to improve fleet utilisation and real time reporting . Adam Franklin , Flexigrid CEO said ;
“ Launched earlier this year , this system has further optimised our haulage schedules , and allowed us to better serve our customers by providing up-to-date delivery information , supported by an in-house 24 / 7 customer care team .”
Linking directly to customer tank gauging where possible , the system has driven clear improvements in average payload , route efficiency and vehicle utilisation . Adam added ;
“ As well as an improved customer service performance – an area we pride ourselves on – these improvements have reduced average vehicle mileages and delivery numbers – perhaps the most impactful means of improving our carbon footprint with the current technologies available .”
Some manufacturers remain adamant that the role of petrol and diesel remains vital , until affordable alternatives are widely adopted . Greenergy , for example , believes that the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions for existing transport fuels comes from the blending of biofuels in petrol and diesel . Greenergy has invested heavily in renewable fuel and is Europe ’ s largest manufacturer of waste-based biofuels , allowing it to meet growing demand for biodiesel .
Fuels of the future Regardless of the extent to which alternative fuels have , so far , been adopted , there are clear signs that the energy transition journey is being embraced across the industry . Kevin McPartlan , CEO , Fuels for Ireland commented ;
“ This year we rebranded the ‘ Irish Petroleum Industry Association ’ as ‘ Fuels for Ireland ’. This reflects our recognition that fossil fuels cannot be the basis of Ireland ’ s future energy plans , or of our members ’ business strategies . Liquid fuels will continue to fuel Irish motoring , heating , agriculture , aviation , industry and shipping during our transition to carbon neutrality and beyond , but the fuels themselves will change . We have made commitments that not only will our businesses be carbon neutral by 2050 but so too will the fuels we bring to the market , so our use of advanced , synthetic and biofuels will continue to increase . Ultimately , they will replace fossil fuels .
“ We have made clear our position that government should mandate the introduction of E10 in 2021 and Fuels for Ireland members are already bringing diesel with up to 20 % biofuel to the market . We will soon publish a report on the emission savings which could be achieved by increased energy efficiency and zero-carbon fuels being introduced into the home-heating sector and are committed to trials of such fuels in the next 12 months .”
This is clearly an industry willing to adapt to the challenges of the times and the needs of its customers . With a major shift of position from the producers through output conversion at refinery level to distributors offering alternative fuels , such as biodiesel and HVO , and the willingness of logistics companies to consider electrification , hydrogen , natural gas and biofuels to keep them moving , the industry has already made excellent progress in preparing for the future of fuel , with , or without , oil .
We wonder if the not too distant future will see our own publication similarly adapting to the changing face of the industry – will we be reporting on the latest sector developments in a rebranded ‘ Fuel News ’ magazine ?
We are keen to hear your thoughts on the increase in renewable offerings from refiners and suppliers . Has this influenced your purchasing decisions ?
Fuel Oil News | November 2020 17