Business North March 2023

| 57 Sue Russell Nationwide one-stop shop for fuel The business has grown from supplying Aviation Lubes and fuel to owning the largest Marine network with a small fleet of modern fuel tankers. GOFuel CONTRACTING After many years in the fuel industry, Rob Bolton established Petroleum Logistics (trading as GOfuel) in Wellington in 2006. He has built the business from the ground up. The first four years were tough for the business during its growth, but it was well supported with business knowledge and governance by one of Rob’s friends who is still a director and shareholder today. “We are proudly New Zealand owned and operated, with a very experienced Board and shareholders who provide guidance and governance to the team,” says Rob. GOfuel is a nationwide one-stop-shop for all your fuel requirements. The business has grown from supplying Aviation Lubes and fuel to owning the largest Marine network with a small fleet of modern fuel tankers, owning and operating fuel tanks to commercial customer, Aeroshell lubricant distributorship, Air BP Aviation distributorship along with a grounds fuels partnership with Mobil. It was back in 2010 when GOfuel purchased 10 marina fuel facilities from Shell and began its journey into the marine sector. In 2014 Rob worked with the Auckland Regional Council and members of the Westhaven Marina to develop the Westhaven Fuel Dock – which is the largest fuel dock in Australasia. This was a major milestone as it proved that GOfuel could develop and install a state of the art fuel facility. “We had the environment top of mind for this project with GOfuel investing in equipment that exceeded environmental consents. All the pipework and fittings are connected with leak detection which kicks in to shut down pumps and avoid leaks to environment.” GOfuel has 22 marina fuel facilities located throughout New Zealand and has the ability to bunker vessels as well. The latest technologies are employed from card readers to fuel equipment and a focus is to ensure their piers are clean and tidy. GOfuel offer ‘NO FEES’ fuel cards from Mobil, BP and Z which provide great savings off fuel prices nationwide. These three fuel cards are widely accepted by Service Stations, Fuel Outlets, Truckstops and Marina sites throughout New Zealand. Rob says he’s keen to talk to any commercial marine business about potential benefits GOfuel can offer them. “We are intent on providing the best quality products to our customers and are about to launch Mobil Diesel Efficient Mobil Diesel Efficient into our marinas. Studies with trucks have shown that it can reduce emissions, improve power and increase engine responsiveness.” GOfuel are currently developing an Aerostop network and currently have a number of 24/7 self-service Jet A1 or Avgas stations already. The plan is to continue to expand its reach throughout New Zealand. “We also have a mini-tanker business, with bases in Auckland, Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty area, Taupo, Wellington and Southland and more new locations are planned.” And there’s plenty more new development ahead with GOfuel in the process of researching new Mobil Truckstop sites around the country. “Our plans are to build five new sites over the next 2-4 years. These will be built as Mobil Truckstops to Mobil’s stringent operational safety, integrity and environmental stewardship standards.” Outreach to support the community is a strong impulse within the company. GOfuel are key sponsors of the New Zealand Marine Industry Assn, a co-sponsor of the Aviation New Zealand conference. “We also support the Marine Operators Association of New Zealand and are investing in the Rescue Services with fuel tanks and dispensers being installed for the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter, Wellington’s Life Flight and Otago Rescue Helicopter.”

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