News 86
Many questions arose at last month’s Fuel Oil News Distributor Debate including how the industry should prepare for a potential kerosene shortage.
The short answer to that question from both Stephen Rhodes of Mabanaft and Portland’s James Spencer was to stock up on kerosene if you have the storage.
“If there’s a precipice and we go off it, then the industry is knackered,” added James. “Backwardation is not simple and, at the moment, this means that no commercial operator is going to be able to get huge amounts of kerosene – it’s basically commercial suicide.”
How do we overcome the problem of consumers drawing unfair comparisons between different energy markets e.g. oil with gas?
‘Educating the public is key’ responded Mark Askew, chief executive, Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. Mark believes that the problem lies with ignorance and that part of the industry’s job is to explain how the market works.
“I think most customers are savvy enough these days to understand some of the basic differences, if they’re explained properly.”
Launched recently, a joint FPS/OFTEC Oilsave campaign will explain how the industry works. It will also demystify some of the information circulating about renewables and costs.
Will the UK follow Europe in moving away from oil?
Stressing the differences between the European and UK market, Mark Askew said the future probably lay in combining oil, which works instantly, with other energy sources. The distributor offering is likely to change, as it has changed in the past from coal and paraffin.
“I don’t think any of us have crystal balls. When the cut off date for oil is I don’t know, nobody knows, but I don’t think it’s quite dead in the water yet,” added Mark.
For more questions and answers from the Distributor Debate see the December issue of Fuel Oil News
Forecasters have warned that a ‘big freeze’ could begin by early December – and we could be facing one of the coldest winters for more than a decade.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, and ice and frost are likely to cause transport problems and there will be a significant risk of heavy snow.
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is urging homeowners and businesses who use oil for heating to get themselves prepared for winter now.
FPS chief executive, Mark Askew said: “We launched a buy oil early campaign in September in association with the Government and consumer agencies, ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Citizens Advice Bureau and Consumer Focus but many people still haven’t heeded our advice.
“Our members remind customers that they should order early, but people have got into a pattern of ordering the minimum quantity. Customers have had a trend of ordering 500 litres and then running out in the middle of the worst weather, when tanker drivers just can’t get to them.
“Demand is obviously governed by the weather and a prolonged cold snap, such as the Met Office is forecasting, means that the terminals are unable to provide product quickly enough and consumers can run out whilst waiting for deliveries as distributors have to go further afield to get supplies.”
www.fpsonline.co.uk
Rosie Harris holding her winning design
Moorland Fuels received 100 entries for its Christmas card design competition.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the announcement from the Department for Transport about the consultation Examining the Speed Limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5T on Single Carriageway Roads.
The FTA has long campaigned on this subject, supporting the reduction of the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles on single carriageway roads. The logistics industry is convinced that a 40 mph speed limit causes unnecessary costs to vehicle operators, congestion, and avoidable overtaking collisions. It also means that HGVs travelling above the speed limit enjoy a competitive advantage over those adhering to the law.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, commented: “Whilst our members would not want their drivers to disobey any speed limit and many feel that it is inappropriate behaviour to do so; it creates a stressful situation when driving a vehicle at a lower speed than others particularly when other road users try to encourage the HGV to move faster.”
The FTA has also assisted with the publication of two new guides promoting health and safety to professional drivers.
The publications, Load Safe, Road Safe and Transport Safety have been produced by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), with assistance from a number of organisations. They offer drivers and other operators information about good practice and assistance for complying with road and workplace legislation.
www.fta.co.uk
Cameron Forecourt managing director Barry Jenner with new operations manager, Martyn Roper
Cameron Forecourt has appointed Martyn Roper as operations manager.
The move comes as the company approaches the end of a record year in terms of turnover and profit despite another difficult year for the economy.
Based at the company’s headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Martyn will have overall responsibility for production, installation and service activities. This will include project planning and the co-ordination of installation contracts throughout the country.
Martyn is a qualified electrical and electronics engineer who spent the early part of his career as a design engineer working for avionics and computer companies. His first management role was at Sanderson Computers where he was UK engineering manager, before moving on to head of operations for a government-backed standards organisation serving the transportation industry.
Barry Jenner, Cameron Forecourt managing director said: “As the company takes on bigger and more complex fuelling installation contracts, it has become necessary to appoint an overall coordinator to manage our nationwide activities. Martyn’s experience and knowledge will prove immensely helpful and will release others to concentrate on the maintenance of professionalism and quality which is at the core of all we do.” www.cameronforecourt.co.uk
Householders who install a high efficiency oil-fired condensing boiler to replace an existing model will be eligible for £310 cashback under the Green Deal.
Up to £40m of government funding has been set aside to help householders improve their energy efficiency, and the cash is available from 28 January 2013.
To qualify, householders must get a Green Deal assessment and arrange for the work to be done through a Green Deal provider. OFTEC is already offering Green Deal registration for installers to take advantage of the new scheme, and both owner occupiers and landlords are eligible, providing they pay part of the installation costs.
Initial cashback rates have been set at £100 for loft insulation, £250 for cavity wall insulation and £390 for flat roof insulation.
Celebrating their success managing director, Gerry Jones (centre) with members of the Dunraven team
Dunraven Systems, suppliers of Apollo tank telemetry equipment, won Dundalk’s Best High Growth SME award at the annual Louth County Business Awards.
Gerry Jones, managing director of Dunraven Systems, said: “We’re delighted to win this award, which is a testimony to the hard work, effort and commitment of everyone at Dunraven, together with the loyalty of our customers. Since Dunraven was established, we’ve sought to provide quality, innovative and best in class solutions, backed by world-class levels of service and product support.
“During the past 12 months, we’ve continued to develop our business through the introduction of new products in response to customer demand and in anticipation of future market demands.”
The category award was sponsored by Louth County Enterprise board and is open to businesses who have demonstrated strategic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in this sector.www.dunravensystems.com
LS Evanne delivered 6000 tonnes of marine gas oil
Inver Energy has taken delivery of its first marine gas oil import to the Cardiff terminal.
The LS Evanne delivered over 6000 tonnes of the new product, after the tank farms and loading racks underwent substantial re-engineering to facilitate the order.
The marine market within south Wales and south west England has not had access to marine gas oil since 2011 following EU wide changes in gas oil specifications, which caused a significant competitive disadvantage within the market.
Inver has a long history of fuel supply to vessels of all sizes in the UK and Ireland, and this new product broadens the fuel offering to customers.
The fuel has the added advantage of meeting the approved specification (BS2869), and can be used in boiler and furnace systems to provide a more economical solution for heating.www.inverenergy.co.uk
Greenergy has announced that it will begin supplying diesel, gasoline and biofuel in Southwestern Ontario during the second quarter of 2013.
With existing operations in the UK, US and Brazil, the company is looking to continue international success and growth.
Paul Bateson, chief operating officer of Greenergy’s international operations and director of Greenergy Fuels Canada, said: “In the UK, Greenergy has achieved long-term growth by delivering what every customer ultimately wants – lowest priced fuel combined with the highest levels of customer service, supply resilience, operational efficiency and sustainability. We intend to replicate that strategy in Canada.”
Kirby Tremblay and Mike Healey have joined the company as joint managing directors in Canada, and bring more than thirty years of combined experience in Canadian petroleum supply and marketing.
Operations will begin from the Vopak terminal in Hamilton, and expand to other supply locations across the country in due course.
www.greenergy.com
Turriff Fuels and CPL Petroleum have implemented the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) new fuel certification scheme.
Developed in conjunction with tank hygiene specialists, OTS TankCare and Scarletts Systems, the scheme will enable FPS members to guarantee fuel standards, thereby safeguarding themselves against the potential risk and any claims resulting from post-delivery contamination.
FPS chief executive, Mark Askew, said: “With the introduction of new biofuels and current FAME content up to 7%, better housekeeping is essential throughout the supply chain. The FPS scheme sets standards for fuel testing, cleansing and best practice for preventing contamination by water, particulates and microbial growth in storage tanks.
“The scheme methodology has been fully evaluated and we can announce its implementation with two major FPS distributors – Turriff Fuels of Aberdeenshire and the CPL Petroleum network’s flagship depot in Thurrock, Essex.
“By declaring their tanks have been certified to this scheme – to guarantee fuel quality standards – fuel distributors will be able to draw a line under any disputes concerning fuel quality.” www.fpsfueltest.co.uk
Almost 1000 buses in Scotland are set to run on a blend of 30% biodiesel supplied by Argent Energy.
The B30 fuel is made at the company’s plant near Motherwell by recycling used cooking oil. Previously the Stagecoach vehicles used a mix of 5% biofuel and 95% diesel. Increasing the percentage of biofuel results in a cut in the vehicles’ CO2 emissions by up to 22%.
Dickon Posnett, Argent Energy’s development director, welcomed the move. He said: “Whilst low blends of biodiesel in standard diesel has long been the norm, we’ve seen increasing interest in higher percentage blends for economic and environmental reasons. Now B30 is rolling out widely across Scotland and England, and it will fuel the daily journeys of tens of thousands of people.
“It is a straight swap for mineral diesel and needs no modifications to either vehicles or the logistics of the fuel supply chain. So B30 offers a winning combination of ease of use, carbon reduction and economic benefits. Plus it brings the sustainability of a renewable fuel made from wastes.
“We are the only UK biodiesel producer to use distillation technology as the final step in our production process. That delivers an extra level of purity and is one of the ways we ensure that all our fuel meets the European standard.”
Argent also supplies a number of other transport operations in Edinburgh, London and Cambridgeshire.
www.argentenergy.com/
A Profitable Future in Renewables – Business Strategy Conference takes place at the British Museum in London on Wednesday 21st November.
The energy market has undergone many changes, making it difficult for businesses to plan ahead and make informed decisions to benefit profitability. Many companies are looking to alternative energy forms, such as renewables.
Organised by Renewable Energy Installer magazine, the event will address a range of topical business issues, brought to you by key industry experts, to benefit profitability. The conference is aimed at wholesalers, manufacturers, Green Deal providers and installers, while content will also be of interest to investors, training companies and those involved in the professional services sector.
“There is currently no other event which offers the same level of expertise and insight into the renewables sector and how to maintain a successful business,” said REI editor, Lu Rahman.
The aim is to help attendees understand the in-depth details behind Feed-in Tariffs, the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Green Deal. It will also offer expert opinion on how industry changes will impact on the market.
The event boasts a first-class line up that will see DECC’s Alasdair Grainger discussing the current state of the Feed-in Tariff, Solarcentury’s Jeremy Leggett discussing ‘What’s happening to the PV market?’ and Southern Solar’s Howard Johns asking whether 22GW can be achieved by 2020. For those looking ahead to the Green Deal, PWC’s Paul Davies will be looking at ‘Financing the Green Deal and Access for Installer’. Paul Thompson, REA will be speaking on ‘3-4 Things to Consider for Your Business’, whilst Jonathan Porrit, Forum for the Future, will be giving the keynote address on ‘Making a Success of life’.
Lu said: “With so many changes affecting all parts of the renewable energy market, it’s important to understand what the long-term business opportunities will be, and what needs to be done to stay successful.”
www.reiconferences.co.uk
Campaigning to protect the market share of oil heating and cooking, Oilsave.org.uk went live on 1st November.
The new website has been jointly designed by OFTEC and the Federation Of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) to provide customers with information and advice about making the best choices to improve energy efficiency.
The site aims to delve deeper into renewable technologies, recommending cost effective solutions which include integrating oil with alternative technologies.
The campaign is also urging FPS fuel delivery staff and OFTEC technicians to play their part, and encourage their customers to check out the facts on www.oilsave.org.uk
More homes in Northern Ireland could have access to natural gas by 2015, the country’s enterprise minister has said.
Arlene Foster explained: “We are discussing financing issues with Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) and liaising with the utility regulator regarding a competition for gas licences. Subject to the outcome of this competition and the completion of the detailed network design and planning approvals process, pipeline construction works could begin in 2015.”
An economic assessment on extending the gas network to towns in the west, such as Strabane and Omagh, has been completed. Currently, around 120,000 homes and 8,000 businesses are on the gas network, and an increase would lessen the dependence on oil and coal.
“Safe to say it would benefit the west of this province in a way that no other investment has for quite some time,” Arlene added.
Year to date revenues for 2012 published by Norbert Dentressangle
For the first nine months of 2012, Norbert Dentressangle has reported an increase of 9.9 percent in consolidated revenues, compared to the same period the previous year.
Revenues came in at €2901 million, largely due to acquisitions made in 2011. Like for like revenues were stable given that the growth in the logistics business was offset by a slowdown in transport. Revenues earned outside France now account for 59 percent of the total.
During the same period, a heads of agreement was signed to purchase logistics businesses from Belgian-based, Nova Natie. The sale of the Dagenham site and acquisition of the John Keells Group freight forwarding business in Sri Lanka have also been completed.
François Bertreau, chief executive officer, said: “In a sharply deteriorating economy in the third quarter, especially in France, Norbert Dentressangle held up well buoyed by strong new business wins and tight cost management, and we maintain our plan for growth.”
The company has since appointed Hervé Montjotin as chief executive officer.
Chairman, Norbert Dentressangle said: “We are delighted to appoint Hervé Montjotin as chief executive officer of our Group. Since 1995, Herve has acquired an intimate knowledge of our company and has all the qualities to lead the management of Norbert Dentressangle and enable the Group to succeed in its future growth.
“I also thank François Bertreau who, since 2008, has been the architect of the globalisation of our Group and wish him success in his new challenge.”
Impressed with Continental – Linton’s transport manager, Graham Binstead
Linton Fuel Oils has seen the benefit of adopting Continental tyres for its vehicles, and is now close to fitting the brand across its entire fleet.
The company, which operates a mixed fleet of nearly 40 tankers driven by DAF, Mercedes and Scania tractor units, also transports lubricants using eight curtainsiders.
“I’ve always required top brand tyres on our vehicles, and I’m very loyal to my supplier, as long as they can demonstrate that the product and service is good,” explains transport manager, Graham Binstead.
“At the end of last year, I did some research on Continental and was impressed with the new technology available,” he recalls. “From that point, I started to specify all our new vehicles with Continental, and changed them over as and when they were needed on our existing fleet.”
Although it is early days Graham is keen to learn more about the wear rates and mileages achieved using the new tyres. “From what I can see so far, the tyres are pretty hard-wearing as their technology allows them to run colder than other conventional tyres. This means better wear and stability. A key benefit is their weight. As Continental tyres weigh less than most other brands this gives us a reduction in the overall weight of the truck, which allows me to get more product on board. That extra capacity was a big draw for me.”
As Royal Warrant holders, Graham believes that suppliers such as Continental make a huge difference to the overall perception of the company. “Our commitment to safety and service has helped us get, and keep, the Royal Warrant. Every component and especially tyres help us to maintain high levels of safety, and therefore the Warrant itself.”
Goff Petroleum has chosen Alpeco to manufacture and install a 4-arm bottom loading skid at its newly acquired oil depot in Tenterden, Kent.
Ray Fowler, operations manager at Goff Petroleum, had responsibility for resurrecting the old site and bringing it in line with health and safety legislation.
The new skid is fitted with LCM25 meters and VEGA-T electronic registers. The VEGA-T electronic pre-set units were supplied by Liquip UK and are configured for temperature compensation and individual control of the head loading meter.
The Tenterden site is one of 14 depots owned by Goff Petroleum across East Anglia, Kent and Sussex.
www.alpeco.co.uk www.goffpetroleum.co.uk
Linton Fuel Oils national account manager, Rupert Mills
Rupert Mills has been appointed as national accounts manager at Linton Fuel Oils.
Linton has offered national fuel deliveries to customers for some time, but Rupert’s introduction will allow a greater focus on offering a superior level of service to those who value a single point of contact for all of their fuel requirements.
The company provides extensive coverage in London and the South East, and elsewhere uses only approved independent distributors.
Rupert said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the smaller distributors to have a slice of the national cake, offering a very real alternative to the corporate suppliers who currently monopolise the market. The strength of the independents is based on the excellent service these companies have always offered.”
Neil Flynn, sales director, said: “Linton nationwide will be carefully integrated into the traditional Linton business and will provide a great platform for the company’s growth strategy. With his extensive industry experience and in-depth knowledge of national accounts, Rupert is the ideal person to drive this new division forward.”
www.lintonfueloils.com
Adam Kerbes has been appointed to oversee Pace Fuelcare’s business in the Midlands and will be based at a new office in Coleshill.
Adam will oversee oil distribution depots across the region, including the new office in Coleshill, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year.
His primary objectives will be to stimulate organic growth and position the Pace Fuelcare brand as the first choice for customers in the area.
Adam brings a wealth of industry experience, having held senior managerial positions within the LPG and retail divisions at BP UK, before joining Pace Fuelcare five years ago.
Adam said: “It’s my aim to ensure that we continue to provide the best level of customer service by extending our product range and service offering and providing individually-tailored packages, to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers.
“The soon to be completed sales operation at Coleshill will play a key part in this by bringing our staff and distribution fleet from the nearby depots under one roof, making this location our transport hub for the region.”
Philip Wharton, general manager for Pace Fuelcare, added: “Adam was the natural choice for this position as he has extensive business and oil industry knowledge to bring to the role. His knowledge of the area and our customers’ requirements in this region are also vital qualities which will assist him to deliver the exceptional standards that our customers have come to expect.”
www.pacefuelcare.co.uk
Oiltanking, a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls which also includes Mabanaft, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Helios terminal in Singapore.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the company will also acquire, the terminal’s holding company Chemoil.
The purpose-built Helios terminal has a total capacity of 503,000 cbm and was commissioned in 2008. Oiltanking already operates two terminals in Singapore with a combined storage capacity of more than 1.7million cbm.
www.mbholding.com.
www.heatingoil.co.uk, a new website from GB Oils went live on 1st October.
The website has collaborated with oil boiler maintenance company, Team Energy, to offer oil boiler servicing. Site visitors can complete a simple online form to receive a personalised quote, to be carried out by an OFTEC registered engineer.
Customers can get an instant quote, order products easily and securely, and track their orders online, 24 hours a day.
For individuals new to purchasing heating oil, the website has a dedicated ‘help’ area, which provides detailed advice and information to answer any questions.
Rhodri Andrews, online manager for HeatingOil.co.uk, said: “We’ve launched the new website to provide further support to our wide range of customers, whether they’re homeowners, farmers, or business owners, so they can buy heating oil quickly, safely and conveniently. As winter is fast approaching, the site makes it even easier for customers to get their fuel in early and beat the winter rush.”
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) and OFTEC have also teamed up to launch www.oilsave.org.uk to campaign to protect the market share for oil heating and cooking, due to go live on 1 November.
www.heatingoil.co.uk
www.oilsave.org.uk
A new range of anti-theft alarms has just been unveiled at the Oil & Renewable Energy Show by Dunraven Systems.
The range from the suppliers of Apollo ultrasonic oil level monitors, offers oil users a choice of four different anti-theft technologies.
A transmitter has been optimised to monitor variances in the level of fuel inside each tank. It screws on easily, with no specialist equipment required. A long life lithium battery is supplied as standard, with an operational life of up to 10 years.
In the event of a theft being detected, the transmitter unit sends an encrypted signal to a remote receiver unit.
Managing director, Gerry Jones said: “The issue of fuel theft has probably never been higher on the agenda of homeowners, householders, fuel distributors and heating oil technicians alike. Recognising that no two fuel storage installations are the same, we’ve launched no fewer than four ways of combating fuel theft, providing the marketplace with a choice of technologies and systems instead of a compromise.”
The company also announced broadband and GPRS versions of its RMS remote tank monitoring system.
The new broadband plugs into existing consumer broadband hubs, while the GPRS option relays data to a modem in the customer’s premises and in turn to the fuel distributor.
www.dunravensystems.com
IFC bottom loading arms are assisting with loading at NuStar’s Clydebank terminal in Glasgow.
In an on-going programme, IFC has successfully supplied a second rack of loading arms to upgrade the bottom loading gantry facilities, and the third set is due to be supplied within the next month.
The IFC BLA445T bottom loading arm is completely operator orientated and is carbon steel in construction with PTFE seals, making it compatible with a large number of fuels and liquids.
It has a compact, fully adjustable compression spring cylinder to allow easy operation of a fully flooded arm and hose assembly. The 4” nominal bore arm provides flow rates of up to 2500 litres per minute, and the three part swivel joints allow easy manoeuvrability and guarantee the API coupler lines up correctly.
Nustar Clydebank & Grangemouth terminal engineer Neil Woodley said: “We needed a reliable and cost effective replacement for our first generation loading arms, along with good technical support from the supplier. With IFC we are happy we made the right choice on both accounts.”
IFC operations director, Kiran Shaw, added: “Our loading arm offers engineering quality at low capital outlay combined with reduced on-going maintenance costs, which all goes to make our 445T one of the best value bottom loading arms available”.
www.inflow.co.uk
Reynolds Training Services is “ecstatic” to have won accreditation from the UK’s top provider of workplace safety qualifications.
The industrial safety specialist is now delivering the International Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Operational Safety from NEBOSH – the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.
“The qualification covers a wide breadth of knowledge including hazards inherent in the oil & gas sector, hydrocarbon process safety, fire protection, emergency response, logistics and transport operations,” said RTS director, John Reynolds.
This month RTS ran its first Contractor Petroleum Safety Training course in Liverpool, for NSAPI accredited providers. The course is now set to be rolled out nationally.
www.rtspetroleum.com