Automation and training
In 2023, according to plan, investments were again made in training and education
of personnel. In addition to technical and commercial training, the focus was on setting up a training programme for OK Retail. Permanent attention is also given to the training of employees who are responsible for the audits conducted in the field of safety and the environment, both internally and by external officials. In 2023, we made additional investments in retail-specific software solutions. We are also working continuously on optimizing the ERP system. To anchor important applications even deeper in our IT landscape, Catom took the first step in developing lowcode applications. The ongoing development and use of the Business Intelligence Tooling has resulted in several reports with important management information.
Safety and the environment
The safety of people and their environment is a first priority for Catom in all of its activities. Catom attaches great importance to full compliance with all requirements in the areas of safety, quality and the environment. Catom has its own environmental and safety policy in place for this purpose. During the reporting year, the Catom group took significant steps again in the reduction of its energy consumption and the related emissions.
Biofuel blending
It goes without saying that Catom meets the statutory blending requirements for
biofuels. The percentage in 2023 was 18.9% (17.9% in 2022). Catom endeavours to use only second-generation (‘double-counting’) biofuels for this purpose, meaning it is ahead of the statutory requirements. At various sites, including Den Bosch, for example, we invested significantly in physically blending biodiesel with conventional fuels. Catom has the ability to blend biofuel in resale deliveries, both on land using tankers and by water using bunker boats. We also invest in the relevant knowledge and resources. Catom PDM has been a member of the Renewable Fuels Platform since 2023.
We continued to focus on efficiency of our transport planning and on optimization of
the drop-size of the transport deliveries. Results delivered were partly due to more
customers using remote volume measuring systems. The transported volume increased by 9.7% in 2023 (+2.7% in 2022) and the average deposited volume increased by 11.1% (+3.9% in 2022) (including outsourced volume). This financial year, the investment plan for new Euro6 trucks has been approved, with deliveries of the trucks scheduled to take place in 2024 and 2025. Our fuel savings achieved in previous years was maintained in 2023 and, in 2024 and 2025, we expect to achieve greater savings with the new equipment. As OK Retail is growing, there is a lot of construction and sometimes reconstruction going on. The environment aspects are always included in the plans from the very start. For example, heating of shops is being converted from gas to electricity, using the air conditioning system as a heating source. All lights are being replaced by LED and we are inspecting all cooling systems and replacing them, at the same time using better coolants. Equipment such as ovens are obviously also being replaced by new and more energy-efficient equipment. In the newly designed OK Grand Cafe, we took a critical look on selecting the right equipment in areas such as the kitchens, with a
focus on energy consumption. In addition, sustainability was a consideration for the
petrol station forecourt. This included, for example, energy-efficient awning lighting and pumps. The OK Retail team tracks innovations in vehicle washing, resulting in the use of modern equipment that saves energy and water.
ISO, VCA, KIWA and other certifications
Since April 2022, OK Oliecentrale B.V. has had KIWA certification for the installation and maintenance of above-ground tank installations for PGS classes 3 and 4 and PGS 30 products. We also have KIWA certification for the inspection, maintenance and testing of non-stationary steel storage and delivery systems for the above-ground pressure-free storage of liquids. This further enhances our capabilities of responding to customer requirements with regard to the delivery system. We now also carry out our own in-house maintenance and inspection of the mobile fuel tanks owned by OK Oliecentrale B.V.
RI&E
Our hazard identification and risk assessment exercise (“RI&E”) was approved by a certified external company in May 2021. In June 2022, we received the EED (European Energy Efficiency Directive) final report, which was issued by a certified company. The foremost conclusion of the report was that, across the board, our buildings are well insulated, most of the recognised measures have been taken, and anything still required will soon be rectified. In 2023, we experienced one limited environmental incident and one incident of default out of a total of 102,990 deliveries (89,264 with our own trucks).
Renewable fuels
Customer demand is at the heart of Catom’s product range. We promote sales of sustainable products and they constitute a major component of our environmental objectives. For customers wishing to implement a responsible policy in terms of the environmental impact of fuels, Catom has introduced GTL (Gas To Liquid). This is an advanced diesel fuel that produces less smell and noise and thus reduces the emission of fine particles. Since GTL is free from sulphur and aromatics and has a high octane content, it leads to cleaner combustion. Catom has thus gained a unique proposition. Also HVO fuel is more in demand by our customers. HVO fuel is fossil-free, biodegradable, it reduces the emission of particulates and its sulphur emissions are virtually 0 grams/km. HVO can be obtained in various blend ratios with diesel. If 100% HVO fuel is used, tCO2 emissions may be reduced to up to 89% in the whole chain. Both products are especially suitable for large cities seeking to enhance air quality in their centres. In 2023, Catom was designated a branded reseller of Neste MY, which is an HVO in its purest form. Compared to other HVOs, Neste MY has the most extensive feedstock portfolio, excellent production stability and very good cold properties.
Emissions reductions
The improved OK X-Drive diesel means that combustion engines are now cleaner, require less maintenance, have greater power and consume up to 3% less fuel. OK X-Drive is suitable for all existing diesel engines and is generally available at the pump. Year on year, OK X-Drive is gaining increasing market share in the range of fuels available. We provide OK X-Drive Pure Diesel CO2 neutral to environmentally aware diesel drivers at OK service stations. We then offset the resulting emissions by investing in certified sustainable energy projects. At OK Retail, we are expanding the number of AdBlue sites at service stations and Catom is investing in distribution and production capabilities. AdBlue converts harmful nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water vapour when combusted. AdBlue is biodegradable.
