APEA Bulletin - September 2025

The Bulletin MAGAZINE

September 2025

The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

I TS WH AT ’ S U N D E R N E AT H T H AT CO U N TS .

+44 (0) 121 558 4411 2

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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enquiries@berrys.com 16/08/2023 14:52:45

Inside

Inside 4

Welcome

6

Editor’s Report

8

Business Manager

10

Publications Information

14

New Members

16

EV chargers and petrol vapours: is your forecourt at risk?

19

The benefits of a well-maintained site

24

A view of petrol station standards in the Philippines

28

Navigating change: 5 global trends reshaping the downstream fuel industry

32

Welcoming CJAM – Providing Dedicated Membership Support for the APEA

34

Dover Fueling Solutions Dundee manufacturing facility celebrates 30 years

36

VARS Technology becomes Secured by Design Member

38

Contractor Competency?

40

News

58

Press Releases

60

Branches

68

Training

72

APEA Live 2025 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

Front cover image: copyright shutterstock 2531583363

Published by the APEA (The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration) A company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No. 2261660.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the Association. The technical content is not an official endorsement by or on behalf of the APEA and are entirely the views of the authors.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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Welcome

Welcome Media, are hard at work planning the Trade Show and Exhibition, the Workshops and the evening Awards. The high number of bookings received already suggests APEA Live is a “not to miss” event on our industry’s calendar and is an endorsement on the quality of the event as a whole. So, to avoid disappointment, book early and I look forward to seeing you there!

Michael O’Connell APEA Chairman

Welcome to the September edition of The Bulletin. As we move into the autumn season and get ready for another APEA Live and our APEA AGM, please take the time to read and look through the many interesting articles and advertisements published in this issue. I would like to thank as always our many contributors and advertisers for their continued support to both The Bulletin and to our organisation.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform all our members that our long serving Business Manager Jane Mardell has made the decision to leave APEA to pursue new ventures. We wish Jane all the very best in her future endeavours and thank her for her long service here at the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration.

As we transition into a new era of business administration, I would like to introduce our new Business Administrators to our members. Christine Joyce and Helen Shears are now providing all business and administration services on behalf of APEA. They have been very busy lately getting up to speed on the workings and intricacies of our Association, and are now the main APEA point of contact for all business, administration and membership services. The contact details for APEA remain the same as before, so hopefully the transition to Christine and Helen will be as seamless as possible, and the services to our members will continue to improve as always.

We are all looking forward to APEA Live which this year will again be held in Milton Keynes on the 13th November. I’m certainly looking forward to it to see what new innovations and creations our industry has developed as the fuelling industry continues to evolve. Our events committee and event organisers, Five Senses

APEA Business Manager

(contact for all APEA Business and Bulletin advertising, and design) Christine Joyce Peershaws, Berewyk Hall Court, White Colne, Essex CO6 2QB Tel : +44 (0) 345 603 5507 Email: admin@apea.org.uk

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

APEA is the only association in the petroleum and explosives industry that brings together and unites all its stakeholders. The individual and corporate members of our association represent the entire spectrum of the industry (regulatory, supply, transport, manufacturing, trade/retail, installation, technological and service/repair). With regard to our upcoming AGM which is held during the APEA Live event, I would ask as many members as possible to please attend. APEA requires a structured and supported National Council committee to manage the many services we provide on behalf of all our members and their respective industries.

On that note I would encourage members to consider applying to join National Council. There is a nomination form included with this edition of The Bulletin. At the AGM each year there is a process that allows members to select the National Council committee members, should the number of nominations received exceed the numbers required. In order to join National Council you must have Individual Membership or be a Fellow of APEA. Corporate Members (or their representatives), Honorary Members or Retired Members are unfortunately not eligible to apply for a position on National Council. National Council meets three times each year in January, May and September. The meetings are currently held online and usually last for about 2 hours.

APEA also has a local Branch network that geographically covers the United Kingdom and the island of Ireland. Each local Branch nominates a Branch Representative that sits on National Council to represent the interests of their local Branch. The local Branches are the lifeblood of APEA. They meet up once or twice per year and arrange lectures/presentations on industry specific topics.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the work of APEA National Council, which as always is evidenced by the quality of what it produces. I would also like to thank all our members for their continued support of our association.

Editor Brian Humm Mobile: +44 (0) 7507 478533 email: b.humm@outlook.com Find us on LinkedIn and X

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5

Editor’s Report

Editor’s Report nice clean forecourt I can tell you! If any members ever require advice on DSEAR then please feel free to contact me, I’ll always assist where I can. We also have a one-day DSEAR training course, which does concentrate on a forecourt, details are elsewhere in this publication.

Brian Humm Editor

Hello, and welcome to this brand new sparkling edition of the APEA Bulletin. I hope that members enjoy the usual eclectic mix of news and articles that we have managed to source for you this edition. Once again it has proved hard to source material so my quarterly plea to all members of the APEA – please consider submitting something to share with the members. Anything will be considered; a nice photo of something interesting or new, or unusual, strange, a milestone for a company or an employee; we will consider absolutely anything so please consider it, it would certainly make the publication easier for us to produce.

Elsewhere in The Bulletin you will be introduced to the Association’s new admin team. Jane has left the APEA for pastures new, so I would like to formally acknowledge Jane’s help and assistance in the previous production of The Bulletins that we collaborated on and wish her every success in the future.

Preparations are well under way already for APEA Live 2025, details are elsewhere in this publication. Also, this means the awards are slowly creeping up on us; have you ever considered entering the awards? It really is simple, and there are several categories to choose from. Go on, have a go, you never know, you might end up on stage at the event in November. I personally found it a bit surreal last year; you have so much in your head to say but you forget everything. If you would like assistance with the awards just drop us an email and I’m sure we will be able to assist you in some way or another.

On the work front, I am currently undertaking DSEAR assessments on various premises including train operators and bulk varnish and paint storage and suppliers. Basically, the Dangerous Substances Regulations do not only apply to petrol filling stations, but also anywhere that produces an explosive atmosphere in relation to a work activity, including dust. It did feel quite strange not doing the assessments on filling stations but once you understand DSEAR and have a good method of identifying hazards, risks and controls then you are on your way to assessing the risk. I have had to do a lot of research into the substances I have been asked to look at, including the human waste being removed from train toilets that produces hydrogen sulphide. Very glamorous work I now do; it’s a long way from a 6

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

Speaking of which, I have seen some, shall we say, not very good risk assessments for filling stations, which definitely indicate that the assessor has little or no knowledge of the petroleum industry. One example is a site which purported to have “double skin steel pipework” which does not exist for petrol. In fact the pipework was single skin polyethylene. It is actually an offence under the UK Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to not have an appropriate qualification or knowledge in order to undertake risk assessments, and also an offence for a person to be appointed as an inspector without qualification or knowledge under section 19 of the same act, so the chief executive officers of local government and the chief fire officers giving warrants could be held liable for any misdemeanour or malicious prosecution etc - scary times.

It has been good in the last few years to welcome local authority inspectors onto the APEA 3 day courses. I have been advised by the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) that if a person was to undertake the APEA 3 day audit course, the 2 day electrical awareness course and the complete platform on the online training then this, coupled with some on the job development, could form a pathway into becoming a petroleum inspector. The APEA courses are not actual qualifications but are a very good insight into the operation and the equipment etc. used at a filling station. If anyone has any queries then please contact me.

The question of containers for petrol popped up once again this week. There is a guide produced by the HSE for domestic containers – 10 litre plastic and 20 litre metal – this is easily found on the HSE website. However, it differs slightly in relation to a container that is manufactured/supplied for a workplace; these must be manufactured for that particular use, be fit for purpose, tested and certified by an approved testing house and be appropriately marked – ‘Petroleum – Highly Flammable’. UN containers in particular have to be checked. Normally there is a code around the neck which will tell you if it is suitable for petrol. Once again if you would like more information then contact the APEA technical team and you will get the appropriate response.

Finally, I would like to thank Christine and Helen for their patience and assistance putting this Bulletin together and as usual Jamie Thompson for the articles and technical insights.

Hope you enjoy what we have prepared for you.

Until next time…

TM

Forecourt buildings & canopies

Global-MSI

Tel: 01302 361558 APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

7

Business Manager

Business Manager Website Banner Advertising You can place your banner on the APEA website. This is £200 plus vat for one year. Please contact me at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to make a booking.

Membership

Christine Joyce Business Manager

I have been busy working on the 2026 Yearbook which is complete, and this is on track to be delivered to members around 1st November. Organising is also underway for APEA Live 2025.

You will receive an email one month before expiry notifying you that the payment will be taken on the date of renewal. If you wish to change or cancel your membership before payment is taken please email me at admin@apea.org.uk.

To summarise, from the ‘My Account’ area you can: • Download a membership certificate in pdf format

The Bulletin

• View previous purchases and download invoices and receipts

We are always looking for press releases and articles for the Bulletin. If you have anything you think would interest our readers, please email it to me at admin@apea.org.uk and I will forward it to the editor, Brian Humm, to approve. Bulletin advertisers benefit from priority when submitting press releases and articles. Information on page 12.

• Change your membership

2026 Yearbook

If you are having any problems on the APEA website or with your membership account please go to www.apea.org.uk/contact/ complete the form and select ‘Website Issues’ in the pull down menu. You can also submit technical queries or any other queries from this page too.

Thanks to all of you that completed entries online for the 2026 Yearbook and to the advertisers who, without your bookings, we would not be able to produce this publication.

The artwork is at the printers and the Yearbooks will be distributed on 1st November. If you have not received your copy by the end of November please let me know and I will chase up your delivery.

Individual/Retired members in the UK and Corporate members overseas will be sent their Yearbooks by standard Royal Mail.

Corporate members in the UK will receive their 5 copies by courier which are tracked, so we can follow up any non-deliveries.

APEA Live 2025 – 13th November Anyone wishing to book a place at the Conference, Exhibition or Awards Dinner should go to www.apealive.co.uk/2025/. I will be managing the APEA participation and AGM part of the event and information and nomination forms will be sent to all members with the September issue of The Bulletin in August.

APEA Awards The APEA Awards are live and you can enter the awards by going to www.apealive.co.uk/2025/awards/enter-the-awards/ Shine a spotlight on excellence; nominate your company or colleagues and gain priceless recognition among peers, customers and industry leaders. Entering is easy, completely free and entirely online. Submit as many entries as you like. Deadline for entries: 19th September 2025.

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Memberships run for 12 months from the date of joining or payment for a renewal. Once the membership has been paid by debit or credit card it will auto renew by card one year later.

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

• Change your email address, contact details and password • Change your Yearbook entry • Select which format you receive The Bulletin (PDF or hardcopy) Website and Membership account issues

Training Courses All training courses can be viewed and booked on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk. I will process your booking once received. If you are interested in booking a bespoke training course please email Tom Daly (Chairman of Training Committee) at thomasdaly@apea.org.uk.

Online training courses Please go to the training page on the APEA website at www. apea.org.uk or go to: https://apea.org.uk/pages/training or https://apea.mykademy.com/ Welcome to our New Members There have been 37 new members joining in January, February and March, details can be found on page 14.

General Assistance If you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@apea.org.uk or on 0345 603 5507. There is comprehensive contact information on the APEA website too at www.apea.org.uk.

Christine

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk 9

Publications Information

Publications Information 5th Edition of the Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations - “Blue Book” (Revised 2024)

Electric Vehicle Charging Installations at Filling Stations

ISBN 978 1 78725 449 7

Price for pdf version

Price for hard copy

Please note the pdf version is licensed to the purchaser only and cannot be shared or printed.

APEA Member rate - £75.00 Non APEA Member rate - £150.00

Price for pdf version Please note the pdf version is licensed to the purchaser only and cannot be shared or printed.

APEA Member rate - £75.00 Non APEA Member rate - £150.00

With the publication of the IET 5th Edition of the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (2023), and the 5th Edition of the APEA/EI “Blue Book” (2024) there have been various further technical developments to help clarify the safety issues that needed to be addressed in this area.

The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (APEA), which represents the major stakeholders in this sector, has again collaborated with the IET in issuing this updated 2nd Edition and joint publication to help provide important updated guidance.

This 2nd Edition supplementary document to The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Code of Practice (COP) for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, 5th Edition, addresses those unique issues that will be encountered on UK filling stations. not only for safe use by the public of the EV charging equipment, termed electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and for the persons that work on the filling station, as

ISBN 978-1-83724-218-4 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-83724-219-1 (electronic)

Price for hard copy APEA Member rate - £32.50 Non APEA Member rate - £50.00

APEA Member rate - £32.50 Non APEA Member rate - pdf £50.00 The APEA also publishes the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks.

This can be downloaded directly from the APEA website and is available to members at £11.00 and £21.00 to non APEA members.

well as the continued safe storage and dispensing of existing vehicle fuels found on the filling station.

This Supplement has been produced jointly by the IET and the APEA. Considerable technical input has also been provided by the major filling station operators, along with other industry stakeholders in the UK, including the Health and Safety Executive. All the “Blue Book” electrical stakeholders were also approached for comment.

This 2nd edition supplement will exist and be available until the APEA/EI “Blue Book” or the (IET) Code of Practice (COP) for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, 5th Edition are next revised and its contents will then be reviewed.

The APEA would certainly encourage all site duty-holders to ensure that those companies and contractors, especially electrical contractors, they consider employing to install EVSE on their filling station ensure that the technical details in this supplementary COP are followed.

If you wish to purchase any of these publications, please go to the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk and click on the “Publications” page. You can select to pay by credit/debit card.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

• • • • • • •

Over 40 years experience in the industry Bespoke distribution design & installation Fire alarm installation Lighting design and installation CompEx /UKPIA Trained Engineers Nationwide coverage Revit/BIM

T.E. Ramm & Co Electrical contractors Hazeldene, 27 Bury Road, Ramsey, PE26 1NE

• • • • • •

Electric Vehicle Charging Hydrogen filling stations Hazardous area test and inspection NICEIC Hazardous area accredited electrical contractor Thermal imagery Cat 5&6 Data installer

Tel. 01487 711811 | www.teramm.com | info@teramm.com APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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Publications Information

About The Bulletin and how you can submit copy to be included • The Bulletin is published four times a year with a print run of 2200 • Free issue to APEA members (over 800 members worldwide) • Has international distribution and readership

FREE

to all members

• Respected source of industry specific news and information • Contains relevant articles, news items, press releases and reports from UK and overseas • Individual, Fellow and Retired members receive one copy each and Corporate members receive 5 copies each per quarter The editor of The Bulletin, Brian Humm, is always on the look out for new material, so if you have something you want to be included, please email it to the APEA office at admin@apea.org. uk and it will be forwarded to Brian for approval.

Deadline dates for copy and advertising artwork 2025/2026 Issue Copy

Deadline date

Posting date

Please email the text in Word format and any images as separate high resolution pdf or jpeg files to admin@apea.org.uk.

Dec 2025

3rd October

7th November

We are always pleased to receive contributions from our members and it ensures that The Bulletin remains an interesting and informative read.

March 2026

9th January

13th Feb

June 2026

10th April

15th May

Sept 2026

21st July

28th August

Priority is given for press releases and articles submitted by Bulletin advertisers to be included.

Bulletin Advertising If you would like to book advertising in The Bulletin, please email your requirements to admin@apea.org.uk or call the office on 0345 603 5507. Please ensure you send your artwork to admin@apea.org.uk.

Priority is given for press releases and articles submitted by Bulletin advertisers to be included.

Discounts are available for booking in more than one issue, please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for more information.

Please note the deadline date for the March 2026 issue is early due to Christmas and New Year holidays.

Bulletin advertisers that book in 3 or more issues in one year also receive a 50% discount off rates for advertising in the annual Yearbook, see table below.

Size of advert

Advert in 1 issue exc vat

Advert in 4 issues* exc vat

Full page (210mm x 280mm - W x H) with 10mm border or with 3mm bleed)

£548.00

£1644.00

½ page (185mm x 125mm - W x H)

£274.00

£822.00

¼ page (90mm x 125mm - W x H)

£138.00

£414.00

* Includes 25% discount

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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New Members

New Members April – June

Welcome to Our New Members We are delighted to welcome our new members to the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (APEA).

sides of the industry and provide a trusted forum for discussion, collaboration, and the development of technical guidance.

Founded in 1958, the APEA brings together professionals from all areas of the petroleum industry, including regulators, oil companies, equipment suppliers, contractors, and training bodies. What makes us unique is our ability to represent all

Today, with over 800 members worldwide and a strong branch network across the UK, the APEA continues to grow. We look forward to your involvement in this thriving community.

Corporate members

Individual members

Alex Lis Foxman Solutions Limited

Andrew King East Lothian Council

Maskeen Sadique Eureka Capital Allowances

Balbir Bassi Building Innovations (UK) Limited

Anka Asandei Slough Borough Council

Hendrik Sijtsma Resato Hydrogen Technology B.V.

Brad Wootton HM Forces

Matthew Chapman Regional Command Petroleum Inspectorate

Karen Mcfarland Derry City and Strabane District Council

Colin Mackenzie MacKenzie Architects

Keith Miller Durham County Council

Craig Little Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

Laurence O’Neill A&G Group Limited

David Naude NEDA Engineering Group

Paul Marsden North East Lincolnshire Council

Donna Lynsdale Brighton and Hove City Council Trading Standards

Richard Assenheim Vindler Ryan Hattersley Aspect Energy Management Ltd Steven Williams Liss Electrical Services Ltd Waleed Malik Easefix ltd Zoe Brown Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

Helen Howlett City of York Council - Public Protection Jason Keogh Minebridge Joanne Love Shield Mechanical Electrical and Facilities Services Kevin Airey Luke Trewin North Northamptonshire Trading Standards

Michael Panejko Defence Equipment and Support Paul Walsh Philip Martin NICEIC Phyl Meyer Tiree Community Enterprise Ltd Rafik Patel Derby Firelec Ltd Robert Sykes Rob Sykes Electrical Ltd Ronny Khoza Sean O’Rourke DL Group Consulting Engineers Sibtein Ali Ghaffar Motor Fuel Group Thillaivendhan Anbazhagan Fuel efficient LTD Tom Newton Leicestershire County Council

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

15

Articles

Articles EV chargers and petrol vapours: is your forecourt at risk?

By Alex Boudry General Manager, PFS Fueltec Ltd

As the UK’s forecourt infrastructure evolves to cater for both traditional fuels and electric vehicles (EVs), operators face new safety challenges that require careful risk assessment and mitigation. A particularly significant but often overlooked issue is the accumulation of petrol vapours within below-ground sumps and chambers associated with EV charging equipment.

Petrol vapours, being heavier than air, can silently settle and accumulate in below-ground pits, sumps, and chambers, even those outside designated hazardous areas. The risk is heightened when these areas are poorly ventilated or not regularly inspected. The concern escalates further when EV charging infrastructure and associated electrical switchgear are situated in close proximity, as electrical equipment can act as an ignition source. Under these conditions, unnoticed vapour build-up can create a significant explosion hazard, posing a threat not only to the equipment itself but also to the safety of staff, customers, and the broader environment.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

In response to this emerging risk, relevant legislation and guidance have been evolving across the UK and Ireland.

Forecourt operators must comply with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) in the UK and similar regulations under the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines in Ireland. These regulations mandate comprehensive risk assessments, the identification and zoning of hazardous areas, and the implementation of effective control measures to detect and mitigate potential explosive atmospheres. They also require regular monitoring, maintenance, and updating of safety protocols to ensure ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.

Industry best practices, as outlined by authoritative guidance documents such as the Energy Institute’s Model Code of Safe Practice Part 15, emphasise that risk assessments should now specifically consider the presence and implications of EV chargers. This guidance highlights the importance of

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Providing a full range of expert solutions for all your forecourt projects Celebrating over 40 years of trading since 1980 APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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Articles understanding how new technologies interact with existing infrastructure, particularly in terms of potential ignition sources and accumulation zones for vapours.

Prosense ATEX-certified sensors, available in the UK and Ireland from PFS Fueltec Ltd., are particularly effective in addressing this safety concern.

Additionally, the APEA/IET document, “Electric Vehicle Charging Installations at Filling Stations,” provides detailed guidance tailored to these new safety challenges. Key considerations from this document include:

These advanced detectors are specifically designed to monitor explosive atmospheres created by petrol vapours, accurately detecting vapour concentrations at early stages. Upon detection, these sensors trigger alarms and can automatically initiate shutdown procedures for electrical equipment, thereby mitigating the risk of ignition and potential explosions.

• Ensuring charging equipment is installed outside hazardous areas where flammable or combustible gases may be present.

• Verifying that adequate precautions are taken so the charged vehicle, cable, and connectors remain outside hazardous areas during charging operations.

• Clearly marking separate utility company supplies feeding EV chargers to avoid confusion and potential mishandling during emergencies.

• Integrating EV charger supply controls with forecourt emergency switching systems, enabling rapid disconnection and ensuring charging equipment can be disabled when the forecourt is closed or in emergency scenarios.

• Ensuring that EV chargers use tethered cables only to reduce risks associated with cable handling and storage, minimising the likelihood of cables being inadvertently left within hazardous areas.

To effectively mitigate the risk of petrol vapour accumulation and ignition, detection solutions are increasingly essential.

Forecourt operators are strongly encouraged to regularly review and update their risk assessments to comprehensively address the coexistence of traditional petrol fuels and EV infrastructure.

By incorporating these modern safety measures, operators can effectively manage risks, ensuring not only compliance with current legislation but also providing enhanced protection for their facilities, employees, customers, and the surrounding community.

For further reference, best practice documents include the APEA’s “Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations” (Blue Book 5th Edition) and “Electric Vehicle Charging Installations at Filling Stations.”

Both are available in hardcopy and PDF electronic versions on the APEA website (www.apea.org.uk), with a 50% discount offered to APEA members.

FUEL STATIONS ARE CHANGING

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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The benefits of a well-maintained site Whether you’re divesting, running a site, wanting to invest in improvements, or seeking to acquire and grow your estate, a good handle on maintenance and operation is essential, and applies whether your site provides traditional fuel, a convenience store, valeting, other retail or sustainable fuels such as EV charging.

In the eyes of a customer, a site needs to be QWAC (Quick to use, Welcoming, Available and Clean) and there is a clear link to how well it is being maintained. The more reliable and well presented the assets, the more likely these key ‘retail factors’ will appeal to prospective customers, both new and returning, bolstering your brand and reputation.

• Is your maintenance regime having the effect you anticipate?

• How do you know which assets to replace or invest in, and when?

• And if you are seeking to buy or sell a site, do you have readily available records to prove that the maintenance regime is in place and achieving its aims?

No matter how modern and on-trend your equipment is, every organisation needs a carefully thought through balance of cyclical maintenance, planned servicing and on-call provision to deal with the effects of everyday interaction on your assets.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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Articles But what is the reality?

Over the years our team has touched hundreds if not thousands of sites, at all stages of the property lifecycle. Whilst we come across many particularly well presented and cared-for sites, occasionally we have come across the following issues: • A poor first impression – weak housekeeping and grubby or dirty assets • Incomplete planned maintenance, compliance tasks and servicing • Not following either the guidelines in the APEA Blue Book, nor applying the Red Guide • Equipment that is ‘down’ for prolonged periods of time, impacting on revenue • Maintenance contractors setting their own scopes for their works, with limited client validation of either the need nor the quality of the work • Remedial actions not followed up or completed • Challenges with record keeping – no single “source of truth” • Affordability issues The outcome can often include not only a reduction in possible revenue for the operator, but exposure to H&S incidents, a poor customer image and if things were to go wrong, a significant risk of prosecution (especially where records are lacking).

Effective Maintenance An effective maintenance regime is made up of the following key components: • You must comply with legal requirements to do specific ‘compliance’ tasks • You should create a balanced and cost-effective proactive maintenance plan which includes pre-meditated tasks to intervene before failure • Identify which guidance is applicable to your assets and deliver planned tasks • When equipment fails, you need to have the ability to quickly diagnose and fix it, preferably at the first attempt • Track the planned and reactive history linked to each asset, to strategically plan for asset replacement and upgrade, before equipment becomes unsafe or unreliable • Monitor not only the cost and uptime of your equipment but also the revenue it is generating for your business

Why maintain proactively and what is involved?

Maintaining your equipment before it fails has a number of key advantages: • It is kept clean – the customer feels comfortable using it (and is more likely to also buy food or drink from you in the same transaction) • Preventing and predicting downtime will lead to better availability 20

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

• Properly planned equipment interventions are much more cost effective • You can plan when to intervene to avoid disruptions at peak trading periods • Better cost certainty for today and the future Proactive maintenance is primarily based on two components – tasks which must be done to ensure legal compliance (often labelled as compliance tasks) and PPM tasks which are designed to ensure the equipment runs to its optimum levels and is kept in good condition.

There is benefit to knowing that a task has been completed properly. A suitably competent person is required, and trained for the task. Tasks must be appropriately scheduled, booked in with site, and completed over an appropriate duration. Once the initial task is completed, a report should be issued promptly, identifying the results of the task and, importantly, any remedial actions required. Ideally, when records are received, the operator will have a way of tracking and verifying that the tasks have been carried out in accordance with the specification.

Predictability & Assurance We often find that when we initially engage with operators, that week to week or month to month operational spend profiles can vary dramatically. Ideally this can be addressed through a balance of proactive versus reactive tasks, so you know how much to be expecting to be spending every week, rather than having to wait on your suppliers to invoice you. This can improve confidence to continue with responding to and delivering reactive work needs or resolving remedial actions as the need is identified. You’ll also have the ability to make informed decisions about when you can go ahead with those much-needed cyclical upgrade works and remedial actions.

Not only can this benefit the operator in the current year, but they also give you the tools you need to be able to accurately budget what you can do in future years.

Every operator wants to be assured that their network is up to date, and that all of their equipment has been fully maintained and complies with all legal requirements. As estates grow in size, the volume of equipment and associated tasks required to clean, monitor, test, inspect or examine each asset at the optimum frequencies creates a significant potential for data overload and arduous administration. A clear an unambiguous approach to record keeping is therefore essential.

Competent Specialists It is quite a normal approach for specialist services, and especially equipment maintenance tasks, to be outsourced to specialist contractors. Whilst there are many day-to-day tasks that site operators and staff should and can do themselves, there are also a range of specialist contractors or warranty providers to be managed.

The way you approach the management of your maintenance and associated task compliance ought to be independent of your suppliers and contractors. That is to say – the site operator needs to be in control overall (and legally, they are responsible).

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

21

Articles Remedial actions can go unresolved for some time, and in some cases might never be tidied up. The issue is a lot more common than senior management might normally expect it to be.

But it is very important to follow up on.

Small things add up to big things What begins to emerge if a thorough maintenance regime is not in place is that multiple small and seemingly harmless things can mount up. For example, not adequately understanding what assets are in place, to understanding the appropriate proactive cleaning, inspection and maintenance regime for each asset, inadequate contractual arrangements for promptly effecting repairs, and not closing out remedial actions.

Accident investigation often finds not just one cause, but a string of smaller things that have mounted up over time. Likewise (on some sites) repeated inattention to housekeeping gradually results in grubbiness and poor customer impression can mean that revenues decline over time.

The ‘devil is in the detail’ when it comes to maintenance. Tasks are often repetitive (and to many, rather dull). But it is important to get the approach right, then replicate it, then check it, then make it even better.

Understanding where improvements can be made Because it is not always valued in any strategic sense, maintenance is often awarded to contractors on the basis of lowest price and not based on best fit or best value. Where the specification of what tasks the contractor will do is left to them, then mixed with a surge toward lowest cost, this has often left operators exposed.

Knowing which legislation and guidance applies to your assets, and interpreting this to form a balanced maintenance regime with both internal and externally delivered tasks at the appropriate frequencies is required.

Manage remedials through to completion Effective maintenance does not finish once a contractor has completed a planned maintenance task. Often, the resulting task, inspection or risk assessment report may identify remedial actions which should be managed through to resolution.

Where remedials are not addressed and closed out, and should an incident occur, this could leave the operator in a precarious legal position. Too often the courts have used the phrase “the company was warned about ‘risk’, but failed to act accordingly”.

Sadly, not following up on remedial actions is a common issue we have noticed at sites – for example where a string of actions off the back of a FRA or DSEAR RA are not closed out (or sometimes followed up at all).

Failure to manage remedial actions can occur for a number of reasons, which can include a lack of process, affordability challenges, lack of awareness that the remedial action even exists, poor record keeping, competence and knowledge gaps, contractual gaps, time pressures.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

Whether an operator is continuing to operate their site, planning to divest or considering taking on a new site, getting a handle on the current maintenance regime is worthwhile.

A maintenance “healthcheck” can also be linked with an appraisal of retail opportunities, where prioritisation of asset replacement or site enhancement is being considered. This includes both desktop appraisal, site inspections and follow up reports.

Evenlode Roadside’s team draw on decades of experience to inform a detailed report on the status quo and opportunities for improvement. Where ongoing advice or support with implementing any resultant change is needed, this can also be provided.

A deep dive into the maintenance regime can provide the impetus for developing a holistic approach to capital investment to reduce downtime and future operational costs, whilst prioritising investment in new or replacement assets, or opportunities to refurbish or rebuild the whole site.

Applying an appropriate maintenance regime reduces the operator’s costs, administrative burden and corporate risks.

Evenlode Roadside has access to a team of people with proven track records in delivering excellence in cost savings, asset life cycle management, innovation, safety and environmental protection.

Get in touch with us www.evenloderoadside.com to get an independent health-check and/or retail appraisal and to find to more about how our deep facilities management experience can benefit you.

SYSTEM SYSTEM

Authorised UK Distributor of MCS equipment

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The System 3M was developed specifically as a fuelcard payment terminal for the truck stop market providing 24-7 automated fuelling.

The 3M is also available with various local account software and tools that can be set-up to accept the fuel cards of your choice.

The terminals are fully approved for resale and are ideal for environments such as Forecourts, Truckstops, Airports and Marinas.

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The Cloud systems working in association with the terminal offer total control of single or multiple home depot fuelling locations, real-time reports, update and alerts at your finger tips.

Other key features included: • Online reporting packages - transaction, card provider/ISO and stock reports in various formats including Excel and PDF.

• Analyse data across a range of dates, times, ISO numbers and pumps to simplify the reconciliation process.

• Online stock management with tank gauges linked directly into terminal and through to the MCS associated cloud software.

• Protection from environmental issues - System highlights if stock levels change without a transaction taking place.

• Monitor live transactions against recored dip readings.

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Centaur Fuel Management www.mcscardsystems.com APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk 23 www.centauronline.co.uk Multiple Card Systems

Articles

A view of petrol station standards in the Philippines

By Daniel Thompson

Since becoming a Petroleum officer in 2019 it has always been interesting and exciting. Although the one thing that occupies my mind is the inability to turn my inspection head off, especially when on holiday.

Last November, the day after APEA Live up in Milton Keynes, I went on Holiday to the Philippines. Once again, my mind was occupied by how their petrol stations would look. Second day in we hired some scooters to travel around the island of Siargao. I found myself trying to locate the first petrol station for us to fill up. It can only be described as a garage with what looked like a generator. A small box-shaped all-in-one mini petrol station. A tank in a bunded shell with dispensers, display and venting. On closer inspection, with prior authorisation it was called “Juan - Micro Gas Station”. Petrol and diesel hoses, lots of warning signage everywhere was a bonus, ample fire extinguishers and even a fire safety inspection certificate. This meant I was able to carry out my visual inspection without any issues. All sites in the Philippines were attended service so I never had to fuel myself which is always a bonus.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

25

Articles

Over the next few weeks, I would encounter many different petrol stations in all shapes and sizes. On the bigger main islands, brands such as Shell, Caltex, Petron and Phoenix were commonplace. The smaller islands had smaller independent sites with just the basics. Many sites with 2 or 3 staff, no shop, just a small kiosk and two dispensers, were the norm. Prices were around the $1.1 p/litre mark, still cheaper than the UK. Staff were friendly and would fill up your scooter, without any indication what fuel type, and away you go. No waiting for someone doing their weekly shop in the convenience store like the UK. I did come across a newly built site that was waiting to be opened and snuck past the barriers to have a closer look. New forecourt, new pumps from China with the Ex-markings, very tall vent pipes but unfortunately no one around to let me see inside the chambers.

As my time came to a close, I had a very long journey to the airport. After sleeping most of the way, as we made our way along the busy road into the city, I counted 17 petrol stations on about 4 miles worth of road. 2 x Totals and 2 x Shells, the rest – Blu Energy, Caltek, Seaoil, Petron, Phoenix, GSC, Flying V, Star oil, PTT Station, Fuel Tech, and light fuels. All different branding and some next door to each other. Finally at the last station was a tanker delivery reversing across three lanes of traffic to complete his delivery, something I don’t feel we would do here (especially not in London).

Looking back, it’s always good to see how things are done on the other side of the world. A lot of differences but a lot of the same.

The only thing missing here is the weather, as I started my next inspection on a cold, wet, windy visit to an Esso in Harrow in Mid-December.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

27

Articles

Navigating change: 5 global trends reshaping the downstream fuel industry

By Chris Cooper President of International at Titan Cloud Change has always been part of the fuel industry, but today’s market shifts feel different—faster, more unpredictable, and harder to ignore. Retailers aren’t just being asked to adapt; they’re being pushed to rethink how they operate from the ground up.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Oil and Gas Outlook, the companies that stay disciplined with capital, prioritise customer experience, and invest in the right technologies will be the ones that navigate what’s ahead. It’s a timely reminder with the U.S. Energy Information Administration projecting gasoline demand to flatten in 2025, putting new pressure on margins and operational efficiency.

From tightening up wetstock management to reimagining the customer experience at the forecourt, there’s no shortage of opportunities for retailers willing to move forward with focus and urgency.

Here are five of the top trends shaping the global downstream fuel industry in 2025.

1. Reliable forecourt as a business asset In our recently released Downstream Fuel Industry Report, the message was immediately clear: Customer experience matters.

Of those surveyed, 26.9% identified it as their top priority, even though many recognised that delivering a reliable forecourt is a challenge. Fuel-related issues like inefficient asset management were also shown to be a concern, as well as costly maintenance issues and poorly managed infrastructure. All of these can negatively impact the forecourt experience through equipment downtime, runouts, and slow flow.

To combat these challenges, retail operators are moving toward technology adoption, including real-time fuel analytics to pinpoint factors like flow rate drops, filter status updates, and pump performance. Such proactive visibility enables sites to resolve problems quickly and maintain the forecourt consistency customers count on. Happy customers are then more likely to return to the site, and more prone to move from the forecourt to the store, raising revenue.

2. Adjusting for level fuel consumption According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline consumption in the States is leveling off, with consumption in 2025 expected to be relatively flat. This reflects a global trend, meaning that retailers in every country need to adjust for sales volume loss.

Specifically, fuel operators need to operate as efficiently as possible, optimising costs and streamlining operations. In our research, we’ve found that roughly 20-30% of total fuel supply chain costs are avoidable, stemming from inefficiencies like excessive stock, poor asset utilisation, and a lack of end-to-end visibility. Viewing even the slightest fuel management challenge as simply a logistical inconvenience is a mistake that could enable a steady erosion of profits.

Conversely, fuel operators investing in integrated technology can not only facilitate the recapture of lost revenue, but enable growth:

28

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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www.accablesolutions.com

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

29

Articles 3. Navigating a global economy

4. All in on end-to-end solutions

Today’s economic climate represents risks and opportunities for retail fuel operators across international markets. Some risks may be difficult to detect, requiring retailers to react with agility.

Geopolitical turbulence, such as conflicts and trade disputes for example, can disrupt oil production and transportation, leading to sudden supply chain interruptions and price spikes.

With more international operators entering the market, many can bypass the early-stage learnings of those who came before them. Global retailers recognise the value of end-to-end platforms over point solutions and are increasingly adopting them from the start, gaining immediate benefits in efficiency and scalability.

Meanwhile, a growing global trend towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is impacting the fuel sector, with emerging markets turning increased attention toward regulatory compliance. In parallel, evolving legal frameworks are generating new compliance regulations and requirements for fuel operators.

The real opportunity exists for retailers who embrace the connection between compliance, maintenance, and operational efficiency. In adopting required systems—including integrated technology to monitor tanks and identify potential leaks, for example—an operator can also track fuel loss in general.

Inventory variance can cost larger retailers millions in revenue every year; implementing a regulatory compliance system that optimises downstream fuel management overall is a win-win.

“Focus on capital discipline, increasing customer centricity, and investments in new technologies may help companies navigate economic, geopolitical, and regulatory uncertainties in 2025” Deloitte 2025 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

Doing so means finding the right automated technology to bring all data points to a single decision-making location. Visibility and a centralised hub are also especially critical for global fuel retailers managing data streams from an influx of site controllers.

We see this firsthand. One customer, a well-known fuel retailer with nearly 9,000 sites, came to Titan Cloud for a solution to more accurately diagnose fuel loss factors. The outdated methods they had been using required manual processing of raw data, leading to errors, false investigations and unnecessary write-offs. Integrating Titan Cloud’s wetstock management solution, the operator used fuel analytics to identify inventory loss factors quickly, differentiating between leaks, theft, and calibration issues to more accurately target investigations.

Acquisitive network operators continue to consolidate under common brands. This can result in significant headaches associated with the goal of reciprocating best practices across a range of site solutions. As networks internationalise, a common end point for decision making becomes all the more critical.

Retail & Forecourt Architectural Design Specialists Architectural & Principal Designers: Increasing revenue & ensuring compliance through design 01433 652 220 info@cad-ltd.co.uk www.cad-ltd.co.uk

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

31

Articles 5. Data accuracy takes center stage Global retail fuel operators are beginning to realise the nearly unlimited potential around harnessing data to grow a more efficient and profitable business. Using data-driven technology can unlock powerful strategic workflows, enable automation, and optimise operations across the board.

The key to successfully implementing such a strategy is starting with the right data. Traditional downstream fuel management systems that manually process raw data leave the door open to errors, which are then fed into calculations.

These outdated methods then propagate bad data, triggering cycles that prompt false—and costly—investigations.

Data accuracy is paramount. By enlisting data-centric technology—and companies like Titan Cloud that excel in its development and implementation—fuel retailers across the globe can ensure they are making business decisions using correct factors, not flawed information. Likewise, with more cloud applications in play than ever before, a centralised data lake may soon become an industry imperative. Such a repository would enable organisations to easily access, explore, and analyse diverse data sources to fuel business strategy.

Leading the charge in fuel management innovation Titan Cloud’s platform is at the forefront of fuel management, revolutionising supply chain operations with smart algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than merely anticipating the future, Titan Cloud is actively shaping it with real-time, actionable solutions. With AI-driven insights, fuel operators can: • Predict Fuel Demand: Accurately forecast fuel consumption at individual sites to optimise inventory and prevent stockouts.

• Optimise Delivery Planning: Automatically assign loads to trailers and drivers, minimising travel distance while maximising capacity.

• Improve Supply and Contract Management: Use AI to negotiate better contracts, manage allocations efficiently, and capitalise on spot buys.

Fuel’s new frontier: efficiency and adaptability The fuel industry’s future hinges on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. By embracing technology integration solutions like Titan Cloud, leaders can unlock hidden potential, improve efficiency, and drive profitability.

Titan Cloud is poised to lead the way, helping fuel operators navigate the challenges of the modern fuel industry and achieve sustainable success. Learn more by talking to one of our solutions consultants.

Welcoming CJAM – Providing Dedicated Membership Support for the APEA The APEA is pleased to announce that CJAM (CJ Association Management) has been appointed to provide membership management services on behalf of the Association.

With a strong track record in association administration and a dedicated, experienced team, CJAM will take over from our previous Business Manager Jane Mardell, who left the APEA to pursue new ventures.

Leading the service provision for APEA members is Christine Joyce, founder of CJAM, who brings over 20 years’ experience working closely with associations to support their members and help organisations thrive. Christine and her team will be the first point of contact for APEA membership enquiries and administration, providing a responsive and professional service across phone, email and other channels.

CJAM is a specialist association management company with over 30 years’ combined experience across its 15-strong team. Their expertise spans membership administration, accounting, events, secretariat and business development, and they are known for delivering a tailored service that reflects each organisation’s values and objectives.

Importantly, CJAM also has a full in-house marketing and communications team – a rare resource in the association management sector – which allows for a seamless, integrated approach to member engagement, communications and digital services.

CJAM’s role will be to ensure a consistent and supportive experience for APEA members. They bring with them bestpractice knowledge, continuity of service, and a commitment to helping the Association develop and grow. Their service model is designed to reduce administrative burden on volunteer committees, enabling the APEA to focus on strategic priorities while knowing members and their interests are in safe hands.

Christine and her team are already settling into the role and are looking forward to getting to know the membership and supporting your needs. From processing renewals to answering day-to-day queries and providing back-office support, CJAM will work closely with the APEA to provide an efficient, friendly and professional membership service.

We are delighted to welcome CJAM and look forward to working in partnership to continue developing a strong and supportive APEA community.

32

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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05/01/2021 13:00

Articles

Dover Fueling Solutions Dundee manufacturing facility celebrates 30 years AUSTIN, TEXAS – 8 July, 2025 – Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), a part of Dover Corporation and a leading global provider of advanced customer-focused technologies, services, and solutions in the fuel and convenience retail industry, is thrilled to celebrate its Dundee manufacturing facility’s 30 year anniversary.

Formerly known as Schlumberger Retail Petroleum Systems (RPS), before being acquired by Tokheim® and ultimately Dover Fueling Solutions®, the Dundee manufacturing facility was officially opened in 1995 to centralise dispenser production in Europe.

Since the Tokheim acquisition, the Dundee site has grown from strength to strength and now, as DFS Dundee, the facility has a footprint of 15,000m2 – 13,000m2 of manufacturing space and 2,000m2 of office space. The DFS Dundee facility employees over 350 members of staff, including our EMEA HQ, and exports various dispenser models, including clean energy and conventional fuel configurations, from both the Wayne® and Tokheim® brands, to over 160 countries and 20,000+ customers.

Complete design from start to finish We provide single or multidisciplinary services, including: • architecture • building services engineering • building surveying • civil and structural engineering • CDM and H&S services • EV hub consultancy • fuel filling station consultancy • project management • planning consultancy To discuss our services, please contact Rob Slusar, Project Manager on 07500 056 421 or email rob.slusar@ingletonwood.co.uk

Solving global challenges one building at a time

In terms of production, the site has capacity to generate approx.

25,000 dispensers and 100,000 nozzles every year, with 2019/20 marking a triumphant milestone – the one millionth nozzle installed at the Dundee facility. Today, DFS Dundee continues to manufacture pioneering dispensers for the EMEA region – including the Tokheim Quantium®, Wayne Helix®, and Wayne Century® 3 fuel dispenser ranges.

“Celebrating 30 years in Dundee is incredible, and creates this amazing sense of achievement,” said Denise McHugh, Operations Director, DFS Dundee. “We, as DFS, have been able to accomplish so much as a site – from the first CNG dispenser manufacture, to our one millionth nozzle and now our enhanced dispenser range for EMEA, not to mention our recent Manufacturing Award nomination and Dover Corporation EHS Award win – it’s been a fantastic journey of growth and we still have so much we want to achieve.”

Kurt Dillen, DFS Vice President and General Manager EMEA & SAL, added, “The success and longevity of the DFS Dundee site is truly a testament to past and present team. Our Dundee facility is crucial to ensure we continue to provide technologically advanced, reliable, and high-quality dispensers to our expanding EMEA customer base. Here’s to the next 30 years in Dundee!”

For more information, visit www.doverfuelingsolutions.com

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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35

Articles

VARS Technology becomes Secured by Design Member Forecourt and retail security specialist VARS Technology has become a Secured by Design Member Company, the flagship UK police initiative to help ‘design out’ crime using high-quality, innovative products and processes. VARS Technology received the accreditation for their market-leading ANPR solution, used to protect forecourts from drive-offs.

In order to achieve Secured by Design (SBD) status, VARS Technology had to meet rigorous testing standards as required by the police and has now been accredited as meeting the Police recognised standards. Secured by Design is the only way for products to achieve police recognition in the UK, and principles of SBD have been proven to reduce both the risk and fear of crime. Developments that employ SBD principles are up to 63% less likely to experience crime. The Secured by Design brand is owned and operated by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives on behalf of UK police services.

VARS Technology’s ANPR solution provides forecourt staff with instant notifications when a blacklisted vehicle enters a site.

This allows staff to avoid drive-offs before they happen by refusing to release the pump for known fuel thieves unless they pay in advance. For drivers intending on stealing fuel, this typically results in them leaving the site to look for an easier drive-off target. Users of the VARS ANPR system have stated that it reduces the number of drive-offs they experience by as much as 90%.

Advanced Forecourt Protection and Revenue System 1. Vehicle enters site Vehicle registration detected by VARS Protect ANPR/LPR cameras.

2. Instant alert VARS Protect VARS System pulls information from the global database. Alerts via audio/visual display at point of sale, averting repeat offence.

3. New vehicle commits an offence Site enters new offence using touch screen at point of sale, instantly adding a vehicle to the global watchlist.

4. Payment Recovery VARS Technology pursues owner/keeper for stolen fuel and pays money recovered back to forecourt.

5. Parking Overstay revenue stream. Paid parking revenue stream.

EV charging management.

When drive offs do still happen, VARS Technology actively pursues offenders and recovers the cost of stolen fuel on their behalf. VARS recovering their costs from drivers means that forecourt operators receive back the entire value of any stolen fuel.

VARS Technology Director John Garnett said: “We have worked extremely hard for the past six years to develop the VARS ANPR system into the market-beating forecourt protection system it is today, so it is great to have that hard work recognised. Forecourt crime has been a hot topic recently, with a consensus that it will take a collective effort from forecourt operators, security providers and police forces to address the issue. If this membership helps us work more closely with police forces, then everyone benefits.” https://www.securedbydesign.com/ https://www.varstechnology.co.uk/

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

37

Articles

Contractor Competency?

Jamie Thompson Chair Technical Committee I was somewhat concerned when recently approached by a Petroleum Inspector who had been on an APEA Training course and was being presented by an installation to approve that was not safe.

The contractor had stated that “all works were carried out to APEA design and construction as per the 5th edition of The Blue Book” The Contractor concerned argued that the installation was OK and he always carried out such work!!

Fortunately, the inspector insisted that the following work was necessary before the installation could be used: • The diesel vent be lengthened to be at the same height as the road tanker delivering to avoid fuel coming out of the vent • The petrol vents to be moved so they are away from the door and the electric flood light (min 2m) • The petrol vents to have a Pressure/Vacuum vent installed as stage 1B is fitted • More importantly the ATEX legal requirement to have a flame arrestor installed at the vent • Another flame arrestor to be fitted at the road tanker stage 1b vapour return connection which again had been ignored Although many petroleum contractors are competent and understand the safety aspects of filling station construction, there are unfortunately still those in the industry whose lack of understanding of hazardous areas and basic safety cause such problems – or are they just cheating everyone?

Be Warned

Would you like to contribute to our next issue of The Bulletin?

We are always looking for contributions from our members so if you have something to share or think would be of interest to other APEA members, please contact us.

It could be a story or photo of something interesting, new or unusual, a milestone for your company or an employee, we will consider absolutely anything so please help us.

38

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

39

UK News

News Operating petrol station numbers rise in the UK The petrol station numbers in the UK surprisingly remained more than the previous year and it bucked the trend as reports showing liquid fuel is on the way out seem very short of reality.

The Number of Petrol Stations open in May 2025 Total Number

8349

EV vehicle sales are still below the mandated Government target of 28% and just short of 21% being recorded as sold during the past year.

Esso

1268

BP

1157

Shell

1134

More sites are expanding with many offering new services for their customers, car wash sales are increasing and a rise in installation of self-service Laundromats, dog washes etc.

Texaco

662

Unbranded

662

Tesco

510

Asda

486

Gulf

372

Morrisons

340

Jet

332

Sainsbury’s

316

Murco

172

Applegreen

110

Pace

104

Maxol

102

Harvest

67

Solo

63

Essar

59

Total Energies

49

Cleaner

47

Circle K

45

UK Filling Stations by Region South East England

1098

GO

39

North West England

871

Valero

36

Scotland

854

EG On the Move

32

South West England

805

Welcome Break

32

Yorkshire and Humberside

796

Co-op

24

East of England

773

Nicholls Fuels

22

West Midlands

728

Costco

20

Northern Ireland

580

EMO

20

London

523

Highland Fuels

20

Wales

519

Scottish Fuels

18

East Midlands

492

Minor Brand

17

North East England

310

Rix

12

A copy of the full Report can be obtained from https://forecourttrader.co.uk/download?ac=363128

40

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

UK News

Greenergy to cease biodiesel production at Immingham plant Market pressures and policy uncertainty cited as key factors in proposed closure.

Greenergy has announced it will begin formal consultation on a proposal to cease biodiesel production at its Immingham facility in Lincolnshire. The move follows a strategic review of the site launched in May 2025, amid ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty surrounding the UK’s biofuels policy landscape.

Despite extensive cost-cutting measures aimed at sustaining operations, Greenergy said the Immingham plant continues to face adverse market conditions. The company cited slower growth in the UK’s biofuels blending mandates compared to other European nations and intensified competition from subsidised U.S.-origin biodiesel imports as primary drivers behind the decision.

The consultation process with affected employees is set to begin immediately, with the company emphasising its commitment to supporting staff throughout the transition.

“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to enter consultation on the proposed closure of our Immingham site, and a decision we have not taken lightly,” said Greenergy CEO Adam Trager. “However, in light of continuing market pressures, we unfortunately do not have enough certainty on the outlook for UK biofuels policy to make the substantial investments required to create a competitive operation at Immingham.”

Trager called for urgent discussions with UK government ministers to strengthen support for the domestic biofuels sector.

“We are seeking urgent talks with ministers about increasing the number of biofuels used in the UKs petrol and diesel, a move which will help protect the biofuels sector, as well as cutting the UK’s emissions, particularly from HGVs,” he said.

Greenergy’s announcement underscores broader concerns within the renewable fuels industry about the need for consistent and ambitious policy frameworks to ensure the longterm viability of low-carbon fuel production in the UK.

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41

UK/International News

EG On the Move, Co-op launch new service station in Stowmarket The latest site combines ultra-rapid EV charging, full forecourt services, and a Co-op convenience store under one roof.

EG On the Move, in partnership with Co-op, has launched a new roadside service station and convenience store on the A1308 Needham Road in Stowmarket, England. The site combines next-generation forecourt services with Co-op’s food retail offer, marking the first full launch following several trial locations introduced last summer.

This new location is designed to cater to both motorists and local residents, featuring four ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points, eight fuel pumps dispensing air, vacuum, and soon, jet wash services.

Co-op’s on-site 24-hour convenience store operates under a franchise model and offers a wide selection of fresh, chilled, and

ambient goods. Customers can enjoy hot food, bakery items, freshly prepared sandwiches, Starbucks coffee on-the-go, and a variety of meal deals and everyday essentials.

EG On the Move CEO Zuber Issa said: “Our work with Co-op enhances our convenience store offer, ensuring our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of premium grocery products, and an enjoyable foodservice experience.”

The foodservice offer is further enhanced by a Delice De France outlet, serving customers daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Stowmarket launch marks a milestone in the growing collaboration between EG On the Move and Co-op, with more joint ventures planned for later this year as both companies pursue a shared vision for modern, customer-focused roadside retailing.

Protium, ULEMCo join forces to boost hydrogen transport in the UK Renewable energy company Protium and hydrogen vehicle solutions provider ULEMCo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the use of green hydrogen in transport, particularly in Wales and South England.

The partnership will focus on decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, leveraging Protium’s Pioneer 1 hydrogen production facility and its upcoming Pioneer 2 site.

Together, the companies aim to scale demand for hydrogen by supplying local operators, integrating hydrogen solutions into vehicle platforms, and launching real-world demonstration projects.

“This MOU marks a major step forward in building a clean, hydrogen-powered transport ecosystem for Wales and South

England,” said Jon Constable, COO at Protium. “Our green hydrogen will help decarbonise transport, support local industry, and contribute to net zero goals.”

ULEMCo’s Jordon Cullen added: “Hydrogen is essential for decarbonising sectors where electrification is not practical. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting a clean energy transition across the UK.” The collaboration aligns with the Welsh Government’s ambition to establish South Wales as a hub for low-carbon industry and supports broader UK efforts to expand hydrogen infrastructure and mobility innovation.

Croatia ends fuel price regulation after three years Decision by Croatia’s Government follows sustained price monitoring and improved conditions in global oil markets.

Croatia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has announced that the government will no longer regulate retail fuel prices, citing improved stability in global and regional oil markets. The move marks the end of a three-year period in which the government set maximum retail prices for petroleum products to shield consumers and businesses from volatile energy costs.

The decision means the Regulation on Determining the Highest Retail Prices of Petroleum Products will not be renewed. Officials say the change is based on a comprehensive analysis of global

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

market trends, which now show more predictable fuel pricing and a stable supply chain.

“We will not allow unjustified or excessive price increases that would significantly impact citizens’ living standards or the stability of Croatian businesses,” said Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar. “The Government of the Republic of Croatia stands ready to act if needed.”

Policies were adjusted in response to shifting oil prices on global markets, but the latest assessments show sufficient market normalisation to justify a policy shift toward deregulation.

Despite stepping back from active price control, the government has affirmed it will continue to monitor wholesale and retail fuel prices.

International News

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Rome petrol station explosion A huge explosion at a petrol station in Rome on the 4th July has left at least 30 people injured, some with severe burns, and caused residents to flee their homes.

Shocking footage showed fires raging and a thick cloud of smoke emanating from the site of the blast - a petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) station at 34 Via dei Gordiani in the Italian capital’s eastern Prenestino district. The punishing explosion, which erupted at 8.18am according to Italian media, levelled the entire area. Clips shared to social media by horrified locals showed blackened tarmac littered with debris at the scene, while a webcam feed managed to capture the mushroom-cloudlike explosion rising over the city.

Emergency services were already at the scene before the blast.

They had been called minutes earlier amid reports that a truck hit a petrol pump at the service station and caused a fire, Italian news agencies reported. Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, explained that fire triggered a small explosion which in turn set off a devastating chain reaction.

‘There were a few chain explosions after the first one,’ Accardo told Italian state broadcaster RAI. The second explosion was significantly larger and destroyed the entire facility.

At least nine police and fire service workers were hurt, five of which were rushed to hospital with significant burns and injuries from broken glass, though no one has yet been reported killed.

One eyewitness told Italian outlet La Repubblica that it looked as though a bomb had gone off. ‘I was running, as the crow flies, I was less than a hundred meters from the gas pump,’ Massimo Bartoletti said. ‘I saw the first explosion with the classic fireball.

Shortly after came the second one which was hellish. A fiery mushroom cloud formed in the sky. It shook the whole area. It looked like hell; everything was flying in the sky.’

Parts of a fuel tanker were reportedly blown hundreds of metres away from the station, such was the force of the blast.

‘We are working on a tank explosion ... the fire is still ongoing,’ the fire department said in a statement, adding one of their officers had been hospitalised. Fire department spokesperson Luca Cari later confirmed that one firefighter was injured but ‘not seriously.’ Ten teams were at work on the site, he added.

A damaged ambulance caught in the blast was seen sitting at the scene, with its bonnet and front doors charred.

The explosion caused structural damage to several nearby buildings, shattering windows, and started a fire that spread to a judicial building located behind the petrol station. Rome’s public Continued overleaf APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

43

International News transport agency Atac said it closed a nearby metro station following instructions from police, who were performing checks at a nearby nursery and the Villa de Sanctis sports centre to ensure no one there was hurt.

The President of Villa De Sanctis sports centre, Fabio Balzani, told La Stampa that the building and facilities were damaged in the blast. He also said that kids attending a summer camp were evacuated before the explosion amid reports of a fire, averting disaster. ‘At the first hint of smoke around 7:30 we evacuated the children; there were eight of them. The parents arrived, the kids are all fine,’ he said. ‘If it had happened an hour later, it would have been a massacre: there would have been 60 children from the summer camp, us in charge, and 120 booked in the swimming pool. The sports centre is damaged; it looks like a battlefield.’

Several hospitals in Rome, including San Giovanni, Sandro Pertini and Sant’Eugenio, were all alerted about possible incoming trauma victims. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on social media: ‘I am closely following the consequences of the explosion that occurred this morning at a gas station in the Prenestino neighbourhood of Rome.

‘I have spoken to the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and I remain in constant contact with Undersecretary Alfredo

Mantovano and the competent authorities to monitor the evolution of the situation. I express my closeness to all those who are injured - including law enforcement officers, firefighters and health workers - and I extend my heartfelt thanks to those involved in the rescue and safety operations,’ she wrote on X. Pope Leo XIV said he was praying for those affected by the explosion, which happened ‘in the heart of my Diocese.’

Residents told Italian news agency ANSA about the ordeal.

‘We were woken up by a bang, it sounded like a bomb, an attack,’ a woman named Paola who lives in an apartment overlooking the station said. ‘We didn’t understand what it was, all the windows shook. It could have been a bomb, an earthquake, we didn’t understand,’ said Francesco, a tenant of a building next door.

‘Then from the smoke we understood it was an explosion.’

‘My mother has a cut on her leg, the windows are shattered,’ another resident named Claudia said.

Several residents said they saw people lying in the street who had been injured by shards of glass or debris. Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident as firefighters continue their work at the scene. There is no suspicion of crime or foul play at present.

H2 Mobility, HOYER Group sign supply contract for hydrogen in Germany The HOYER Group is continuously expanding the hydrogen operations, both with logistics expertise and by building up its own hydrogen fleet.

The HOYER Group has signed a deal with H2 Mobility, the largest operator of hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany.

Through this deal, the international logistics specialist will supply hydrogen refuelling stations in the Rhein-Neckar region.

supporting the transition to environmentally friendly mobility.

HOYER is also already acquiring experience with its first fuel cell trucks,” said Anna Krüger, Head of Sales for Global Gas Logistics at HOYER Group.

H2 Mobility is the pioneer in developing a public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and is Germany’s largest operator of hydrogen refuelling stations.

The HOYER Group is continuously expanding the hydrogen operations, both with logistics expertise and by building up its own hydrogen fleet.

“By assigning a logistics partner, we create more autonomy and security in supplies to our refuelling stations,” said Frank Fronzke, Managing Director and COO of H2 MOBILITY.

“The partnership with H2 Mobility is an important milestone in our mission to further expand the hydrogen logistics sector, thus

HOYER has been one of the world’s leading bulk logistics providers since 1946.

Vivo Energy Kenya expands network with new station in Nairobi Vivo Energy Kenya has opened its 336th Shell service station, continuing its steady growth in the country’s fuel and convenience retail landscape. The new site, Shell Imara Daima, is strategically located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi and brings enhanced service offerings to one of the city’s busiest corridors.

The latest addition reflects the company’s ongoing focus on customer experience, blending traditional fuel services with modern convenience. The station includes a Shell Select shop, Java House café, Goodlife Pharmacy, and Purpink gift shop, positioning it as a multi-service destination.

Arnaud Guichard, Executive Vice President of Retail and Commercial at Vivo Energy, highlighted the broader significance of the expansion, stating that each new station signals not 44

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

just growth in footprint but also Vivo Energy’s commitment to innovation and partnership. “Shell is more than a fuel stop — it’s a one-stop shop built around customer needs,” he said.

Vivo Energy Kenya’s Managing Director, Peter Murungi, emphasised the station’s role in showcasing the company’s latest fuel technologies. The site features Shell’s enhanced FuelSave formulation, which promises up to 15 extra kilometres per tank, alongside the performance-focused Shell V-Power fuel.

Beyond customer convenience, the opening also underscores Vivo Energy’s contribution to job creation and local economic development. The company views the new station as a symbol of its vision to lead the region’s energy sector through quality, service, and innovation.

Oil and gas net-zero standard paused after Shell and others exit Effort to define net-zero targets stalls amid industry backlash over proposed restrictions

Driving down your fuel costs

A major global effort to establish a standard for net-zero emissions in the oil and gas sector has been put on hold after several leading energy companies, including Shell, Aker BP, and Enbridge, withdrew from the initiative. The pause was confirmed by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the organisation leading the framework, which cited the need for further development work.

The decision follows internal tensions over draft rules that would have required participating companies to cease development of new oil and gas fields after submitting a climate plan—or by the end of 2027, whichever came first. According to the Financial Times, which reviewed documents related to the deliberations, this proposed restriction prompted a wave of industry departures from the initiative’s expert advisory group beginning in late 2023.

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Shell told the FT that its representative had resigned after a draft version of the standard failed to reflect the industry’s perspective “in any substantive way.” Similarly, Norway-based Aker BP cited limited influence on the process as its reason for stepping away. Canada’s Enbridge also exited the group, as reported by the FT. Despite these high-profile exits, the SBTi denied that the pause was a result of industry pressure. In a statement, a spokesperson for the group emphasised that the sole reason for the suspension was the “significant, resource-intensive development” the standard still required. “We will return to Oil & Gas Standard development, with the precise timing to be determined as we finalise our forward work programme,” the spokesperson added.

Shell, in a public statement, reiterated its support for sciencebased methodologies but stressed the need for standards to be aligned with “realistic societal and economic changes” and to allow flexibility in achieving net-zero goals.

In March, the SBTi had introduced draft rules to support more robust climate strategies in the oil and gas sector, part of its broader mission to ensure that corporate climate goals are science-aligned and credible. However, the pause raises new questions about the feasibility of setting unified climate targets in an industry where commercial and environmental priorities remain deeply divided.

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45

International News

BrightHy partners with Houpu to expand H2 in Europe and Latin America Strategic agency agreement aims to support industrial decarbonisation and clean mobility across key regions.

Fusion Fuel’s hydrogen advisory subsidiary, BrightHy Solutions, has signed a strategic agency agreement with Houpu Global Clean Energy, a leading Chinese manufacturer of hydrogen refuelling equipment and clean energy technologies. The new partnership is set to boost the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure and integrated energy systems across Iberia and Latin America.

Under the agreement, BrightHy Solutions will serve as Houpu’s exclusive agent for its hydrogen product portfolio in the designated regions. The collaboration combines BrightHy’s local market expertise, technical know-how, and commercial networks with Houpu’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and globally recognised clean energy solutions.

“We are excited to collaborate with Houpu Global Clean Energy to expand the reach of their hydrogen refuelling and clean energy technologies in our markets,” said Frederico Figueira de Chaves, CEO of BrightHy Solutions. “Houpu’s strong industrial background, combined with BrightHy Solutions’ customerdriven approach and local expertise, positions us to deliver complete and dependable solutions to clients who are driving the hydrogen transition.”

Liu Xing, Vice President of Houpu Global Clean Energy, emphasised the importance of the partnership in reaching new global markets: “Working with BrightHy Solutions strengthens our ability to serve the growing demand for hydrogen infrastructure outside of China.”

The agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to scaling up safe, efficient, and practical hydrogen technologies that meet the evolving energy needs of industries and governments alike.

Viva Energy turns tyres into fuel

The partnership envisions a new facility in Melbourne capable of processing up to 80,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually.

Initiative represents a significant step toward local tyre recycling infrastructure in Melbourne.

“The refinery’s ability to process pyrolysis oil from both tyres and waste plastic demonstrates the versatility of our facility and our commitment to supporting a lower-carbon future. We’re proud to play a role in reducing landfill waste and producing sustainable fuels—but the right policy support is essential to scale these innovations,” Lachlan Pfeiffer, Viva Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer.

Viva Energy has successfully processed 10 tonnes of tyrederived pyrolysis oil at its Geelong Refinery. The milestone builds on a similar achievement in May, when the refinery processed pyrolysis oil sourced from waste plastics, as it increases its ability to scale up advanced recycling initiatives and produce lowercarbon fuels.

The demonstration involved importing the pyrolysis oil from Poland under government-approved permits, due to the current lack of domestic supply. This initiative not only validates Viva Energy’s refining capabilities but also represents a significant step toward local tyre recycling infrastructure in Melbourne.

Earlier this year, Viva Energy entered a memorandum of understanding with Canadian recycling firm Klean Industries.

Australia currently does not recognise the carbon reduction potential of co-processed fuels, which limits the ability for end users to claim associated environmental benefits.

“Initiatives like this highlight how we can extract meaningful value from tyres and support a sustainable, low-emissions future for Australia,” said Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia.

Viva Energy’s leadership in advanced recycling technologies could help reshape Australia’s energy landscape.

Petroprix enters Panama’s fuel market with first gas station opening The Spanish company has expanded its automated model to Latin America.

Petroprix has officially entered the low-cost fuel retail market in Panama with the opening of its first service station in Panama City. With this launch, the company became the first Spanish fuel retailer to introduce its automated service station model to Latin America. The opening marks a major milestone in the company’s international expansion and establishing a new type of service station not yet developed in the region. Already operating in Portugal, where it runs four stations and plans to close the year with fifteen, the Jaén-based company is now broadening its international presence across strategic markets.

46

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

In Panama, where several other stations are currently under construction, Petroprix aims to have seven operational locations by the end of 2025.

The company is also advancing its expansion in Chile, where the first site is set to open in August. Petroprix emphasised that its expansion into Panama and Chile is based on strategic market potential, describing both countries as key gateways for introducing automated fuel station models across Central and South America.

Looking ahead, the company projects €1 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year, underscoring its ambitious growth plans in the global fuel retail sector.

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47

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International News

Albert Manifold appointed BP chair to lead new phase Appointment comes as BP moves away from low-carbon energy in favour of oil and gas production.

BP has appointed Albert Manifold to succeed Helge Lund as chair of the company. He will oversee the company’s new shift towards a more profitable gas and oil business. He will join the company’s board on 1 September as non-executive director and chair-elect and will take over as chair on 1 October.

Manifold was the Chief Executive Officer of CRH from January 2014 until December 2024. Under his leadership CRH strategically reshaped its portfolio and delivered on growth, according to BP. “It is an honour to be appointed chair of one of the world’s great energy companies, and to have the opportunity to help the

company reach its full potential,” said Manifold.

While BP had previously positioned itself as a leader among oil majors in the transition to renewables, recent financial pressures and investor concerns have led to a more measured approach.

Under new leadership, BP has scaled back its 2030 emissions reduction target and re-emphasised the profitability of its core oil and gas operations.

“Albert has a relentless focus on performance which is well suited to BP’s needs now and into the future. He transformed and refocused CRH into a global leader by building on its rich heritage to deliver superior growth, cash generation and returns,” said Dame Amanda Blanc.

Helge Lund, who has chaired BP since 2019, steered the company through a period of strategic pivot, including its Net Zero commitment and post-pandemic restructuring.

HydrogenXT secures $900 million for Union Coop, ENOC launch mobile first wave of U.S. hydrogen projects eLink gas station in Dubai Ten zero-carbon blue hydrogen plants to be built across key states without federal subsidies.

HydrogenXT has announced a major financial breakthrough with the signing of a $900 million debt and equity financing deal with Kell Kapital Partners Limited and its institutional partners.

The investment will fund the development of ten blue hydrogen production and distribution facilities across the United States, including sites in California, Oregon, Washington, and North Dakota.

This marks the first phase of HydrogenXT’s larger strategy to deploy 100 hydrogen plants and over 200 distribution stations across North America, entirely without federal subsidies. In the long term, the company aims to scale up to more than 1,000 sites globally, supplying zero-emission hydrogen fuel to heavy transport, industrial sectors, and digital infrastructure providers.

As reported by Energy News, the flagship facility is set for Avenal, California, with construction to begin in the coming months.

Additional sites are confirmed for Blythe, Otay Mesa, El Centro, Victorville, West Sacramento, Yreka (California), Eugene (Oregon), Chehalis (Washington), and Bismarck (North Dakota). These locations have been strategically chosen for their proximity to logistics corridors and high-emission transport routes.

New partnership brings on-site refuelling to Muhaisnah 1 community with smart, convenient services.

Union Coop, one of Dubai’s leading retail cooperatives, has partnered with ENOC Group to launch a mobile eLink fuel station at Etihad Mall in the Muhaisnah 1 area of Dubai. The initiative aims to provide convenient and efficient on-site refuelling services to both mall visitors and nearby residents.

Powered by ENOC’s digital mobile fuel delivery platform, the mobile station is designed to address the growing demand for accessible fuel services in Dubai’s increasingly dense residential and commercial zones. Operating daily, the eLink station can refuel up to four vehicles at once and serve over 500 vehicles per day.

“Union Coop is committed to delivering smart solutions that enhance the lives of all segments, including our customers, mall visitors, and neighbouring residents,” said Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop. “The launch of the eLink mobile fuel station at Etihad Mall reflects this commitment, offering a safe and convenient refuelling experience within a fully integrated retail environment.”

Each site will utilise local Steam Methane Reforming technology combined with full carbon capture systems. The plants will also feature integrated compression, storage, and dispensing units, which can support decarbonised electricity generation for data centres, logistics operations, or grid supply.

The collaboration marks another milestone in ENOC Group’s effort to bring innovative energy solutions directly to consumers.

“We are pleased to join forces with Union Coop through ENOC Link,” said Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting Group CEO of ENOC. “This partnership is a reflection of our shared commitment to provide innovative services within local communities.”

The financial structure includes senior debt and equity contributions and will fund engineering, procurement, and construction activities. HydrogenXT’s platform includes digital fuel supply management and subscription tools for end users, enabling rapid deployment and scalability.

This launch at Etihad Mall represents a broader strategic push by both Union Coop and ENOC to deliver future-ready services that enhance urban living and support the evolving needs of UAE residents.

48

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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International News

Par Pacific, Mitsubishi, and ENEOS join for renewable fuels production in Hawaii Hawaii Renewables aims to become the state’s largest renewable fuel facility by the end of 2025.

Par Pacific Holdings, Mitsubishi Corporation, and ENEOS Corporation have signed definitive agreements to form a new joint venture, Hawaii Renewables, focused on producing renewable fuels at Par Pacific’s Kapolei refinery in Hawaii. The move marks a major step toward decarbonising Hawaii’s energy and transportation sectors while strengthening regional fuel security.

As part of the agreement, Mitsubishi and ENEOS will establish Alohi Renewable Energy, which will invest $100 million to acquire a 36.5% stake in Hawaii Renewables. Par Pacific will retain the majority ownership and lead project execution and operations through its affiliate, Par Hawaii Refining.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mitsubishi and ENEOS through the formation of this strategic joint venture,” said Will

Monteleone, President & CEO of Par Pacific. “Creating the Hawaii Renewables joint venture brings together the best of our three organisations and yields additional scale and expertise across feedstock origination, commercial optimisation, and market access throughout the Pacific Basin.”

Currently under construction, the facility is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2025. Once online, Hawaii Renewables will become the largest renewable fuels plant in the state, with an expected annual production of 61 million gallons of renewable diesel (RD), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable naphtha, and low carbon liquified petroleum gases.

Designed for flexibility, the plant will be capable of producing up to 60% SAF to meet the growing demand for low-emission aviation fuel across Hawaii’s travel-intensive market. It will also be equipped to shift production to renewable diesel depending on market conditions and will use diverse feedstocks, processed with Lutros’ advanced pretreatment technology.

GOIL to renovate 270 stations in Ghana by end of year Modernisation initiative includes digital upgrades, fuel supply stability, and enhanced customer service.

Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) has announced a major nationwide upgrade of its retail network, with plans to renovate 270 fuel stations by the end of December 2025. The initiative, which forms part of the company’s broader modernisation agenda, was unveiled by Edward Abambire Bawa, Group CEO and Managing Director of GOIL, during a recent dealer engagement forum held in the Western Region.

As reported by Energy News Africa, 200 of GOIL’s directly operated stations will undergo renovations, while 30 of 50 dealer-managed outlets will be upgraded into modern pump stations equipped to meet evolving consumer expectations.

“This initiative goes beyond aesthetics,” he emphasised. “It’s

Good news for tank and nozzle manufacturers There appears to be a growing trend across Europe for wine to be dispensed just like Petrol.

Here is a photo of a tank of white wine being stored and dispensed rather like fuel into “hopefully” a suitable container to consume and I notice it is slightly more expensive than Petrol!

50

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

about ensuring our stations are fully equipped, attractive, and capable of offering world-class services at competitive prices.”

Bawa also disclosed that GOIL is currently in talks with the Presidency to secure additional petroleum supply volumes.

This move aims to stabilise fuel supply across the country and potentially lower pump prices for consumers.

The company is also advancing its digital transformation by launching a new platform that allows dealers to access account balances and monthly statements in real time, eliminating reliance on middle-tier staff for updates.

The modernisation push underscores GOIL’s ambition to reposition itself as a trusted Ghanaian energy company prepared for the demands of the future. “GOIL is not just a business—it’s a legacy. Together, we’ll build a company that is modern, trusted, and proudly Ghanaian,” Bawa said.

International News

HAM develops compact Bio-LNG liquefaction plant The EU co-financed project targets decentralised production of renewable LNG from biogas.

Spanish company HAM Group, in collaboration with HAM Criogénica, has developed the R&D project NANO BIOGAS LIQUIFIER, aimed at designing and validating a next-generation, compact, and energy-efficient plant for local production of BioLNG (renewable liquefied natural gas) from biogas.

The advanced technology enables small-scale biodigesters to convert biogas into a competitive renewable fuel, supporting sustainability in both the transportation and agricultural sectors.

This project’s goal is to offer a modular “plug & play” liquefaction unit capable of processing biogas with outstanding energy efficiency.

The innovation allows renewable Bio-LNG to replace fossilbased LNG in heavy transport applications, directly contributing to decarbonisation targets through the adoption of renewable biofuels. It also enhances the economic viability of small agricultural producers.

The NANO BIOGAS LIQUIFIER project involved a total investment of over one million euros, co-financed by the European Union (through FEDER and CDTI). The outcomes have validated a standardised modular solution for biogas liquefaction and the development of a cryogenic system that enables realworld Bio-LNG production under simulated field conditions.

Designed for remote, automated operation via integrated SCADA systems and PLCs, the unit offers a flexible, scalable solution for decentralised renewable LNG production.

ENOC grows UAE retail network with new gas station in Sharjah As part of its ongoing national growth strategy, ENOC Group has announced the opening of a new service station in Al SweihatWasit, Sharjah, expanding its total retail network in the UAE to 204 locations. The move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening nationwide energy access and mobility infrastructure.

“As the UAE’s land mobility continues to grow, the demand for efficient and accessible retail fuel services rises,” said Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group. “This new service station in Sharjah is a testament to our ongoing commitment to expand our footprint, deliver superior customer experience, and support the country’s dynamic energy landscape.”

Strategically located in a growing residential sub-community, the new station aims to serve both residents and commuters with a full range of fuel options. With this latest addition, ENOC now operates 28 service stations in Sharjah alone, reinforcing its position as a key fuel provider in the emirate.

The Sharjah station follows the early 2025 openings of three new service stations in Dubai, equipped to provide a seamless and convenient refuelling experience for today’s on-the-go drivers.

The launch is aligned with the company’s broader investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and operational excellence to support the UAE’s rising energy needs.

ENOC customers can also take advantage of the Group’s ‘YES’ Rewards loyalty programme, which allows users to earn and redeem points on purchases and transactions across ENOC’s growing network.

Avelia evolves to accelerate SAF adoption as a multi-supplier platform Shell Aviation, Accenture, and Amex GBT expand book-and-claim system to broaden access to sustainable aviation fuel benefits.

Shell Aviation, alongside partners Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced a major evolution of Avelia, the blockchain-powered platform designed to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through a bookand-claim model.

Avelia will transition from a single-supplier system to a multisupplier industry solution, enabling broader access to the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction benefits of SAF. The enhanced platform aims to meet the growing demand for SAF among corporate and airline customers, offering a scalable, transparent way to reduce aviation-related Scope 3 emissions.

With independent data hosting and governance, the new structure will allow customers to access SAF environmental attributes from multiple suppliers, including Shell, without

relying on physical fuel availability at specific airports.

“Avelia’s shift to a multi-supplier platform is a significant milestone for the aviation industry,” said Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation. “This evolution demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in scaling SAF and delivering measurable climate impact.”

Since its launch in 2022, Avelia has grown into the most established book-and-claim solution for SAF, with more than 57 corporations and airlines onboard as of March 31, 2025.

The upgrade also reinforces Avelia’s position as a key enabler of corporate climate action. Accenture, which serves as strategic advisor and technology partner to Avelia, will continue overseeing data processing and hosting.

With its transition to a multi-supplier model, Avelia is positioned to play a central role in scaling SAF availability and accelerating aviation’s shift toward a lower-carbon future.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

51

International News

BP to cut 15% of corporate workforce by end of 2025 Energy giant increases layoffs to 6,200 corporate jobs as part of $2B cost-cutting strategy.

BP will eliminate 6,200 corporate positions, or approximately 15% of its office-based workforce, by the end of this year. The announcement was made by Chief Financial Officer Kate Thompson during the company’s 2nd Quarter earnings presentation on Tuesday, a move that is part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce operational costs by $2 billion before 2026.

The latest figure marks a significant jump from the 4,700 layoffs previously disclosed earlier this year. In addition to corporate roles, the company now expects to eliminate 4,400 contractor positions by the end of 2025, up from its initial estimate of 3,000 in January. The cuts come as BP continues to restructure

its operations, with a notable impact on its customers and products segment, which includes the company’s global convenience store business. According to Thompson, about 60% of the layoffs in 2024 have come from this division alone.

BP’s restructuring began in January with a strategic shift that included scaling back its renewables focus in favour of traditional oil production. At the time, the company planned to cut 5% of its global workforce. Since then, the restructuring has produced tangible results: $1.7 billion in structural cost savings, including $400 million in corporate and overhead reductions, Thompson said.

The ongoing workforce reductions highlight BP’s aggressive effort to streamline operations amid fluctuating energy markets and shareholder pressure for improved returns.

Eiffage Énergie builds hydrogen demonstrator station in southern France In Vitrolles, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes is building a fullscale demonstrator station for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Mediterranean regional division of the company has already completed civil engineering work and finalised the installation of the treatment, compression, and distribution units for the station.

The final stage of the project involves the installation of a next-generation AEM electrolyser, which will produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity. This technology allows for the electrolysis of water without emitting CO₂, a key distinction from traditional steam methane reforming commonly used in petrochemical hydrogen production.

“Hydrogen mobility relies on vehicles equipped with fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which then powers an electric motor,” explains Alexis Brosed Ponce, project manager at Eiffage Énergie Systèmes.

This full-scale model will be capable of refuelling a light-duty hydrogen vehicle in about five minutes, offering a driving range of 400 to 600 kilometres. The station is designed to produce 50kg of hydrogen per day, enough to refuel up to ten light vehicles.

Initially, the Eiffage site will support three hydrogen utility vehicles to be acquired by the agency, as well as those of interested partners.

Clean Energy expands RNG reach in the U.S. through transit agencies Public fleets turn to low-carbon RNG to cut emissions and meet sustainability goals.

Clean Energy Fuels has signed a series of agreements with transit agencies and municipalities across the United States to support the transition of public fleets to low-carbon fuel alternatives.

These deals involve building and upgrading fuelling infrastructure, supplying renewable natural gas (RNG), and managing operations and maintenance for stations serving a variety of vehicles, including buses, refuse trucks, and street sweepers. “Cities and transit agencies looking to make the air more breathable and address their carbon footprint need reliable, cost-effective solutions that can be deployed now – not years down the line,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy.

In California, Clean Energy has strengthened its long-standing relationship with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), one of the largest public transit agencies in the country. Under a new maintenance agreement, the company will service several fuelling stations used to power over 940 natural gas buses.

In Michigan, Clean Energy secured a competitive bid to supply 52

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

RNG to Interurban Transit Partnership, known as The Rapid, which operates in Grand Rapids. The agreement includes site operations and maintenance and is expected to deliver 1.1 million gallons of RNG per year.

Trinity Metro, the public transit provider for Fort Worth and neighbouring communities in Tarrant County, Texas, has also expanded its partnership with the company to include the supply of 2.1 million gallons of RNG annually for Trinity Metro’s 190-bus fleet.

In Alabama, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) has signed an RNG supply deal covering 96 buses, with an estimated annual usage of 950,000 gallons.

Further east, Loudoun County in Virginia has partnered with Clean Energy to construct a new RNG fuelling station and retrofit existing maintenance facilities.

In El Paso, Texas, Clean Energy will provide RNG to three of the city’s private fuel stations, which collectively serve a fleet of 300 natural gas buses and 21 refuse trucks. As part of the deal, the company will upgrade one of the stations and assume operational responsibilities for all three.

Continued overleaf

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

53

International News Meanwhile, in Arizona, the City of Tucson has renewed its station maintenance agreement to support 100 RNG-powered buses.

Clean Energy is also working upstream with vehicle manufacturers.

The company has partnered with Gillig to fuel every new bus delivered to customers with RNG, with an estimated 60,000 gallons to be supplied annually under the agreement.

In Union City, California, a new RNG supply agreement will fuel the city’s 15-vehicle fleet with an expected 250,000 gallons of renewable fuel. Similarly, in California’s Kings County, the Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KART) has signed a deal to upgrade its private fuel station and receive 220,000 gallons of RNG annually for its 25-bus fleet.

HAM Group reveals new LNG station in Spain The strategic site along the N-232 in Navarra strengthens the company’s position in sustainable transport fuel.

HAM Group has inaugurated a new LNG refuelling station in Castejón, Navarra, located in the La Sardá Industrial Park, a key route that stretches across Spain from Castellón to the province of Burgos.

The new facility features a mobile LNG unit equipped with one dispenser and a hose designed specifically for trucks and heavyduty vehicles. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the station allows for fast and secure refuelling using credit or debit cards, as well as the HAM Card, a professional-use payment option

exclusive to companies and self-employed drivers.

To ensure reliability, the station is remotely monitored and includes 24-hour technical assistance, guaranteeing smooth operation and rapid response to any incidents.

With this latest opening, HAM remains a local leader in comprehensive LNG, CNG, and biomethane solutions for both transport and industrial applications.

Currently, HAM Group operates a network of over 150 service stations offering biomethane, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) across major Spanish and European transport routes, reinforcing its role in the transition to cleaner mobility solutions.

Astron Energy marks 500th rebranding for nationwide transformation Astron Energy has reached a major milestone in its nationwide rebrand strategy, unveiling its 500th rebranded service station at the Oaklands site in Johannesburg. The achievement brings the company significantly closer to its target of rebranding more than 800 service stations across South Africa.

The Oaklands station, located on a high-traffic route, reflects Astron Energy’s strategic focus on accessibility and customer convenience. The site now features the company’s bold new visual identity, designed to transform the fuel retail experience for South African motorists.

“Reaching 500 rebranded sites is an extraordinary achievement for our team,” said John Bailey, Acting General Manager for Retail, Sales and Marketing at Astron Energy. “It reflects our

commitment to transforming the customer experience and offering modern, welcoming service stations that meet the evolving needs of South Africans.”

The rebrand initiative has not only refreshed the look and feel of Astron Energy forecourts but also created a ripple effect across local communities. More than 450 people have been employed to support the project, and over 30 local installation teams have been empowered through Astron Energy’s Enterprise and Supplier Development programme.

With strong momentum, Astron Energy is now setting its sights on the next milestone of 600 rebranded sites, advancing its goal of becoming South Africa’s next major fuel brand.

OnTurtle expands Bio-LNG offer across Europe 55 stations in Germany now offer the renewable fuel, joining HVO and LNG as part of the company’s growing low-emission network.

European mobility and transport services provider OnTurtle has announced the expansion of its alternative fuels portfolio, introducing Bio-LNG (liquefied biomethane) across 55 service stations in Germany. This latest move reinforces the company’s strategy to support sustainable transport and expand its presence in cleaner fuel solutions across over 1,800 service areas in Europe.

The newly added Bio-LNG complements OnTurtle’s existing supply of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). The company currently offers HVO at 71 54

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

locations, with plans to continue expanding both fuel types.

“Currently, around 5% of our customers are already demanding these types of energy solutions. It’s still a modest figure, but one that’s constantly growing,” said a spokesperson at OnTurtle.

Montaño emphasised the company’s commitment to scaling up its low-emissions network: “We will continue to expand our sustainable fuels offering by progressively integrating more HVO and Bio-LNG stations. Our goal is to accompany our customers in their transition toward more sustainable, efficient, and responsible mobility.”

With the integration of Bio-LNG and further plans underway, OnTurtle positions itself as a key player in supporting the decarbonisation of road freight transport across Europe.

International News

NACS announces new President and CEO Former Aramark executive Frank Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour in 2026, becoming just the fourth CEO in the association’s 64-year history.

workforce of over 20,000 across over 2,800 locations in the UK, Ireland, and EMEA. Prior to Aramark, he held senior leadership roles at Topaz Energy Group and Statoil Ireland, where he was instrumental in bringing American-style convenience retail to the Irish market.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has announced that Frank Gleeson will become its next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Mr Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and a longtime NACS board member, will succeed current CEO Henry Armour, who has led the organisation since 2005.

Mr Gleeson’s industry leadership also includes a long history of involvement with NACS and other trade organisations. He previously served as Chairman of the NACS Board of Directors (2018–2019), was a member of the NACS International Board for 19 years and sat on the main board for over a decade.

Mr Gleeson’s appointment marks a historic transition, as he will be only the fourth chief executive in the 64-year history of NACS. Mr Armour will remain involved with the association, continuing to lead its international efforts and supporting Gleeson through the leadership transition.

“I’m proud of what we have built at NACS over the past two decades through aggressive advocacy and strong financial management,” Mr Armour said. “We have shown that by creating and constantly nurturing a positive culture we can accomplish extraordinary things together. I’m committed to turning over the best team and resources possible to Frank and continuing to support the organisation over the coming years.”

Mr Gleeson brings extensive experience in both convenience retail and foodservice. At Aramark Northern Europe, he led a

In Ireland, he has held board positions with Retail Ireland, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, and the Irish Transport Authority. He most recently served as chairman of the National Oil Reserve Agency.

“I am honoured to follow the successes of Henry Armour and excited to lead NACS, which has a stellar reputation both in the United States and around the world,” Gleeson commented.

“I look forward to building upon these successes and the great culture that Henry has led at NACS and throughout the industry.”

Mr Gleeson’s appointment signals continuity and global ambition for NACS as it builds on its strong foundation and advances its mission to support and elevate the convenience and fuel retailing industry worldwide.

PROTECTING PROFITS AND PEOPLE Award-winning forecourt protection systems proven to reduce crime, protect operator’s bottom line and make forecourts safer for customers and staff VARS ANPR • Prevents drive-offs before they happen • Sites are protected from a national blacklist of 72,000 known offenders VARS Tablet • Simple and easy reporting for Drive Offs and No Means of Payment • Highest recovery rates in the industry VARS FACE • Staff are alerted to problem individuals as soon as they enter the premises

enquiries@varstechnology.co.uk varstechnology.co.uk

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

55

International News

Pilot boosts retail network with site expansions Recent additions to the network include sites in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, and British Columbia.

and Pennsylvania. The renovation program targets layout improvements and updated amenities, aimed at raising the baseline experience for both passenger and commercial vehicle users.

Pilot is advancing its travel centre network with a series of new store openings and site renovations across the U.S. and Canada, supporting increased summer traffic.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Pilot has continued growing its alternative fuels and EV charging footprint. Since March, EV fastcharging has been added to 36 additional locations across 35 states, while two of the company’s sites—in Illinois and Iowa— have introduced B99 biodiesel pumps, marking a first for retail availability of this fuel grade to commercial drivers in the U.S.

Recent additions to the network include sites in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, and British Columbia, as well as two new dealeroperated locations in California and Wisconsin. These expansions reflect a continued effort to strengthen Pilot’s physical presence along major travel and freight corridors, with the company now serving an average of 1.2 million customers daily.

The second quarter also saw upgrades completed at 11 existing sites in markets such as Florida, Oregon, California, Indiana,

Pilot is hiring 7,500 new team members this summer and continues to channel resources into local school districts through its “Miles of Good” initiative, tied to new store launches and site upgrades. Since 2020, the program has directed over $14.9 million to philanthropic causes.

Rainoil Gas expands LPG network with 10 new outlets in Nigeria Rollout strengthens access to clean cooking energy across the country’s key regions.

Rainoil Gas Limited has significantly expanded its footprint in Nigeria’s energy sector with the commissioning of 10 new Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail outlets in the first half of 2025. The move aligns with the company’s broader mission to improve nationwide access to safe, clean, and affordable cooking energy.

The new locations include a combination of six 30-metric-ton LPG plants and four add-on skid units, strategically located across the South-West, South, and North-Central regions.

Operational sites now provide expanded availability of LPG to a growing number of Nigerian households.

This latest development marks a milestone in Rainoil’s infrastructure strategy, aimed at meeting rising consumer demand for cleaner energy alternatives and closing the gap in last-mile LPG distribution.

“Accessible, reliable, and affordable energy is essential for economic development,” said Emmanuel Omuojine, Managing Director of Rainoil Gas. “These new LPG sites are a reflection of our commitment to bridging the existing infrastructure gap, particularly relating to last-mile delivery of cooking gas.”

The expansion also reinforces Nigeria’s national drive toward energy transition and universal access to clean cooking solutions by 2030. Rainoil Gas confirmed that additional LPG outlets are planned for the near future as part of its continuing investment in Nigeria’s clean energy future.

Ukrnafta finalises acquisition of Shell-branded network in Ukraine State-owned energy firm gains full control of Alliance Holding, adding 118 stations to its network.

Ukrnafta, a subsidiary of the Naftogaz Group, has officially completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in Alliance Holding from Shell Overseas Investments, securing majority ownership of 118 Shell-branded stations and associated assets across Ukraine. The remaining 49% is held by the State Property Fund of Ukraine, meaning the Ukrainian state now owns 100% of Alliance Holding.

The acquisition marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy. With the integration of these Shell gas stations, the company plans to operate a total of 663 locations under the Ukrnafta brand within the next year, according to Yuriy Tkachuk, Acting Chairperson of the Management Board at Ukrnafta.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

“I would like to thank the Supervisory Board of the Ukrnafta for its strategic vision of the company’s development and constructive bold decisions, as well as the shareholders – the NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine – for supporting important initiatives,” Tkachuk said. “I also thank the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for promoting the course chosen by the state enterprise and the National Bank of Ukraine for the opportunity to implement this transaction.”

The acquisition not only consolidates state ownership but also supports the entity’s goals for growth, job retention, and economic development, Tkachuk noted. The rebranding of the acquired stations is already in progress, with some locations now operating under the state-owned company’s banner.

The move enhances Ukrnafta’s market position and strengthens its long-term strategy for national energy infrastructure and retail fuel operations.

International News

BP exits Australian green hydrogen project to refocus on oil and gas Energy major’s pivot underscores broader industry shift away from renewables amid investor pressure.

is designed to harness up to 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind capacity to produce approximately 1.6 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually. It is backed by private companies InterContinental Energy and CWP Global, in addition to BP.

BP has announced its decision to withdraw from one of the world’s largest renewable energy ventures, the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), signalling a renewed emphasis on fossil fuels amid ongoing investor scrutiny.

BP’s exit comes as part of a broader strategic shift to scale back investments in renewables in favour of more traditional oil and gas operations. In recent quarters, the company has faced criticism from investors concerned about underwhelming returns in its low-carbon ventures.

The British energy giant informed its partners that it will step down as both operator and equity stakeholder in the project, according to Reuters. This marks a significant reversal in BP’s renewable energy ambitions, especially as the company had previously held a 63.57% stake in AREH. The AREH project, located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region,

This move follows the announcement of Albert Manifold being appointed as new chair of the company, succeeding Helge Lund.

Under new leadership, BP has scaled back its 2030 emissions reduction target and re-emphasised the profitability of its core oil and gas operations.

Love’s Alternative Energy launches new CNG Station in California Love’s Alternative Energy, a division of Love’s Travel Stops, has officially opened a new compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling station in Fresno, California, its first location under the new brand. Situated in a strategic distribution corridor near Highway CA-99, the station is designed to serve the growing demand for lower-emission fuelling solutions among trucking, refuse, and transit fleets in California’s Central Valley.

The unmanned “cardlock” facility features six high-speed CNG dispensers and is accessible 24/7, allowing fleets to refuel at their convenience. The layout supports vehicles up to Class 8, ensuring easy manoeuvrability for long-haul and municipal trucks. Each fuelling session is logged with detailed data on vehicle, driver, and transaction, helping fleet managers optimise fuel usage and costs.

“The Fresno station addresses a growing demand for lower carbon fuelling options for commercial trucking, refuse and

transit fleets in this part of the country as it’s a significant logistics and supply chain hub,” said a spokesperson of Love’s Alternative Energy. “This self-serving fuelling facility gives our CNG fleet customers the ability to fuel on their schedule, competitive pricing, easy manoeuvring for larger vehicles, and comprehensive reporting on fuel consumption.”

The new facility boosts the company’s CNG network to 106 sites across the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing its leadership in alternative fuel infrastructure. The Fresno station supports the state’s broader environmental policies, including carbon neutrality goals and upcoming freight regulations aimed at cutting diesel emissions.

Community engagement was also part of the launch. To mark the grand opening, Love’s Alternative Energy donated $5,000 each to Sunnyside High School and Valley Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital.

MB Energy to build hydrogen truck refuelling station in Lübeck Construction begins on a strategic site as the company accelerates rollout of sustainable transport infrastructure.

MB Energy has received the building permit for a hydrogen refuelling station for heavy-duty vehicles in Lübeck, Germany, marking a major milestone in the group’s strategy to expand sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. Construction will commence immediately, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025.

The new site will be located near the A1 and A20 motorway junction, close to the MB Energy’s existing diesel facility, and integrated into its commercial road transport unit, which operates more than 300 conventional fuel stations across Europe.

Designed by hydrogen infrastructure specialist Hypion, the station will have the capacity to dispense up to 2,000 kilograms

of hydrogen per day, enabling the refuelling of approximately 50 trucks daily.

“This project marks a major step forward for us,” said Philipp Kroepels, Director of New Energy at MB Energy. “With the building permit now officially granted, we are transitioning from planning to execution. Our team is fully mobilised and ready to start construction, turning a vision into a tangible contribution to Germany’s hydrogen economy.”

Once operational, it will be part of the tankpool24 network, which includes over 2,000 fuel sites across Europe, more than 750 of which are in Germany.

The initiative is part of MB Energy’s broader multi-fuel strategy, which includes investments in hydrogen, biofuels, and e-fuels to help customers decarbonise their transport operations. The company has already opened hydrogen stations in Sweden and secured grants for additional sites.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

57

Press Releases

Press Releases Celebrating 40 years of innovation and reliability: the Hytek story This year, we’re proud to celebrate 40 years of Hytek (GB) Ltd — four decades of dedication to the fuel, lubrication, and fluid handling industry. From humble beginnings in 1985 to becoming a respected market leader, our journey has been driven by customer service, product expertise, and a spirit of innovation.

How it all began Hytek was founded in August 1985 by Ian Taylor and Kevin Arnold — a unique pairing of mechanical savvy and electronics expertise. Ian had a background in welding and fuel systems, while Kevin brought a precision-focused electronics skillset to the table. Together, they set out to fill a gap in the market for a reliable commercial cabinet diesel pump that could be ordered today and delivered tomorrow — something unheard of at the time.

Our very first product was the SK109 cabinet diesel pump, manufactured in Germany and modified in the UK to meet local needs. We assembled and wet-tested every unit ourselves. At a time when competitors had 12-week lead times, we promised next-day delivery — and delivered on it.

Country Pumps: a moment that defined us Andy Seal recalls visiting County Pumps several years after our early days. They remembered a phone call from Ian to Anne Rodda, offering a new diesel pump with a bold promise: “Place

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

your order today and you’ll receive it tomorrow.” Anne relayed the message to her business partner Ted Etty, who laughed and said, “Go on then — place the order. It won’t turn up.” But it did before lunch. Still unconvinced, Ted challenged the odds with another order the very next day — and once again, the pump arrived before lunchtime.

That moment turned heads and changed minds. It cemented a relationship that continues to this day, with County Pumps still relying on Hytek nearly four decades later. As Andy says, “Ian sold and Kevin delivered.” And you can see a photo of that original SK pump in this article — a reminder of the reliability that’s been at our core from the very beginning.

From an idea to a brand Kevin coined the name “Hytek” — short, modern and flexible enough to suit whatever we might go on to offer. Ian headed out to register the business, only to discover someone had beaten us to the name. His solution? Add “(GB)” to make it unique. Kevin wasn’t convinced at the time, but it’s worked for 40 years and still sounds just right.

You can see one of our favourite early photos: Ian standing beside two silver cars in front of our first units at Golds Business Park — a snapshot of the beginning of a journey that would eventually take us to Delta House.

Press Releases Built on strong principles

Leadership for the future

Our founding values remain central to how we work today:

Ian retired in 2006 and Kevin followed in 2017. We thank them for their vision, integrity and commitment to building something lasting. In 2022, Jacquie Davies became Managing Director, bringing with her a deep understanding of the industry and a clear focus on innovation, digital transformation and service.

• We only sell to trade professionals — resellers and installers.

• We stock the products we sell.

• We dispatch quickly, on the same day, with next day delivery as standard for UK mainland addresses.

• We make it easy to order from us.

• We understand our products inside out.

• We take responsibility.

• And above all, we’re nice to people.

If you’ve ever visited our website, you’ll see this in action — pricing and ordering is exclusive to registered trade customers.

Milestones, moves and momentum In 1987, we hired our first full-time employee, Clive Wellings, who played a pivotal role in designing our ALPHA pump range and Hytek alarms. By 1990, we had moved into purpose-built premises at Golds Business Park — a move that gave us the space we needed to expand, just in time to navigate a recession and diversify our product offering.

The early ‘90s saw us achieve ISO 9000 certification, a standard that helped lay the groundwork for future regulatory compliance, including ATEX. We introduced our own engineered products, developed international supplier relationships, and kept growing through every challenge.

In 2001, we moved into Delta House — a £1.1 million facility more than double the size of our previous home. The move brought our team under one roof and helped us improve stockholding and operational efficiency. We’ll be showing a current photo of Delta House in this article — a modern image of what Hytek looks like today.

“It’s an honour to lead Hytek into its next chapter,” says Jacquie.

“The founders built a business rooted in reliability, trust and innovation — values that still guide us today. As we celebrate 40 years, we’re just as focused on delivering for our customers as we were in 1985.”

Thank you for 40 years Many of the companies that received our very first invoices — Vectec (formerly FPT Installations), Centaur, Ideal Tanks, Metcraft, Arnold Diggle and Premier Service— are still our customers today. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

To mark the occasion, we’d love to hear your Hytek memories.

If you’ve got a story, a photo of a Hytek product in use, or a fond anecdote from working with us, please email it to us along with your permission to share it. We’ll select ten entries to receive a £40 Amazon voucher — and feature them (with credit) in future marketing.

Looking ahead 2025 also brought the launch of our brand-new website — a fresh platform that goes beyond a web shop. It showcases our full product range, service sectors, editorial content, and industry news — all designed to support our trade customers and keep you informed.

To everyone who has been part of our journey so far — thank you. Here’s to the next 40.

Innovation at the core Over the years, we’ve designed and launched our own ATEXcertified alarms, updated our ALPHA range, and expanded into new sectors including agriculture and plant. We introduced lean principles across the business, improving internal processes and customer response times. Our technical team grew too, with longserving team members like Chris Barton now leading the way.

We also welcomed new companies into the Hytek family — Pumptronics Europe and O.L.E. UK — and transferred their manufacturing to our UK site. These moves expanded both our expertise and our capacity.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

59

Branches

Branches

Yorkshire and Humberside Branch AGM and branch meeting 21st May 2025 at the National Mining Museum Wakefield.

David Wall (Branch National Council Member) opened the meeting with 24 people attending.

AGM David provided the branch with his National Council report, listing the updates from the council and ran through some of the changes since the last branch meeting.

David then highlighted the training being provided by the APEA. Including industry training and bespoke courses.

(Further training course details can be found on the APEA website) www.apea.org.uk David then highlighted that a new edition of the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Petrol Stations book (Blue Book) was issued free to members this year and an amendment is now available focusing on up-todate Electrical Charging. Again, free to members.

The Branch and National Council are always looking for ways to bring value to the membership and welcome any branch members to join us on the committee to bring new ideas.

Anyone can also apply to be part of the National Council of the APEA. David strongly encouraged anyone with a passion for the industry to nominate themselves for any of the council positions.

Please let David know if you are interested.

As a branch we continue to try and look after our membership. If there is anything you think we should cover or topics we should be discussing please let David Wall know directly at davidwall@ redux-sys.co.uk or the branch secretary Andy Kennedy andy@ global-msi.com The report was followed by voting for the Branch Committee for the next 12 months with the results below.

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Position

Nominee

Nominated by

Seconded

Chairman

Tom Burns

David Parker

Chris Temple

Treasurer

David Parker

David Wall

Andy Kennedy

Treasurer Dave Parker then gave a report on the finances of the branch that are still in a healthy positive balance.

The AGM was then closed and members were invited to stay for the days presentations as follows.

EP Strategies – Lee Anderson Contact: info@epstrategies.co.uk EP Strategies is a specialist in Geotechnical, Environmental Risk, Management & Compliance.

Lee explained the role they take in reviewing in-ground risk and the build environment. Working for national retail and roadside convenience operators aas well as housebuilders, local authorities, education, architects and planners.

With regards to petrol retail, in 2025 so far they have drilled on 31 active petrol stations with a total of 140 boreholes.

Where they are supporting the industry can be split into two areas: pre-planning/pre-construction and due diligence/ monitoring. This can then be split into the following three key elements.

1) Environmental – Quality control of the ground 2) Geotechnical – Strength of the ground 3) Drainage potential When a contamination investigation is required and remediation may become necessary the things EP strategies will be looking at will be:

Source

Pathway

Receptor

Source will be tanks and pipework, pathway is where the contamination has travelled or likely to travel and receptor is people or groundwater.

Detailed drilling of boreholes can assist clients with a risk risk/ ranking of any contamination, knowing exactly the extent of any issue and likely paths of spread. This allows EP’s clients to make informed decisions.

Also detailed ground condition surveys can assist clients in the following areas.

Secretary

Andy Kennedy

David Wall

David Parker

Committee Member

1) Targets to upgrade infrastructure

Nigel Sheppard

Chris Temple

David Parker

2) Best areas to invest budget

Committee Member

Chris Temple

David Wall

Nigel Sheppard

3) Collect infrastructure data and undertake desktop-based reviews of geology and hydrology of sites.

National Council Member

David Wall

David Parker

Andy Kennedy

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

Lee then ran trough several case studies with the members looking at remedial investigations including factories, housing and KDRB of old petrol stations.

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61

Branches BXE Services – Stuart Tompkinson Contact: stuart.bxe@btinternet.com

Petrol Station Electrical Inspection What, Why, When, How? Stuart took the members on a comprehensive journey of electrical testing on hazardous areas for petrol forecourts. The following topics were covered in-depth with further explanations of the testing methodology and restrictions.

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Includes provisions for emergency lighting as part of workplace safety.

Key Standards Standard Description BS 5266-1:2016 Code of practice for emergency lighting design, installation, and maintenance.

• Periodic Inspection Report (PIR)

BS EN 1838 Specifies minimum illuminance levels (e.g. 1 lux on escape routes).

• Detailed inspection and testing of hazardous area electrical installation

BS EN 60598-2-22 Safety requirements for emergency luminaires.

Why?

Types of Emergency Lighting

• To comply with law (DSEAR, EAW)

• Escape Route Lighting: Guides occupants to exits.

• To prove ongoing safety of installation

• Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting: Prevents panic in large spaces.

What?

• To ensure additions or alterations have not compromised safety of the site When?

• Every 12 months • Or sooner?

How? • Inspection and testing of all electrical equipment in a hazardous zone • Visual inspection of equipment adjacent to hazardous zone (including overhead) • Inspection and testing of the incoming main supply (including dead test)

Ilux – John Oldfield

• High-Risk Task Area Lighting: Allows safe shutdown of hazardous processes.

• Standby Lighting: Optional; supports continued activity during outages.

Design & Installation • Must be based on a fire risk assessment.

• Lighting should cover:• Exit doors • Stairways • Changes in floor level • Firefighting equipment • First aid points

Contact - info@iluxlighting.co.uk

• Duration: Minimum 1 hour, typically 3 hours for sleeping or reoccupied areas.

Emergency lighting requirements and regulations

Testing & Maintenance

John gave a very informative presentation to the meeting with the key points below.

• Frequency Requirement

UK Emergency Lighting Regulations: A 2025 Guide

• Annually Full 3-hour duration test.

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in all non-domestic premises across the UK. It ensures safe evacuation during power failures, fires, or other emergencies. This guide outlines the key regulations, standards, and responsibilities for compliance.

• Logbook Record all tests, faults, and repairs.

Legal Framework • Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Requires a “responsible person” (e.g. employer, landlord, or occupier) to ensure safe evacuation routes are illuminated during emergencies.

• Building Regulations 2000 (Approved Document B) Mandates emergency lighting in new buildings and major refurbishments.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

• Monthly Functional “flick” test (simulate power failure).

• Testing must be done by a competent person. Noncompliance can result in fines or prosecution.

The members enjoyed a buffet lunch after the presentations were completed followed by an underground visit to the National Coal Mining museum.

Andy Kennedy

Branch Secretary

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APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

63

Branches

Southern Branch The APEA Southern Branch have recently held our early summer branch meeting at the SS Great Britain Museum in Bristol. We themed the whole meeting around the unmanned operation of filling stations, from the perspective of the regulator, equipment provider and large and small operators.

After a welcome from our chairman Doreen Pooley, our branch secretary and treasurer David Sommers swapped his hats and gave a presentation on what regulators should consider when presented with an application for unattended or remotely attended operation. David has headed the Environmental Safety Team at Hampshire Trading Standards for 27 years and worked with the Petrol Retailers Association to develop a suite of risk assessments for the safe operation of unattended forecourts, which have now been incorporated within the Red Guide.

David passed the presenters baton on to Tim Lamb, the System Sales Manager for TSG UK. Tim spoke on the topic of ‘Automating the Unmanned Filling Station’ which outlined the equipment and systems currently being used successfully on many of the remotely manned stations.

Following Tim, was Ashraf Michail of Lex Management Solutions who gave an interesting presentation on lessons learned from running an unmanned petrol station. Ashraf was able to give useful and personal insights into how best to approach the decision to ‘go unmanned’ and was also able to highlight problems he had faced and how they had been resolved.

Our final speakers for the session were Gareth Payne and Philippa Rawbone of Certas Energy. Certas are probably the best known of the remotely manned operators with 41 sites spread

64

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

throughout the UK. Their presentation highlighted how they decide on suitable site locations for remotely manned operation, how the sites are developed to specifically cater for operating without staff constantly present; some of the issues they have faced and how they have dealt with them.

All of our speakers referred to the control measures required to ensure that the sites operate safely and legally. A combination of management control measures, engineered control measures, enhanced engineered control measures, emergency equipment

Branches

and the adherence to the suite of two phase risk assessments.

Plenty of questions were generated for all the speakers to deal with, and the response of all those attending was extremely positive.

The Southern branch committee would like to sincerely thank all those who presented and to those attending. The largest number we have seen for a number of years.

After an excellent buffet lunch, the delegates were able to enjoy the SS Great Britain ship and museum. A very worthwhile visit in itself.

David Sommers Southern Branch Secretary.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

65

Branches

Scottish Branch Minutes of AGM held at the Radstone Hotel, Larkhall, 21st May 2025 In attendance Andy King, Ian Hillier, Gary Green, Mark Delaney, Innes Walsh, Lee Roberts, Kirsten Hotchkiss, Scott Duncan, Kathleen Munro, Claire Scawthorn(part meeting) and Juliet Morrison.

Apologies: None This year’s meeting was held at the Radstone Hotel in Larkhall in conjunction with the PRA Roadshow.

The chair opened the meeting and thanked all that attended and mentioned that this was the first AGM where we had a physical attendance since COVID and not on zoom and thanked the PRA and Claire Scawthorn for their continued support of the Scottish branch in allowing us to use their facilities.

The minutes of the previous meeting could not be approved as on the day we were unable to locate them due to the chair having left his previous employ and was unable to locate the file.

If the minutes are found these will be distributed to all members when located.

There were no matters arising.

The chair then introduced the members of the Scottish branch committee.

Chair and Secretary’s report.

Andy King reported it has been another quiet year for the Scottish branch and the main aim of the committee is to try and keep the branch alive and active. There was a meeting and discussion with members at the PRA Roadshow in November and was well attended. IH was able to update details relating to the new fireworks regulations and a general discussion with those present on petroleum matters was discussed. A training session was held in Paisley in February and was again well attended as the subject was learning on the basics of becoming a PO. Hopefully if demand is shown, something similar will be arranged again in the future. The membership remains static, and Andy King did stress that if any Authority had an interest to join the Scottish branch, then to contact him direct and he would help with any questions asked.

Treasurers Report LR reported that the transfer from the previous treasurer was now complete and was waiting on confirmation from the bank. The final accounts are still to be completed and audited.

The only major expenditure for the year was a contribution the branch made in subsidising the training that took place in February. Andy King and the committee thanked LR and will await the final audited accounts when they are complete, and will send them on to all members by email as soon as possible.

Branch Representatives report IH reported that he had attended all the committee meetings.

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

The 2025 blue book edition was now complete and had been sent out to members.

If anyone was interested in attending conference, then they should get in touch either with him or the chair and information on subsidies and grants etc would be provided to assist with costs.

IH mentioned there had been some changes in the personnel front at APEA and that an outside agency would now deal with any administration issues and that these changes may take a while to adjust, however hopeful that that it would continue to run smoothly in the future.

IH gave a quick update on the fireworks legislation in Scotland and confirmed that the licensing scheme would continue to be put on hold.

Correspondence Andy King confirmed that there was nothing to report re correspondence during the last 12 months and would continue to email all Scottish branch members if anything arose.

Resignation and Election of office bearers As per rules and regulations of the branch, all office bearers resigned. No notification of interest had been received by the chair prior to the AGM. Andy King will continue as his role of Chair and Secretary (GG and LR).

LR to continue as Treasurer (AK and IH) IH to continue as National Rep (AK and LR) GG to continue as committee member.

Andy King will email Chintan Shah if he wishes to continue as committee member in his absence.

AOCB Andy King reminded all members present that were from Local Authorities, that there was a 3 monthly meeting on Teams chaired by Scott Duncan that had now gone national and would recommend attending and register as it gave members an insight into all things related to petroleum enforcement.

GG talked about the changes Morrisons were going through and changing the PSC to MFG and how these changes were found to be causing a few issues.

Date of next meeting. If there was an option re having the APEA AGM in conjunction with the PRA then we would continue this association, however we would contact members next year and see what the consensus was or if we went back to having a Teams/Zoom meeting.

Andy King Scottish Branch Chairman

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67

Training

Training 2026 courses and dates will be available soon. Please check our website for details.

Petrol Filling Station courses on request • Vapour Recovery Installations • Leak Investigation • Enforcement Procedures • Safe Installation and Use of LPG The above courses can be held on-site at your own premises.

For a bespoke quotation please contact the APEA office with an approximate number of delegates and preferred dates on admin@apea.org.uk.

Course Fees APEA Member

Non member

3 day course with accommodation

£1020.00

£1120.00

3 day, day delegate rate

£810.00

£910.00

2 day course with accommodation

£650.00

£750.00

2 day, day delegate rate

£550.00

£650.00

1 day course

£260.00

£310.00 Prices excluding VAT.

More information and booking details on the “Training” page at www.apea.org.uk.

Anyone booking a training course that is not an APEA member will automatically receive complimentary “Individual” membership to the APEA for one year.

Courses will be designed around the (5th edition) Blue Book Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (May 2018).

A hard copy and a pdf version of the 5th Edition is available from the Publications page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk The hardcopy is £75.00 to APEA Members and £150.00 to non APEA members. There is no VAT charged on the hardcopy or pdf formats. The pdf version can be purchased with a licence for individual use and cannot be shared or printed. It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.

68

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Christine Joyce - APEA Business Manager email: admin@apea.org.uk Tel: + 44 (0) 345 603 5507 or Thomas Daly (Training Committee Chairman) Tel: +353 876899281 email: thomasdaly@apea.org.uk

Training

Online Training Courses To book go to the Training page on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk for the link or to

https://apea.org.uk/pages/training or https://apea.mykademy.com/ Key Areas of a Filling Station

£50

The Future of Fuels

£50

Drainage, Vapour Recovery and Leak Detection

£50

Road Tanker Delivery and Consignor Requirements

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Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulation 2014

£50

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

£50

Inspection Preparation Online Training

£50

The Red Guide

£50

8 in 1 APEA Full Course Bundle £250 8 Courses: • Key Areas of the Filling Station

8 in 1 Bundle

• The Future of Fuels • Drainage, Vapour Recovery and Leak Detection • Road Tanker Delivery & Consignor Requirements • Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulation 2014 • Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation 2002 • Preparing for Inspection • The Red Guide

The Association for Petroleum & Explosives Administration and Olive Group have partnered to launch a new online training platform The Association for Petroleum & Explosives Administration and Olive Group have partnered to launch a new online training platform, available for purchase by all association members. Olive Group is an established provider of training platforms, using cutting edge technology and a background in compliance to create highquality, custom digital training.

Typically a digital training platform saves over 50% indirect training costs and 80% in time spent learning, in comparison to other methods of training, such as classroom-based.

Much of the content is professionally accredited and, alongside advanced technology, delivers cost-effective consistent training.

Courses mix high-quality video, custom motion graphics, and gamification to ensure that learners are constantly engaged, leading to higher retention rates when compared to conventional training.

All courses can be taken in one go, or completed over time, with content available 24/7. In addition, material works on mobile devices so learners don’t need access to laptops or PCs, they can simply use their tablet or smartphone.

On completion of the suite of courses, delegates will have received the foundation knowledge required, in order to undertake the duties related to the operation of a petrol filling station, or the enforcement of petroleum legislation at a petrol filling station.

APEA Tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

69

Training

Training Report

By Jamie Thompson

Chairman of the Publication and Technical Committees A 3 day Petrol Filling Stations Construction and Environmental Awareness Audit and Inspection course was held in Solihull in June with delegates from West Midlands Fire Brigade, Norfolk Fire Brigade, Swindon Borough Council ,Torfaen Borough Council, Devon County Council, and 2 delegates from Malta taking part After 2 days in the class room, arrangements were made, with the ever helpful petrol team at Sainsburys, on the third day, to visit a filling station at Marshall Lake in Solihull to complete a hands on physical inspection. The site inspection on a sunny day enabled the delegates to examine tank manholes, checking on leak detection systems and many other safety aspects.

They checked pumps, drainage, flame arrestors, stage 1 and stage 2 vapour return and road tanker stands and then examined what we found on return to the classroom, including enforcement options, if any deficiencies were found during the audit, feedback from all the delegates indicated that the training was gratefully received and all delegates enjoyed the opportunity given to look closely at a filling station with two experienced inspectors.

70

The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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The Bulletin Magazine – September 2025

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