Transporting for the oil and gas industry isn’t always a simple matter of A to B. Lubbers Transport Group COO, Tony Tailford, speaks to the Press and Journal about the realities of working in logistics
For many, the perception of the logistics industry is one of simplicity. Move one container of goods or equipment to another on time and on budget.
Of course perception and reality seldom go hand in hand and, while at the core the logistics industry can be boiled down to moving goods from A to B, the reality is that what goes into the ‘to’ part of the process can be what determines the success of the logistics process.
As the European market enters a period of increased project activity and with investment in the region still at significant levels, it is vital that the industry logistics are met.
Road transport has become the most viable option for many companies with long drill tools and hazardous goods airfreight options limited and the alternative option resulting in a three-week sailing rotation from Aberdeen.
Road transportation for the oil and gas industry is, quite simply, a specialism full of intricacies, requiring well-trained staff and bespoke technology.
As a result, opportunities for careers within logistics extend far beyond being a driver, even though this is a vital part of the process. From planning and research to sales and operations the smooth communication of all these processes is essential for success.
This is particularly so in the oil and gas industry where the delayed delivery of equipment or parts can result in projects over-run or a significant increase in cost.
At Lubbers Transport Group (LTG) many staff require extra qualifications to ensure they can handle the kind of hazardous equipment many of our customers require for transporting. Opportunities for learning and development within the logistics industry are increasing and the modern day approach to logistics is reflecting this.
Technology has revolutionised the logistics industry, opening up career opportunities that didn’t exist a decade ago.
The transport market now requires strategists, route planners and communication experts, not to mention the whole backroom operations required to keep a large fleet of trucks and trailers running smoothly. The wealth of data now available also means that they require people to interpret this, meaning the industry now plans and operates more efficiently than ever before.
The oil and gas logistics industry is a constantly moving target with change occurring at a significant pace. Opportunities within both are varied and interesting and extend far beyond what someone might typically associate with a logistics organisation. As highlighted earlier, getting from A to B is what we do. How we get to where we’re going has far more opportunity to explore than many realise.