TSA helps operators deal with the crisis

A FRIEND INDEED

ASSOCIATION • TRADE BODIES ARE NEVER MORE VALUABLE THAN IN TIMES OF CRISIS. THE UK’S TSA HAS HAD ITS HANDS FULL OVER THE PAST YEAR HELPING ITS MEMBERS NAVIGATE THE CRISIS

THE PAST YEAR, when remote working became the norm and business conditions changed rapidly, was one when communication became a key competitive advantage. Those companies able to switch their operations to take account of the necessary social distancing measures were better prepared to remain active during unprecedentedly turbulent times.

The same could be said of their representative trade bodies, with many associations likewise leveraging the possibilities of today’s advanced and digitally enabled communications systems to keep in touch with their members, to keep them informed of important events and to continue to stand up for their interests. That was particularly crucial as governments around the world reacted in various ways, putting in place hastily arranged provisions that could be potentially damaging to industries already struggling to keep up with developments.

Writing in the Association’s newsletter, Peter Davidson, executive director of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), which represents the interests of independent bulk liquids storage terminal operators in the UK and Ireland, reflected on the year just gone, which, for his members, presented not only the well documented Covid-19-related challenges but also the big unknown of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

The initial lockdown in the UK was something that no one had experienced before although, as Davidson said, the direct impact on TSA’s operations was minimal as its staff are used to working remotely. But for TSA members, the lockdown required the rapid relocation of non-operational staff to home working and the implementation of strict measures to protect the health and safety of site workers, who were necessary to maintain operational continuity, especially as bulk liquids terminals were seen as essential assets in keeping the nation working.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS “At such times, information is key,” Davidson said. TSA immediately established a line of communication with the downstream oil team of the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and has continued to keep its members informed and up to date through a weekly bulletin. Two calls a month were held with BEIS to raise and discuss significant issues, covering aspects such as the changeover to summer-grade gasoline, the relaxation of restrictions on hours of service for road tanker drivers, exemptions for testing and approvals, and extensions to industry initiatives such as the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) and Safe Loading Pass scheme.

“Our members have shown incredible planning, resolve and resilience through this challenging time,” Davidson added, “maintaining the flow of bulk liquids into and out of the UK. The response has also demonstrated the sector’s crucial importance to resilience within supply chains by providing additional storage for transport fuels while demand was supressed. I am confident that this response has been noted – and valued – by government.”

And, while its focus has been very much on dealing with the effects of the pandemic since March 2020, TSA has also been active in other areas, responding to consultations on such issues as the UK Global Tariff, the proposed freeports, the challenge of post-pandemic economic growth, ‘red’ diesel, the 2025 UK Border Strategy, and business rates.

Davidson anticipates another busy year in 2021, with industry having to come to terms with the UK having finally left the EU, and the anticipation of a renewed focus on decarbonisation and the energy transition. www.tankstorage.org.uk