News 73
OFTEC is calling for a ‘more joined-up carbon reduction and energy policy’ which still includes renewable technology incentives but also offers ‘more affordable measures such as a boiler scrappage scheme’
“Evidence strongly suggests that the government is using the wrong vehicle to encourage people to cut CO2 emissions,” says Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC’s director general.
“A more realistic, pragmatic solution is clearly needed if the country is to significantly reduce its carbon footprint,” says Jeremy.
“Latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show just 11,149 new renewable installations have been completed since the RHI launched in April 2014 – that’s less than 1,000 per month.
“The RHI scheme has failed to attract sufficient support, barely achieving in a whole year the number of installations required each month for DECC to meet its ambitious 2020 carbon reduction targets, says OFTEC which calculates that around 10,800 installations would be needed every month to reach the government’s goal of 750,000 installations by 2020.
“The high upfront costs of installing renewable technologies, which are typically between £9k and £14k, are prohibitive for all but the wealthy few,” says Jeremy.
“Even with RHI incentive payments, most people simply can’t afford to take up the scheme, even if they want to. Exacerbating the low take up of the RHI is also the complexity of both the application process and the practical issues involved in installing renewable technologies.”An overhaul of RHI and a boiler scrappage scheme
Before the election, OFTEC wrote to all parliamentary candidates in rural areas – where most off-gas grid households the RHI targets lie – urging them to support an overhaul of the RHI.
Jeremy Hawksley continues: “With the election now behind us, a full review of the domestic RHI is now essential. We believe it should be replaced by a more joined-up carbon reduction and energy efficiency policy that would encourage far greater consumer buy in. This would still include renewable technology incentives but also encompass more affordable measures such as a boiler scrappage scheme to incentivise the switch to high efficiency condensing boilers. There is still clearly a strong demand for these greener, cheaper to run boilers with sales for Q1 this year up 7% on the equivalent period in 2014.
“These simple changes would make carbon reduction and energy efficiency measures accessible to many more households – especially the elderly and fuel poor – which now are excluded from the RHI because of the high upfront costs of renewables.” www.oftec.org.uk
Gulf Aviation is now supplying Jet A1 to Wizz Air gaining another a new airport – Belfast International – to its ‘increasingly expanding portfolio’
Gulf Aviation has secured a contract to supply Jet A1 fuel to Wizz Air at airports across the UK.
Under the new contract, Gulf Aviation, a part of Certas Energy, will now supply Wizz Air with fuel at Aberdeen, Belfast International and Edinburgh airports. This is the inaugural airline Gulf has supplied at Belfast International Airport, which brings Belfast into the company’s growing regional distribution portfolio.
David Dykes, supply, logistics & commercial aviation manager for Gulf Aviation, commented: “The Wizz Air contract is a major achievement for Gulf Aviation in itself, plus it brings a new airport – Belfast International – into our increasingly expanding portfolio. We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, and our focus on delivering excellent customer service, which we believe makes us stand out from the competition during the tender process. We look forward to working in partnership with Wizz Air in 2015 and hopefully beyond.”
Wizz Air is a low cost carrier established in 2003. Since its inaugural flight in 2004 Wizz Air has grown substantially and now offers over 380 routes in Europe and beyond.
Gulf Aviation delivers aviation fuels and lubricants to a wide range of customers throughout the UK, including private flying clubs, helicopter operators, air taxis, charter and management companies and regional airports. Its turnkey operation allows it to focus on its customers by building relationships built on trust, service, and quality.aviation.gulfoil.co.uk/
www.tankstorage-event.org.uk/
Over 1600 movers and shakers and key decision makers from the oil distribution industry world attended the two-day event which included 12% of delegates from European countries and 3% from non-European countries as far afield as Australia.
Depot manager Angelo Colleta at the open day
Last week Barton Petroleum held an open day at the company’s Oakley depot near Bedford.
The open day was organised to celebrate the completion of a brand new office at the site from where the company has serviced customers since 1989. The new offices, which feature sales and administration areas and driver facilities with its own entrance together with a dedicated training room and board room, give the depot much more room to expand.
The next stage in the depot’s development will be the replacement of tanks which is due to take place over the summer.
Barton Petroleum was joined at the event by several suppliers and service providers from both local and national companies. www.bartonpetroleum.co.uk
Aerial view of Portland Port – a naval dockyard for over 150 years, Portland Harbour is now a thriving and successful commercial facility
A storage facility adjacent to one of the busiest shipping trade routes in the world is soon to become available.
Since 2001, Portland Port located on the south coast of the UK has leased its bunker storage, pipeline and berth facility to Aegean Marine Petroleum Network. Later this year the facility will return back to the open market with the opportunity for a new tenant to occupy and manage the facility. The tanks were fully refurbished by Aegean who also built a new jetty to receive tanker deliveries; the facility has since been professionally managed and maintained to a high standard.
Approximately 40,000cbm of storage is available, split between four tanks of approximately 10,000 cbm each. The storage tanks are set deep in to the Isle of Portland, originally built by the Royal Navy and used for storage of the same products. The tanks are surrounded by Kimmeridge Clay, with each cylindrical tank measuring 300 metres in length and 7 metres in diameter. Two tanks are currently dedicated to holding marine fuel and the other two for marine diesel, along with a thermal fluid heating system used to heat the tanks.
The storage facility is further complemented by two pipelines (one being heated), 1.2 kilometres in length which connect to a bunker jetty which can accommodate vessels of up to 200metres LOA and up to 13 metres of draft. There are two loading arms on the berth, one for MGO the other for HFO.
Portland’s strategic geographical location is one of the port’s greatest assets with minimal deviation for vessels using the English Channel, along with the large, deep, sheltered inner and outer harbour; making the port an ideal location for vessels of all sizes to take bunkers. The pilotage is short and direct, being only 20 minutes to the anchorages and 30 minutes to all alongside berths. The outer harbour has depths of up 20m (C.D) and the inner harbour has depths of up to 15m (C.D.). The 3.5 miles of extensive breakwater system provides unrivalled protection, which has always given Portland the advantage when ship owners/operators/charterers are looking for a protected location for their vessels to undertake services afloat.www.portland-port.co.uk
The scheme has been revised by a cross-industry team, comprising representatives of UKPIA, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Since the original scheme was established in 1989 the industry has changed significantly; the majority of oil companies now contract out their fuel distribution to specialist hauliers, with several specialist tank storage companies now also operating fuel distribution terminals.
“It was felt that the previous scheme needed to be reviewed and updated to take account of these changes,” said Sally Thornley, FTA’s director of standards, audit and accreditation. “This newly launched SLPS builds on the previous scheme and is extended to cover all participating UK fuel distribution terminals.”
The new scheme ensures that common standards are in place for workshops and technicians carrying out inspections on road fuel tankers prior to terminals’ entry. In addition, it provides a new web-based portal for the registration of inspections and a mechanism for terminals to query vehicles’ passes electronically.
The scheme is a requisite for entry into all fuel terminals operated by members of UKPIA and the TSA. The FTA manages the scheme on behalf of UKPIA.
“The redevelopment of the scheme is a credit to all involved,” said Peter Davidson, director safety, commercial & projects.
“The SLPS now well reflects the changes in our industry and it’s more widely adopted by downstream oil distribution terminals. It also sets higher standards, thus providing confidence to terminal operators that road tankers entering their terminals to load fuel are safe to do so.”
www.ukpia.com
www.tankstorage.org.uk
www.fta.co.uk
Mark Binns, chairman, HOYER Petrolog UK
Hamburg- based logistics provider HOYER has reported a thoroughly successful result for the financial year 2014.
Turnover, at EUR 1,107m, was around EUR 20m above the level attained in the previous year (EUR 1,087m) exceeding the family-run company’s expectations. The Petrolog (fuels and bitumen) business units increased its turnover by 1% over the previous year.
The largest percentage increase in turnover (+5%) in 2014 was posted by the Gaslog business unit, which is responsible for transport logistics with industrial gases. This growth rate was almost equalled by the overseas activities bundled in the Deep Sea business unit: around 4% more than in 2013. With 36%, the Chemilog business unit again accounted for the largest proportion of the logistics specialists’ revenues, although it had to endure a slight decrease in its result. This was a consequence of the immense pressure on prices in the market and a barely increased production volume in the chemicals industry.
“Although we expect to see an increase in economic growth in 2015, we are also anticipating a persistently high intensity of global competition,” said Thomas Hoyer, shareholder and advisory board chairman. We nevertheless intend to carry on growing in 2015 thanks to the expansion of our international activities and further strategic collaborations.”
In 2014, HOYER had around 34,000 tank containers, 3,000 road tankers, 24,000 intermediate bulk containers and 2,500 trucks in action around the world for HOYER. The vehicles’ ongoing conversion to motor technology in compliance with the Euro-6 norm was accompanied by the increased use of electronic driving and monitoring assistants. The company employed 5,098 people in 2014. www.hoyer-group.comSEE THE APRIL 2015 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH HOYER’S OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, ALLAN DAVISON
After a 20-year period of dramatic reduction in the numbers of forecourts, there were 8,609 forecourts at the close of 2014 which was broadly in line with the 2013 figure of 8,611.
The Energy Institute’s annual Retail Marketing Survey provides a comprehensive, statistical overview of the UK forecourt market; a market that has seen the number of forecourts almost halved since 1994.
Data is broken down by company, region and forecourt facilities. This year’s report is based on statistics relating to end-2014 and does not reflect changes since that date. These figures are collected from an EI survey with fuel retailers and are cross-checked with numbers from market analyst Experian Catalist.
UK consumer fuel prices experienced the same downward trend as the global market, with petrol dropping from an average of 134.88 p/l in 2013 to an average two-year low of 128.18 p/l in 2014, and from 140.74 p/l for diesel to 133.82 p/l.
Total 2014 road fuel sales for the year saw a 1.77% rise from 36mn tonnes to reach 36.64mn tonnes, with diesel sales once again outperforming petrol. Retail petrol sales remained fairly stable at 13mn tonnes by year end (from 12.99mn tonnes at the close of 2013), while diesel sales rose to 15.16mn tonnes (up from 14.09mn tonnes). Meanwhile, the total number of cars on the road rose 1.95% to a record-breaking 35.89mn.
Site number breakdown by fuel retail brand in 2014 (2013 figures in brackets)
BP – led the forecourt branding field, topping the listing with 1,163 outlets (1,174)
Shell – secured second place, with 1,019 branded sites (1,016)
Esso – close behind, in third position, with 1,012 branded forecourts (1,003)
Texaco – ranked fourth, with 773 outlets (814)
Gulf – fifth, with 508 branded service stations (409)
The supermarket sector accounts for just over 43% of total UK fuel sales
Tesco – 504 sites (498)
Morrisons – 332 (326)
Sainsbury’s – 298 (289)
Asda – 246 (226)
This year’s supplement also includes articles looking at security of fuel supply in the UK and the need for planning to prevent future supply disruption should the number of operating refineries continue to fall. The report examines the latest trends and developments in the fuel retail market, where opportunities for independent forecourt retailers appear to have taken a turn for the better; and how the success of fuel retailers can be defined by the speed at which they respond to changes in the wholesale price of oil.
The 2015 Retail Marketing Survey is available, priced £100, from the Energy Institute. For more information on the downstream sector, including filling stations and retail fuel prices, visit knowledge.energyinst.org/collections/rms
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is writing to members of the new government requesting the opportunity to discuss issues outlined in its logistics manifesto, and its wider ambitions for UK logistics.
In its Logistics Manifesto 2015, FTA said that the freight industry requires better support from government, and set out key issues which need addressing– including a cut in fuel duty; addressing skills shortages and recruiting professional drivers; and ensuring UK’s infrastructure networks (including airport capacity) are capable of meeting freight needs.
Stressing the importance of logistics to the economy
The FTA is urging David Cameron and his new government to recognise the importance of logistics which is crucial to keeping the people of Britain supplied with essential goods they need, adding that to overlook its needs would be failing the industry and the economy.
FTA has said that the new government will have a “real challenge” ahead in ensuring the economy can continue to recover, stating that logistics has a key role to play in this.
“Mr Cameron’s new government needs to ensure that logistics is given the attention it deserves,” said Karen Dee, director of policy
“Its policies must ensure the industry can be as efficient and effective as possible in support of businesses and consumers in the UK. Our objective is to ensure that the UK has a safe, efficient and sustainable supply chain, and we sincerely hope that the new government will support us in these goals.” www.fta.co.uk
As part of its Corporate Giving programme, Brogan Fuels has presented a defibrillator unit to Lochar Thistle Youths AFC who play and train at Heathhall, Dumfries.
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