South East, Midlands, Yorkshire/Humberside and Scotland with the tankers visiting approximately 100 JET forecourts.
Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing, commented: “We know that our distinctive JET tanker fleet is a significant contributor to brand awareness so we felt that branding some of our tankers with special Safety Week messages was a great way to show our commitment to road safety and our support of Brake’s fantastic initiative.”
Pete added: “As a company we are committed to consistently looking at ways to minimise risks and ensure the safety and well-being of our customers, drivers and staff. Road Safety Week provides a great opportunity to do this in a way that is fun but also gets across a serious message.”
The move was part of Jet’s long-standing support for the national road safety charity, Brake.
Set up in 1997, Road Safety Week is coordinated annually by Brake each November. Now the UK’s biggest road safety event, it aims to encourage grassroots action on road safety and raise awareness about the part everyone can play to prevent tragedies and make roads safer. www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk
Gulf Aviation kept the emergency aircraft airborne during the NATO summit in Cardiff
Gulf Aviation came to Cardiff Heliport’s rescue by providing urgent fuel supplies to keep emergency aircraft airborne at the NATO summit.
In September the NATO global gathering of world leaders brought stringent security measures to Cardiff, including five police helicopters which needed to be refuelled constantly, as well as an air ambulance and a military chopper.
The heliport, which usually goes through an average of 10,000 litres of aviation fuel a month, needed an urgent resupply after more than 30,000 litres were drained from its stockpile in just three days. Gulf Aviation, a division of Certas Energy, came to the heliport’s aid by securing an urgent delivery of fuel from Grangemouth to the Welsh capital.
Paul Stanfield, head of operations at Cardiff Heliport, said: “I have never seen the heliport so busy. We have a capacity to hold 40,000 litres of fuel, but at the rate our fuel supply was being depleted, we wouldn’t have had enough fuel for the police helicopters to deal with anything unplanned. Gulf went above and beyond to supply the emergency transportation of fuel, which thankfully arrived less than 24 hours after I called them.”
David Dykes, the supply, logistics and commercial manager at Gulf Aviation, said: “We were happy to be able to support Cardiff Heliport with the emergency fuel they needed in order to see the NATO summit through. Making sure we give a personal and customer focused service is an integral part of our offering.” aviation.gulfoil.co.uk/See the December issue of Fuel Oil News for an interview with Gulf Aviation.