Previewing FPS EXPO

FUELLING THE FUTURE

PREVIEW • BOASTING OVER 120 EXHIBITORS AND NEARLY 2,000 VISITORS, FPS EXPO 2019 IS SHAPING UP TO BE THE LARGEST YET WITH NEW PRODUCTS ON SHOW FOR THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION SECTOR

FUEL IS THE driving force of any industry and the logistics of fuel distribution can be complex. To assist fuel suppliers navigate the business, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) will hold its annual FPS EXPO exhibition next month, with exhibitors including oil suppliers, tanker manufacturers, oil companies, lubricant companies, fleet operators, petroleum enforcement officers, environmental agencies, software companies and insurance advisors. More than 16 companies will be taking part for the first time.

FPS EXPO describes itself as the premier event for fuel distributors across the UK and Ireland. Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive, says: “As 2019 is the year the FPS celebrates its 40th anniversary and the 39th anniversary of the FPS EXPO, we have added in some new and exciting things to our show’s line-up. The panel sessions promise to be a highlight for many of our visitors, who travel from afar to discover the latest industry news and for opportunities to engage with representatives from off grid energy-focused firms and industry leaders.”

The two-day event begins on 15 May at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre and will provide a showcase for the latest and greatest from the off-grid energy industry. A series of interactive panel sessions over the two-day event will cover the most important and pressing topics for the industry; there will be plenty of information to take away and many networking opportunities.

The main focus topics for the 2019 panel discussions include the UK supply chain, the seemingly ever-present spectre of Brexit and more tailored issues, such as the Clean Growth Strategy and Road to Zero government policies, as well as issues specific to Ireland. These panel discussions promise to be a highlight of the event and will offer an unrivalled opportunity to meet some of the key players in the industry, while also being a way of guiding conversations as industry faces some uncertain times.

The focus on the environment will be reflected in a new award, organised by FPS in collaboration with OilShield. The ‘green award’ is open to all FPS members and will go to the company that has implemented the environmental strategy that has produced the most positive results.

As is usual at these events, the exhibition stands are not the only draw for delegates. The opportunity to join a forum with other industry experts is something that cannot be missed. Being able to meet counterparts and forge relationships and new collaborations is an irreplaceable benefit of registering to attend.

BLUE PLANET GONE GREEN One of the most prominent features of development through 2019 and into the future will be the ability to go green. Reducing the impact of industrial activity on the environment is high on the agenda for all businesses and governments, not least those active in the energy sector. Being able to showcase new developments and technologies to reach targets on cleaning the environment is essential. Several exhibitors at FPS EXPO will be announcing their latest pieces of kit to reduce emissions across the industry whilst improving efficiency.

One of those is Bio Fuels and Oils, which will present its Green Kerosene, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 17 per cent compared to conventional grades, and B100 Off Road diesel, which promises to reduce CO2 emissions by 63 per cent. B100 Off Road is a game-changing investment for generators, tractors, excavators, pumps, and non-road mobile machinery, says the company.

Greenergy, the UK’s largest and only national road fuel supplier, will exhibit its high-percentage biodiesel blend, B20. Not only does B20 offer measurable carbon benefits for users, it’s also compatible with current vehicle fleets without the need to invest in costly engine modifications. Additionally, thanks to the 2018 changes in biofuel supply legislation, B20 is actually less expensive than standard diesel. Historically, biodiesel blends have been more expensive and have necessitated vehicle alterations, while only containing around 7 per cent biodiesel, making the environmental benefits minimal.

CONSTANT DEVELOPMENT Development comes in many varieties and events such as FPS EXPO are prime opportunities to experience the newest products and technology. Businesses are always reaching for further targets in usability, speed, and performance limits. Not only is the goal to hit new targets, but to also keep processes as simple as possible. This keeps the business organised, saves precious time, and can give rapid access to essential information.

OnlineFuels is providing its best solutions with a revolutionary online platform for bulk fuel purchasing. Offering unparalleled market visibility, the team has worked diligently with buyers and sellers, including a collaboration with Shell, to expand the services. At FPS EXPO, OnlineFuels will be exclusively unveiling the latest update to its platform, which includes the highly anticipated ‘Delivered-in’ feature. Ordering a variety of fuels and getting them delivered is now as simple as entering an address.

Normec has developed a new cutting-edge solution for those working with bitumen. The company will present its latest pneumatic bitumen foot valve at FPS EXPO. The new piece of kit clearly demonstrates the philosophy of innovation and evolution. It will allow users to continue working with higher temperatures (up to 300°C) and in scenarios where bitumen has hardened due to a decrease in temperatures.

Miles Macadam will be a fresh face for the seasoned veterans of FPS EXPO. The newcomer has decades of experience and reputation in the manufacture and installation of fuel-resistant systems. One of the highlights of Miles Macadam’s portfolio is Hardicrete™; an advanced reinforced surfacing material, designed to withstand intense traffic loadings and fuel contamination. It acts as a hybrid between bitumen and concrete, combining high strength with flexibility and fast track installation. Hardicrete is routinely specified where a resistance to fuels and chemicals, or a high tolerance to deformation and abrasion, is required.

Finally, it’s safe to say that concrete is probably the most common connecting factor for all businesses in industry. It is used in infrastructure, to assist with drainage, provide long-term shelter, and much more. Concrete Canvas is giving visitors to FPS EXPO the opportunity to check out its revolutionary product, which is, essentially, concrete on a roll. Having been used across different continents for a variety of applications, Concrete Canvas’s product is proving incredibly versatile. It has been utilised as a solution for slope protection, channel linings, restoration work on damaged facilities, and even weed suppression. The durability of the product provided by Concrete Canvas is grabbing attention, particularly as it has been used in -40°C Russian winters and scorching Omani summers. HCB www.fpsshow.co.uk