Adler and Allan Scotland in Action

Spill response experts Adler and Allan have had a busy start to the year with call-outs to two high-profile incidents for their new Scotland division.

In the first, a freight train carrying aviation fuel and diesel burst into flames after it derailed early on the morning of January 27 near Stewarton in East Ayrshire.

Six of the ten wagons were derailed and one set on fire when a spark caused an explosion.

"The blaze had to be brought under control by the fire service before we could gain access to the fuel cars to uplift the remaining product. Working round the clock, we then made the tanks safe ready for lifting out and transportation from site," said Commercial Director Henry Simpson.

"Pollution prevention procedures were quickly put in place to minimise the impact on the local environment," explained Henry. "Measures included deploying fence booms, absorbent booms, pads and cushions in the local waterways, building pipe dams and recovering product using skimmers and oil water separators."

Just a few days later, Adler and Allan (Scotland) were again in action when 200 passengers and crew were trapped on a Stranraer ferry. An articulated lorry had crashed through the rear access doors on the catamaran and was left suspended. The main cab was still in the loading area, but the trailer bulk powder unit was hanging at 90 degrees, resting on one of the stern thrusters.

As the retained OPRC responder for the port, Adler and Allan were mobilised and managed the environmental aspects of the recovery including using marine spill response equipment to contain any potential spillages from the articulated lorry before it could be safely removed.

"It hasn't all been emergency situations, though," says Henry Simpson. "Our Fuel Installation Services division had a great start to the year with projects for both the public and private sector. Our recent major awards include the construction of an on-site fuel station for a major international sports event in London, a fuel system for a new energy from waste incinerator and replacement for an RAF bulk fuel installation."