In Conversation
Taking strategic action
Continued from page 11
“With logistics in good hands we’re able to
play to our strengths and concentrate on the
needs of customers, with pricing, in particular,
needing to be tailored to best suit each
business.
“All our chosen partners are like-minded
people who share the same values and with
whom there’s mutual trust.”
commercial vessels, HMRC, survey and smaller
military vessels plus The Waverley, the world’s
last sea going steam ship which visits the south
coast each summer. Whilst now less involved
in the super yacht business, the company is
seeing more cruise ships along the east coast,
and as the industry matures the expected
decommissioning activity in the North Sea will
maintain fuel demand.
Ready for 2020
Broadening our opportunities
“Being in control of our supply chain from
refi nery right through to vessel gives us an
important advantage over other marine fuel
suppliers and, having a presence at more
locations has broadened our opportunities,”
said Barry.
Having the ability to drop fuel off at
several locations, the company is now far more
strategic. When work steps up in one area,
additional fuel can be more easily transferred
between locations.
Among those with whom Geos does
business are blue chip oil & gas companies
operating large contracts in the North Sea, bulk
ferries – with tankers often driven on board
to lessen the spill risk – dredgers, fi shing and
Asked about preparations for the IMO 2020
regulation, Barry said: “Our product is already
at a lower sulphur level and as we stand we’re
in a good position.
“Globally refi neries are changing their
demand profi le, we’re working with our suppliers
to ask what this means for both them and us.
We’re in wait and see mode at the moment,
although we do expect an increased demand for
distillates in general, and there will no doubt be a
cost implication which will need to be absorbed
between refi ner, supplier and customer.
What next?
“Our biggest step has been opening the Blyth
terminal – for a small company it was the right
thing to do,” said Barry.
“Establishing multiple locations, arranging
strategic partnerships and ensuring fl exibility
have also been key steps along the journey,”
added Adrian.
“Barry has navigated us through these
steps with our 18-strong team all contributing
to ensure the safe delivery of a quality product
with an excellent service.
“We are a reputable company with a good
name and a lot of traders buy from us,” said
Barry.
“The reputation of the Geos Group is
important to me – it takes a long time to build
but no time to destroy.
“We’re always asking where next? Our
model has been noticed in the market place
– our fi xed costs are covered and we’re in a
good place to extend our markets. Presently no
one place is crying out for additional storage,
although we do see more markets developing
in decommissioning and renewables.
“I remain enthusiastic for this very
interesting industry which I’ve always enjoyed.
Whether I’m speaking to the world’s largest
container shipping company or the owner of
a small dredger, I just love the whole job and
building Blyth was brilliant. The day I stop
enjoying it will be the day I stop.”
Fuel
Uplift &
Crossover
Specialists
24/7 Nationwide
Tel: 0333 3239 555
www.refuels.co.uk
12 Fuel Oil News | October 2018