“The company has also thrown its weight behind a number of local charities, including Wetwheels
Jersey and Jersey Trees for Life ” Thought
Fuel for M
ost people don’t give a second thought to how the
fuel that powers their car, heats their home or gets their plane or boat to its destination is delivered: we all just expect it to be there, when we need it.
The operation to import, store and distribute fuel oils in the Channel Islands is complex but the local market leader has global experience of serving small offshore jurisdictions, and is investing heavily in the infrastructure that supports this island lifeline.
The RUBiS Group was founded in France in 1990 and has grown to be one of Europe’s most recognised independent operators in the fuel sector. The business is an independent international group specialising in fuel storage and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum oils.
By, NICK CROLLA, Marketing & Communications Manager, Fuel Supplies (C.I.) Ltd
In 2008 The RUBIS Group purchased the business of Fuel Supplies (CI) Ltd from Shell, which has been serving the Channel Islands since 1955. The Rubis Group also created a dedicated company in 2009, La Collette Terminal Ltd, to co-own and to operate the terminal assets at La Collette.
Since then the company has embarked on a multi-million pound improvement programme to ensure that Channel Islands' fuel supplies are kept flowing.
As well as refurbishing and improving the current infrastructure at La Collette in Jersey and St. Sampson in Guernsey, Fuel Supplies and La Collette Terminal are exploring ways to future-proof the supply
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of fuel as new products become available.
Fuel Supplies are responsible for the importation and distribution of motoring, domestic heating, marine, commercial and aviation fuels and products and, with the backing of their parent company, are determined to become the main driver of the fuel industry locally, with a commitment to making the sector more innovative and environmentally responsible.
In parallel more than £10 million is being spent by Fuel Supplies and La Collette Terminal on overhauling storage tanks, a quarter of a mile of pipework, fire-fighting equipment, loading gantries, trucks and offices. The programme has still several years to run but already the work has seen state-of-the-art technology installed.
As each tank is refurbished, which can take anything up to six months to complete, new safety and efficiency measures are being introduced. All of the new tanks, for instance, have probes connected direct to the terminal control room so that content, temperature and density can be monitored remotely; in the two large motor spirit tanks at La Collette in Jersey floating decks have been installed inside the massive structures. These help avoid the build-up of vapours and minimise evaporation, providing safety, financial and environmental benefits.
The tanks have to be thoroughly inspected on a regular basis. The current overhaul is expected to finish at the end of 2014, but the company is already looking to the future to see how the
industry is changing, and to make sure Jersey is ready to accept the new breed of fuels that are coming on line.
Getting fit for the 21st and 22nd Century needs is one thing, but Fuel Supplies is also committed to the here and now, playing a significant role in Island life by supporting events and organisations throughout the year, including the International Air Displays in Jersey and Guernsey, the Jersey International Motoring Festival, the Jersey Battle of Flowers and the International Food Fair.
The company has also thrown its weight behind a number of local charities, including Wetwheels Jersey and Jersey Trees for Life, supporting those who are disabled or disadvantaged and the Island’s beautiful environment.
Fuel Supplies see a bright future for the Channel Islands, and take their responsibility seriously as a major contributor to economic success as well as environmental protection. More efficient processes, the latest products, outstanding customer care and quality control will deliver a fuel supply service that will be the envy of far larger jurisdictions, and a sustainable secure infrastructure that is so important for an Island community.
So the next time you wonder how you get from A to B, or how your house is going to be heated, cast your thoughts towards the enormous operation that goes on almost unnoticed, day in and day out, all year round, to keep the Islands moving.
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