Implico and Brainum join forces

THE FAME GAME

BIOFUELS • A SHIFT TO LOW-CARBON AND NET-ZERO FUELS IN HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS WILL REQUIRE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT AS WELL AS THE COLLABORATION OF INDUSTRY

THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION industry is one of many petroleum and petrochemical sectors currently facing up to the inevitability of the energy transition over the next few decades. One niche aspect of this will be the need to shift home heating fuels away from carbonintensive heating oil to more environmentally friendly alternatives, probably starting with biofuels.

In order to help prepare for this lowercarbon future, three trade associations in the UK and Ireland have launched the ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’, which details the steps to be taken toward a transition to 100 per cent biofuel to replace heating oil in

INDUSTRY BELIEVES THAT CARBON TARGETS CAN

BE MET USING THE EXISTING FUEL SUPPLY CHAIN nearly 2.2m homes across the two countries.

The strategy pathway outlines five key challenges for the governments of the UK and Ireland if they are to achieve the necessary reduction in carbon emissions in the home heating sector: - To encourage and support energy efficiency measures to improve the energy performance of buildings, to reduce energy demand and the costs for housholds - To support supply chain preparations to accept a 30 per cent FAME/70 per cent kerosene blend fuel into existing installations by 2027, including an energy-led field trial - To support supply chain preparations to accept a low-carbon (zero fossil fuel) liquid fuel by 2035, following a full evaluation of the boiler and tank fleet - To be actively involved in transitional

communications with consumers - To encourage all interested suppliers, both in the UK/Ireland and elsewhere in

Europe, to evaluate all new low-carbon fuels and technologies, including gas-to-liquids, hydrogenated vegetable oil, e-fuels and biowaste products, which will complement and/or replace the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) solution.

POWER OF THREE “Our ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’ is a clarion call to government to respond to the huge environmental challenges we face with practical and inspiring policies that could help the 2.2m oil heated homes in the UK and Ireland switch to a low carbon liquid fuel,” says Paul Rose, chief executive of OFTEC, which represents the liquid fuelled heating and cooking industry. “Following detailed independent research that suggests that the cost of decarbonising liquid fuel for heating gives the best value to the consumer when compared with other low carbon solutions, we need policies to be ambitious enough for net zero but which also reflect the practical challenges and financial constraints of many households.”

Guy Pulham CEO of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), says: “Liquid fuel, more specifically a bio product, can be part of the solution to achieve net zero. Government talks about large-scale electrification through the use of heat pumps, but we believe they need to look at alternatives as this is not feasible due to high installation and running costs of installing heat pumps for off grid homeowners. Recognising the Government’s targets on reducing fuel poverty, it is important any regulation around heat policy takes this into account.”

Peter Davidson, chief executive of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), adds: “Together, we have developed an ambitious and realistic pathway, one which reduces risk, achieves short- and medium-term reduction in carbon emissions, puts the needs of the consumer first and encourages business to plan ahead in order to meet those needs.” www.oftec.org www.tankstorage.org.uk www.fpsonline.co.uk

NEWS BULLETIN

TANKS & LOGISTICS

HOYER, DUPRÉ POOL TANKS

Hoyer Group and Dupré Logistics have pooled their North American tank container operations in a new joint venture, Hoyer Bulk LLC, in which Hoyer has a 49 per cent stake. The Houston-based operation will offer customers a full-service package meeting the highest quality, safety and security standards along the whole supply chain, Hoyer says.

Hoyer Bulk will provide customers with a seamless solution for both international and domestic supply chain needs in North America. This enhanced convenience will provide customers with opportunities to promote increased efficiency, productivity, and transparency throughout the entire supply chain, the partners believe.

As both companies are family-owned and operated, great value is placed on reliability, safety, and exceptional customer service. This joint venture will position both organisations to enhance or extend existing business operations by investing in resources, assets and technologies to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Ortwin Nast, CEO of Hoyer, says: “Partnership with Dupré is a logical expansion of our internationally aligned overseas activities by providing transport services in the USA. We thereby enlarge our portfolio of services and also meet the growing demand for transport capacities in the US-American market.”

Mike Weindel, president of Dupré Logistics, adds: “It is important to us to know we have at our side a partner that also represents customised logistics and technology solutions. We also give the highest priority to transparency and dependability in our operations. Hoyer has the same understanding, as we immediately noticed.” www.duprelogistics.com www.hoyer-group.com

BRENNTAG ADDS CHINA WAREHOUSE

Brenntag has opened a new warehouse facility in Dongguan, China (right). Covering 39,000 m2 , the new Brenntag site hosts 24 storage tanks, a 3,000-m2 storage area for Class A chemicals and a 2,500-m2 workshop and blending area for solvents and inorganic chemicals.

Henri Nejade, member of the management board of Brenntag and CEO of Brenntag Asia Pacific, says: “We are excited about the start of our operations at Dongguan as its capabilities and ideal location will certainly enhance our position in the South China market and further enable Brenntag to provide more value-added services to our customers and suppliers.”

The new Dongguan facility complies with highest safety and environmental restrictions and is located in a dedicated chemical park. www.brenntag.com

B-DOUBLE FOR LNG

Canadian LNG specialise Cryopeak, in which BP Energy has a controlling interest, has unveiled what it says is the first ‘Super B-train’ trailer design specifically for the transport of LNG. The unit offers a 70 per cent increase in capacity compared to standard trailers and will offer small-scale distribution of LNG across Canada, in accordance with Transport Canada regulations.

“Our customers are seeking lower costs associated with the transportation of LNG in Canada and we are pleased to have four new Super B-train trailers entering service in the Cryopeak fleet at the beginning of 2020,” says Calum McClure, CEO of Cryopeak. “This new transportation solution will improve the competitiveness of LNG as transportation costs represent often the largest cost of LNG supplied to our customers.”

Cryopeak is the leading distributor of LNG in Canada and currently has a fleet of 16 tankers in operation, as well as equipment and technologies for storage, regasification and fuel dispensing. cryopeak.com

LESCHACO DEVOLVES

The Leschaco Group has introduced a new regionalised corporate structure, with market responsibility devolved to the regional level. As part of the change, Leschaco has appointed three regional heads: Martin Sack, formerly managing director of Leschaco Mexico, is heading the Americas region; Alexander Donau, formerly managing director of Leschaco Thailand, assumes responsibility for Asia-Pacific; and Oliver Oestreich, Group COO, is taking charge of the EMEA region on an interim basis.

“With this new structure we are creating a sustainable basis for the future and are able to increase the quality of our services by being even closer to our customers,” explains Jörg Conrad, owner and CEO. It is anticipated that looser control by the head office and more flexibility on a regional level with a clear focus on the respective markets will make the group of companies stronger and more agile. www.leschaco.com

XPO MULLS OPTIONS

The board of XPO Logistics has authorised a review of strategic alternatives, including the possible sale or spin-off of one or more of XPO’s business units. Bradley Jacobs, chairman/CEO, notes that XPO Logistics’ stock has been one of the best performing of the Fortune 500 companies over the past decade but believes that the company is still undervalued.

“We continue to trade at well below the sum of our parts and at a significant discount to our pure-play peers,” Jacobs says. “That’s why we believe the best way to continue to maximise shareholder value is to explore our options, while remaining intensely committed to the satisfaction of our customers and employees.”

XPO says it is not looking at any specific outcome of the process and it has not set a timetable for completion of the review process. It has not determined which, if any, of its business units might be sold or spun off, other than to assure customers that its North American less-than-truckload unit is not on the table. www.xpo.com

COTAC ADDS HEATING

European tank depot operator Cotac has opened a new heating station at its Schkopau depot in Germany. The new facility offers 25 spots for tank heating, including 10 for steam heating, 10 for heating with warm water and five for electric heating. The service is available seven days a week.

Tank containers can be delivered by rail to the Cotac terminal in Schkopau, from where Cotac arranges movement to the heating station. Clients are invited to register in advance of arrival for faster processing. www.cotac-group.com

CLX FILLS UP IN HOUSTON

CLX Logistics has appointed Tom Dirmyer as its vice-president of account management. Dirmyer, a tenured supply chain and distribution expert for the chemical market who most recently served as vice-president at CLP Chemicals, a marketer of raw materials and oleochemicals, will be responsible for satisfaction and retention of CLX Logistics’ existing client base, while working close with the company’s European team to drive global growth.

Dirmyer will also be among the first team members at CLX Logistics’ new Houston office, which serves as a satellite location, expanding on the company’s Philadelphia headquarters and Chicago and Netherlands offices. With steady growth in 2019 and planned expansion in 2020 and beyond, this fourth office space will provide capacity for additional team members while also positioning the company closer to mid-south clients and companies. www.clxlogistics.com

NEW MAN FOR BAY

After many years of service, Andreas Arnold has left Bay Logistik. Arnold is wished all the best for the future by the Bay Logistik team and has been replaced by Rainer Wagner as the new head of the tank division. Wagner can be contacted by email at rainer.wagner@ bay-logistik.de. www.bay-logistik.de

KEEP AN ION THIS

BATTERIES • THE RISKS POSED BY LITHIUM ION BATTERIES IN AIR TRANSPORT CAN BE MITIGATED BY EFFECTIVE CONTAINMENT. SILK WAY WEST HAS OPTED FOR AMSAFE BRIDPORT’S SOLUTION

KEEPING PEOPLE AND cargo safe is the number one rule for aviation and there have been growing concerns over fi re hazards, particularly surrounding cargoes containing lithium ion batteries. To combat these concerns, manufacturers and airlines have been increasing industry-wide communications and developing new protocols and products to reduce the risks.

Airline Silk Way West has taken proactive steps to improve fi re prevention by investing in fi re containment cover (FCC) products for transporting volatile cargo such as lithium ion batteries and related articles. Silk Way West Airlines currently operates a fl eet of 15 Boeing 747-400F and 747-8F aircraft and a global cargo network connecting more than 45 online destinations on a scheduled basis via its global hub in Baku, Azerbaijan.

CONTAINING DISASTER The success of Mantle®’s lithium ion battery test by AmSafe Bridport in 2018 convinced Silk Way West that investment in the comprehensive fi re containment solution was a responsible step forward in terms of safety for its expanding fl eet.

AmSafe Bridport successfully completed a fi re test of 5,000 type 18650 lithium ion batteries with the Mantle Container FCC. Battery load power exceeded 48 kWh in total, which was considered a signifi cant breakthrough. Testing was witnessed by Unilode, Jettainer, Cathay Pacifi c and Air Bridge Cargo and supported by a leading aviation regulatory body and major aircraft OEM consultant.

Wolfgang Meier, Silk Way West Airlines’ CEO, explains: “We are spearheading the development, which will be crucial to our future operation as we are seeing a surge of lithium ion battery content within the cargo volumes we are transporting throughout our global network. Therefore, we have opted for Mantle from AmSafe Bridport to carry on a pioneering role in our industry.”

Emile Khasanshin, Silk Way West’s vicepresident of global cargo logistics, adds to Meier’s comments: “We are further investing into cargo and fl ight safety measures, which are paramount for our airline, and I am happy we found a robust yet cost-effective solution.”

By reducing risk and improving safety, Mantle provides airlines with the opportunity to carry lithium ion batteries more safely, creating a greater scope of possibilities for carriers and manufacturers across the globe to increase business. With the Mantle product, AmSafe Bridport is the fi rst company to achieve TSO certifi cation C203 for Type 1 FCCs and is now looking to establish its position as the number one FCC manufacturer and provider.

“The industry has witnessed recent incidents where two main carriers effectively contained lithium ion cargo fi res with Mantle fi re containment covers,” says AmSafe Bridport’s president, Jason Abbott. “Ultimately our FCC products reduce risk, improve safety and more importantly save lives. We are delighted that Silk Way West Airlines have made the decision to use our FCC products and set a benchmark in the industry for transporting cargo and people safely.”

“Airlines and carriers, such as Silk Way West, are investing in FCC solutions like Mantle to provide a greater opportunity to expand existing contracts as well as opening doors with new business, especially with lithium ion based products,” adds Jon Powell, sales and marketing director for AmSafe Bridport.

By maximising fi re safety in freight transport, Silk Way West has kept its options open in the fi eld of dangerous goods and is aiming to be 100 per cent covered in all areas of fi re containment within the next year. amsafebridport.com www.silkwaywest.com

THE MANTLE FCC GIVES CARRIERS PEACE OF MIND

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