MDL Marinas, Europe’s largest marina operator, has become the first UK marina group to offer diesel free from biofuels at its marina fuel stations. The move comes in response to growing concerns of boat owners, and sees MDL Marinas lead the way in the industry to become the first marina operator to meet the new British standard in this way.
MDL Marinas
A growing number of boaters have expressed concern over the increased risk of diesel bug due to the introduction of new fuel legislation. Diesel bug is feared because it can contaminate fuel tanks – quickly clogging filters and causing loss of power and engine breakdown. MDL has been working to secure the new diesel and is now offering low-sulphur fuel which is free from all biofuels (FAME-free), in accordance with the new British standard BS 2869:2010 – Class A2.
Dean Smith, Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, said: “We understand our customers concerns over biodiesel content in marine fuel, and through the support of our supplier, we are delighted to be able to secure supplies of diesel which meet the new British standard.
“To ensure this fuel reaches the pump in top condition, we conduct regular fuel tank cleaning and testing. This supply and our steps to ensure we maintain our fuel quality, gives our customers all the environmental benefits of low sulphur fuel with the added peace of mind that the potential problems of biodiesel will be avoided.”
MDL’s fuel stations are supplied by Shell’s distributor, Emo Oils Limited.
MDL has played a central role in the development of the modern day marina, providing easy-to-access fully serviced pontoon berths, high quality on-shore facilities and 24-hour staffing. MDL’s first site in the UK was on the River Thames and following a number of waterfront success stories, the company has grown to become Europe’s largest marina group.
MDL owns and operates 19 UK marinas and boatyards which are situated in prime locations across the South West (Brixham, Dartside Quay, Queen Anne’s Battery, Torquay), along the South Coast (Cobb’s Quay, Hamble Point, Hythe Marina Village, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Northney, Ocean Village, Port Hamble, Saxon Wharf, Shamrock Quay, Sparkes), along the Thames (Bray, Penton Hook, Windsor) and across the East Coast (Chatham Maritime, Woolverstone).
A range of berthing options are available, from short-term through to annual berthing and pontoon berths through to dry stack.
In addition to the UK sites, MDL also operates first-class marinas in Spain (Sant Carles in Catalonia) and Italy (Marina dei Cesari in Fano).
