British Army's renowned petroleum regiment makes special educational visit to ExxonMobil Fawley

Based at Gale Barracks in Aldershot, 10 QOGLR is a specialised unit which focuses on setting up temporary fuel installations, maintaining fuel infrastructure, and ensuring fuel quality assurance.

As part of their training and educational goals, the regiment's two Bulk Fuel Installation/Petroleum troops are responsible for quality control and storage of large quantities of petroleum products for their dependents and the Division.

The visit, led by Captain Oliver Dyer of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) and including petroleum operators and drivers from both 10 QOGLR and 27th Regiment of the RLC, successfully achieved its aim. The delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the various end products that the British Army depends on, as well as insights into the site's transportation, handling, and storage procedures. 

Following a site overview on health and safety protocols the regiment experienced a full-day tour of the 3,250-acre complex, including an explanation of crude oil and its components, an observation of fuel offloading from crude oil container ships at the Fawley Marine Terminal, a tour of the distillation towers, and insights into the site’s new £800m low-sulphur diesel and hydrogen plant.  

The visit also focused on ExxonMobil's 700km pipeline system, providing the regiment's engineers with valuable insights into large-scale fuel movement operations.

Captain Dyer said, "Thank you, ExxonMobil Fawley, for organising this insightful visit. By choosing the UK’s largest integrated petrochemical complex, the regiment were able to gain invaluable insights into ExxonMobil’s advanced refinery operations, distribution infrastructure, and safety regimes.

"Our Petroleum Operators and Drivers were particularly impressed with ExxonMobil's approach and processes. These insights into efficient work layouts and risk management are invaluable for enhancing our military skills and drills. Additionally, observing modern pipeline use for efficient fuel transport has provided us with valuable lessons for addressing logistical challenges, both current and future.”

Following the tour, a ceremonial handover of plaques commenced between Captain Dyer and Fawley Site Manager, Nick Bone. Fawley received a plaque of the QOGLR regimental cap badge, while 10 QOGLR was given an artistic illustration of the Fawley complex. 

Pam Tucker, Community Affairs Advisor with ExxonMobil and herself a former Corporal in the Royal Logistic Corps based in Marchwood, organised the tour.

She said, “I was extremely pleased to support this opportunity to the British Army, having served 12 years myself. Opportunities like this are rare, and we knew it would greatly benefit the soldiers by enhancing their professional development within their trade group.

“It was a memorable occasion where the experts in military fuel logistics could learn from our integrated fuel operations.”