What can you say about 2020 ?
We find ourselves in December , the final month of 2020 . To say it has been a year of uncertainty would be a masterpiece of understatement . It is a year that has , of course , given us some fantastic , special and memorable moments , both personal and professional , a good number of which we have been privileged to cover within these pages . But it is also a year , with its unwelcome surprises and unprecedented challenges , that , I am confident , a great many will not be sorry to see the back of .
As we approach the end of it , the uncertainty does not show much sign of abating ; a sitting US President is holding on by his fingernails , confident he won the election in much the same way West Germany believes it was actually victorious in the World Cup Final of ’ 66 , Brexit is yet to be finalised and a trade deal with the EU that “ could be sorted out in an afternoon over a cup of coffee ” is still the subject of protracted debate – did anyone think to put the kettle on ?
Despite the Government ’ s recently announced 10-point green plan , variously described as a ‘ shopping list ’ or ‘ statement of intent ’, the route to
net zero seems to be more a dimly lit rabbit run than a brightly illuminated path and much of life remains on hold as we muddle our way through ‘ Lockdown Lite ’.
As our thoughts turn to ‘ ringing out the old and ringing in the new ’ it is hard not to drift back to the turn of the year , the promise it held and the plans we all likely made for the months that lay ahead , and I find myself recalling Allen Saunders famous 1957 quote ; “ Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans ”.
Life is amazing . Then it ’ s awful . Then it ’ s amazing again . And in between it ’ s ordinary and routine . As an industry we have learned to celebrate the amazing , hold on through the awful and regroup during the routine .
So now , as we approach the season of hope , we offer our heartfelt appreciation to all of you who , throughout this year , have overcome every obstacle to keep the UK & Ireland fuelled this year .
We wish you , and yours , a hopeful Christmas and a very healthy and happy 2021 from us all .
The independent voice for the fuel distribution , storage and marketing industry in the UK and Ireland .
4-7 , 9 NEWS
11-13 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
The evolution of the tanker
15-17 IN CONVERSATION
Janet Kettlewell talks us through a busy year of adapting and thriving
18-19 IRISH FOCUS
How Glen Fuels has evolved to offer both traditional and renewable solutions
19 DIVERSIFICATION CORNER
A look at Fuel Oil News ’ own journey
20 PORTLAND MARKET REPORT
Global challenges revisited in a seasonal special
21 INDUSTRY FOCUS
Truck drivers and cyclists : essential safety advice
22-23 INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
We ask Jo Bamford ; ‘ Is hydrogen ’ s time now ?’
24-25 INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Dramatic changes in the competitive landscape
26 PRICING PAGE
27 IN PROFILE
A crafty tanker driver who loves a bit of drama and sparkle
On the cover In this issue
Contact us
Managing director Nick Smith
Managing editor Margaret Major margaret @ fueloilnews . co . uk
Content / social media executive Stephanie Samuel stephanie @ fueloilnews . co . uk
Janet and Trevor Kettlewell pictured after completing a management buyout to take ownership of Kettlewell Fuels . In a busy year that also saw Janet becoming UKIFDA ’ s 33rd President in June , we catch up on all the changes in our ‘ In Conversation ’ on pages 15 to 17 .
Irish news Aine Faherty aine @ fueloilnews . co . uk
Accounts & subscriptions Berni Chetham berni @ fueloilnews . co . uk
Annual subscription for the UK & Republic of Ireland is priced at £ 98 or € 113 inc . p & p . Overseas : £ 115 or € 134 . Back issues : £ 8 per copy .
01565 653283 www . fueloilnews . co . uk
We speak with fleet managers and manufacturers to understand developments in tanker design , functionality and technology as well as the benefits and challenges these present in ‘ Industry Analysis ’ on pages 11 to 13 , while the changing competitive landscape is considered in ‘ Industry Insight ’ on pages 24 & 25 .
Founded in 1977 by James Smith Published by Ashley & Dumville Publishing , Caledonian House , Tatton Street , Knutsford , Cheshire WA16 6AG www . ashleyanddumville . co . uk
Fuel Oil News is sold solely on condition that : ( 1 ) No part of the publication is reproduced in any form or by any means electronic , mechanical , photocopying or otherwise , without a prior written agreement with the publisher . ( 2 ) The magazine will not be circulated outside the company / organisation at the address to which it is delivered , without a prior written agreement with Ashley & Dumville Publishing . The publishers gratefully acknowledge the support of those firms whose advertisements appear throughout this publication . As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements . It is necessary however for it to be made clear that , whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements it contains , the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies , or the products or services advertised . Fuel Oil News is printed on sustainable forest paper . © Ashley & Dumville Publishing . Printed by Stephens & George Print Group Tel : 01685 388888
Volume 43 No 12 ISSN 1757-1057
Fuel Oil News | December 2020 3