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5 : Can you give some more details about the base oils refinery in Baytown – I believe you recently completed your first phase there ? We successfully concluded the first phase of our UMO-to-base oil re-refinery project in Baytown , involving the vacuum distillation combined with a thorough clean-up of used motor oil ( UMO ) to yield high-quality vacuum gas oil ( VGO ) by late December . Presently , our dedicated project teams are diligently advancing towards completing the remaining backend of the re-refinery , specifically the hydrotreater , which transforms the VGO into a premium group II + base oil . Anticipated to exceed a production rate of 4500 barrels per day ( bpd ), the hydrotreater represents a pivotal aspect of our operations . We are on track to commence base oil sales by late Q2 or early Q3 2024 .
6 : What is your long-term vision for Blue Tide Environmental – where do you see the business in the next five and ten years ? Our vision for Blue Tide Environmental is to solidify our position as a leading force in the industry , leveraging both organic growth from our Baytown , Texas re-refinery and new greenfield projects . Additionally , we aim to explore expansion opportunities through strategic acquisitions . With Shell as a minority shareholder , we benefit from access to a key player in finished lubricants production , facilitating the acceleration of our growth ambitions . Over the next five to ten years , we envision Blue Tide Environmental as a trailblazer in environmentally responsible solutions , continually expanding our presence and making a significant impact in the market .
7 : Looking ahead but more generally , with your expertise , what do you think is next for the oil sector ? It ’ s evident that the oil sector is poised for significant changes . Globally , we anticipate an increase in demand for re-refined base oil ( RBO ), driven by governmental regulations and external pressures placed on companies to adopt more sustainable practices . Currently , many regions lack sophisticated re-refineries or a comprehensive collection and re-refining infrastructure , leading to a gap in the market for high-quality base oils .
As a result , we foresee a surge in demand for both re-refining expertise and RBO . Companies will need to adapt to meet these evolving market dynamics , embracing sustainable solutions to remain competitive . This shift represents a significant opportunity for innovation and growth within the oil sector , paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future .
8 : I see from your website that your core values are critical to your operation – can you tell us more about those ? Values are the cornerstone of a company ’ s success , serving as the guiding principles that shape our actions and provide a framework for ethical behavior . They serve as benchmarks against which employees can measure their conduct . Therefore , we place significant emphasis on understanding and upholding the principles we have established .
In our hydrocarbon business , prioritizing Health , Safety & Environment ( HSE ) is paramount . At Blue Tide Environmental , safety is always our top priority , and we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every employee and contractor returns safely home to their families every night . We cultivate a culture of respect among our employees , underpinned by a meritocratic approach that drives excellence in all that we do .
As an environmental firm , we are dedicated to upholding integrity , exceeding regulatory standards , and serving as responsible stewards of the planet . This commitment necessitates transparency and a willingness to embrace new ideas , even if they challenge the status quo .
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