“ We will need some more interaction with the truck manufacturers and utilising their duty deferment accounts for the truck chassis , but this is only as they will be doing for vehicles imported at present . There is still plenty to learn about the customs processes and we will strive to streamline this in order to facilitate a smooth movement through the border .”
Alternative liquid fuels The increasing volumes of alternative liquid fuels being transported in , and being used to fuel , tankers became apparent in the submissions for the recently announced Fuel Oil News ’ Tanker of the Year , with HVO a popular option . When asked whether Cobo has plans to look into alternative fuelling options for its tankers , Joby replied :
“ We have just completed two remount LPG barrels with the plan to start manufacturing these in another facility we have . We have manufactured these in the past for the Moroccan and Cuban markets and can see the potential in the UK . By completing these in the separate facility , we are using different rollers and welding equipment to avoid contamination issues with the aluminium product line . We will also be in control of the full manufacturing process rather than using other manufacturers ’ barrels .
“ As well as the LPG , Cobo has designed and manufactured its first LNG barrel . This is to
be tested in its own fleet , servicing some of the group ’ s petrol stations with LNG . This will give us the capability to fully test the unit before taking it to market .
“ The other trend we are seeing is the move to HVO , with many of our customers branding new builds as their advertisement . Whilst this is a great product to offer as a green alternative , I do not believe that it is the full solution to becoming carbon neutral . With many corporations looking to improve and communicate their green credentials , I do see a rise in the volumes and number of tankers advertising this over the next few years .
“ I think we will also see the rise of powerto-gas energy , and although this is expensive , it does give the option of saving excess energy , for example , excess solar energy in the summer months can be stored and used in the winter months . I don ’ t believe there is one magic fix to decarbonisation , but that we will need to use a number of technologies to achieve this .”
Cobo ’ s current projects Speaking about projects currently in the pipeline , Joby told us :
“ We have been developing our relationships with a good number of customers and are building up a good customer base within the rigid tanker market . We have received our 3rd and 4th orders from some of these . I would clarify though that , with my remit for the business to focus on building up our market share of the rigid tanker business , we are still very much active in the semi-trailer market and although we envisage this being a little quieter this year we have some good orders going through .”
What ’ s next ? Looking ahead , Joby conveyed positivity for 2021 , believing it will be a great year for all involved in the industry and also expressed optimism for further success and expansion for Cobo Tankers and Services :
“ The LPG market is something we would like to get involved in and in the next 12-18 months we will be showing our first Cobo produced barrel in the UK . The company has the engineering capability to develop these and likes to do this in a controlled manner .
“ We also hope with the movement of the UKIFDA Expo we will be able to meet our colleagues and friends in person in July and that , later on in the year , we will be able to restart visits to the factory to show off new product lines and show customers , who are operating tankers built by us , where they are built .”
We , at Fuel Oil News , remain equally hopeful for the Expo and look forward to catching up with Joby and Cobo again there , as well as many more of you .
In the meantime , do keep in touch with your updates – stephanie @ fueloilnews . co . uk .
Fuel Oil News | March 2021 21