White diesel paradox for boaters in Northern Ireland
From 30 June, non-commercial vessels wishing to refuel in Northern Ireland must do so with white diesel. But, says the Cruising Association, there are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland. Demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision.
At a meeting this week with HMRC, and involving the Cruising Association, the RYA and British Marine, it became clear that there will be only three alternatives to the illegal purchase of red diesel in Northern Ireland after June.
Firstly, sail a minimum of 90 miles to Scotland or the Isle of Man to lawfully purchase red diesel, which can be reimported to Northern Ireland, upon documentary proof, under the Istanbul convention. Secondly, sail a minimum of 75 miles, to the nearest white diesel marine pump, which is in Dublin. Plus the return journey. Thirdly, purchase white diesel from filling stations in jerry cans where the marine rebate will not be available, and where the number of cans/journeys required for most boats would be considerable. In addition, there is the environmental hazards and regulations associated with refuelling by this method.
Given the short time for the proposal to be enacted, the Cruising Association, with the RYA, has urged HMRC to rapidly issue clear guidance to owners and fuel suppliers facing this unprecedented situation.
“Although these options may be viable, they are completely unreasonable,” says Julian Dussek, president of the Cruising Association. “I cannot imagine another situation in which legislation would be passed knowing that compliance was well-nigh impossible.”
He’s urged the treasury to work with the Northern Ireland Assembly to produce financial incentives for the fuel industry to create a viable marine supply of white diesel in the province.
The RYA recommends that recreational boaters with marked ‘red’ diesel purchased in GB:
- keep receipts for diesel purchased in GB, to prove that it was bought in the GB, and request that the retailer marks them ‘duty paid’
- log the date of refuelling and engine hours to reinforce these records
- do not carry marked diesel anywhere other than in their craft’s main fuel storage tanks.
“The meeting with government was productive and both sides now have a clear idea of the issues ahead,” says Howard Pridding, RYA director of external affairs.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues in RYA Northern Ireland to talk to government about the practical difficulties that these issues present and work constructively with HM Treasury and HMRC officials to develop guidance that will inform boaters about the new fuel situation in Northern Ireland.”
sounds like an opportunity for a fuel company with a small road tanker.
Theoretically, yes.
Average qty litres per sale to sailing yachts and displacement motor cruisers?
Number of high speed motor cruisers taking significant qty litres?
Interval between sales?
Seasonality of sales?
Road distance between sales?
Diesel Dilemma.
‘Red’ die used to mark rebated diesel fuel stains everything it comes in contact with, fuel tanks, gauges, pipes, fuel inspection bowls, filters etc and will persist for a considerable time after changing to ‘white’ diesel. Any vessel refuelling in Scotland, (favoured cruising grounds of Northern Ireland boats), Isle of Man or North Wales will be re-introducing ‘red’ die to their fuel system. Regardless of paperwork, receipts for proof of purchase or record of engine hours (not all boats have this facility) traces of die will persist and be detected on inspection by HMRC leaving boat owners vulnerable to prosecution and/or fines.
This is yet another example of the lack of consideration by the UK Government for the people of Northern Ireland, it’s boating fraternity and it’s marine industry.
Political decision, nothing to do with the reason red was retained in gb. NI boaters seldom go to southern ireland. They go to the west coast of svotland, isle of man, wales.
The protocol is making puppets of the northern ireland population.
What are our politicians doing about it??
This is E U stupidity at its finest. Desk jockeys who know nothing about boating thinking with their feet. It’s obvious they don’t have a brain. It’s like asking a joiner to perform brain surgery. I have rapidly gone from an E. U. supporter to a brexiteer. No wonder N. I. Protocol is a load of bollocks
Simple solution is for Customs and Exise to not carry out any checks. There are many more important things they could be doing and the potential revenue is simply not worth it. Do not aid and abet the Brussels project ‘Punish NI’ for the British Electorates daring to leave the EU.