Commercial fuel oil storage is now subject to greater scrutiny with the introduction of a fuel certification scheme by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.

Developed in conjunction with tank hygiene specialists OTS TankCare and Scarletts Systems, the scheme will enable FPS members to safeguard themselves against the potential risk and any consequential claims, resulting from post-delivery contamination.

“Fuel quality has moved up the agenda,” explains Mark Askew, chief executive of the oil distribution trade association.

“With the introduction of the new bio-fuels and the current FAME content up to seven per cent, better housekeeping is essential throughout the supply chain. The FPS scheme sets standards for fuel testing, cleansing and best practice for preventing contamination by water, particulates and microbial growth in storage tanks.

“The scheme methodology has been fully evaluated and we can announce its implementation with two major FPS distributors: Turriff Fuels of Aberdeenshire and the CPL Petroleum network’s flagship depot in Thurrock, Essex.

“By declaring their tanks have been certified to this scheme – to guarantee fuel quality standards – fuel distributors will be able to draw a line under any disputes concerning fuel quality.

Askew said the new scheme should also encourage best practice for tank hygiene to cascade down to the end users, who are buying and storing fuel.”

Any FPS member who wishes to benefit from the scheme can now visit www.fpsfueltest.co.uk  and fill out a short form. They will then receive an e-mail with log-in details in order to obtain a detailed quotation, which they can either accept or use as information to benchmark alternative solutions.