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BP LPG Searches Europe for Lakeland Tankers

BP LPG’s global purchasing department searched Europe-wide for a tanker builder using criteria from the Ariba Sourcing process, designed to evaluate the total cost impact of a sourcing decision. Eight prospective lp gas tanker manufacturers tendered, and West Midlands based Lakeland Tankers was awarded the £1.2 million contract to build nine new lpg tankers.

Roger Adams, sales manager at Lakeland Tankers, said: “The rigid vehicles’ chassis selection was carefully analysed, and safety, value, driver acceptability and environmental credentials were all key factors. The chosen chassis that met all the criteria was the Volvo FL 4 x 2 model plated at 18 tonnes featuring the new 1-sync automatic gearbox, which has been well received.

“Lakeland manufactured the vessels in accordance with BSEN 12493 to suit the short wheelbase chassis in partnership with Volvo Truck & Bus UK, which has produced a vehicle that’s both compact and very manoeuvrable. A number of innovative features were engineered into the new tankers, including TouchStar’s onboard computer system, which links the vehicle with the back office, ensuring swift exchange of information throughout the supply and logistics chain. These features help BP manage and improve its customer commitments.”

Meller Flowtrans supplied the meter measuring system. Its new Flocom 2000 pressure differential concept measures the pressure drop across the Venturi effect and converts it into a delivery reading. Safety features on the new vehicles include a radio remote shutdown system, which allows the driver to close down the vehicle and tanker from the end of the hose in an emergency, and additional down lighting around the vehicle to reduce the possibility of tripping over hazards when deliveries are being made in the dark. Willie Anderson, the BP logistics support engineer who sponsored the project, said: “Our ability to make safe deliveries at different times is a critical part of the BP Gas business.”

BP LPG and Lakeland worked closely to produce the vehicles on time and within budget, and Willie Anderson says the equipment has been well received by BP’s operational staff. He said: “Lakeland Tankers have built the majority of our UK tanker fleet and we were confident that they would deliver a quality product when awarding them the contract.“

Roger Adams said: “Uniquely, Lakeland Tankers acted as the project leader in this venture, coordinating chassis supply, delivery, overall build responsibility, certification and testing, painting and decaling, delivery commissioning and driver training, releasing BP to concentrate on its mainstream business. This year is the 21st anniversary of our involvement with BP, which will hopefully continue well into the future. Lakeland has manufactured in excess of 300 lpg tankers operating on four continents and the joint venture has worked extremely well throughout.”

Contact Lakeland Tankers Ltd on 01384 421199 www.lakelandtankers.co.uk

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