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OIC AT THE RACES
25 August, 2025
OIC at the Races is an annual horse racing event for the oil industry that offers a relaxed networking atmosphere. Attendees enjoy refreshments, reserved betting areas, a delicious lunch, and opportunities to connect, making it suitable for both seasoned fans and newcomers. The event promises camaraderie, fun, and excitement, along with chances to win.
VISIT TO RIGA-LATVIA
September 4th, 2026
An insight into the fallout of sanctions on an independent oil storage facility
It was my pleasure to visit Riga over the weekend of Sept 4th - 7th. This was a Livery Past Masters visit but
on Monday I requested a private visit to a once busy oil terminal in the Port of Riga in my role as President
of The Oil Industries Club. I wanted to learn more about how the terminal operates and the challenges
faced by the operators. We were welcomed to inspect OVI based near the mouth of the Port which has
quick and simple access into the Baltic.
Our host was Vladimir Oderov owner of the terminal and Elena Oderstone who was the Master of The
Worshipful Company of Fuellers in 2024/25. We received a very warm welcome and were given a thorough tour showing how the terminal and business had grown and evolved over the last 25 years.
The business is set up to receive oils from Russia delivered by train and then to be shipped by sea to
destinations in Europe and in some cases as far away as Africa. In addition rail cars can be loaded with
products to be sent back to Russia. Predominantly the product is base oil. There was not a lot of middle
distillates handled although the terminal is well placed to do so. Loading of rail cars as well as road tankers
is also possible with 3 sidings so multiple shipments can be handled at the same time.
Latvia shares a common rail gauge with Russia and its other neighbours Lithuania and Estonia which
makes exports and imports from former soviet countries easier. However direct rail into Europe is more
difficult as Europe uses a different gauge.
Vladimir took over the terminal when it was much smaller but had a history of blending lubricants and
shipping products. He put a lot of effort over many years building new storage facilities which are all
insulated and capable of taking heated product. A further addition is 3 floating storage jetties tied up
alongside the existing jetties which give additional storage and the ability to load shore to ship. This would
also double up as a bunkering facility.
The company has also purchased 4 tug boats and a bunkering barge to give full flexibility and to extend the
company’s services to all shipping coming and going from the Port of Riga.
In more recent times Vladimir has turned his hobby of sailing into a business by offering a marina facility to
pleasure boats and the moorings we saw were clean, well maintained and secure attracting a lot of boat
owners to use the facility.
This sounds a fabulous and successful operation run by a forward thinking and experienced entrepreneur
and it is, except for one crucial and damaging situation; the war in Ukraine. Since hostilities broke out
between Russia and Ukraine and sanctions were imposed all supplies of Russian products have been
banned and additionally exports to Russia from Europe including Latvia are stopped due to sanctions and
therefore are currently illegal.
This situation which has nothing whatsoever to do with Vladimir and his team has given the business a
massive problem. Overnight shipments have stopped, the Port of Riga is only operating at 30% capacity
and supply of base oils is no longer possible from Russia. As the business is in fact a storage terminal
providing facilities for 3rd parties it has found itself with little or no business as its former clients are either
out of business or routing their Russian products through St Petersburg or Turkey.
I found it so frustrating standing at a perfectly organised terminal with a very capable team and with no ideas to offer on how to overcome the issues. In the UK and Europe if I were presented with an operational
or financial problem for a business like this I could normally come up with a number of ideas and one or two would eventually work but losing your customer base as well as your supply lines is a massive hurdle to
overcome.
In addition Latvia has imposed even further sanctions on dealing with Russia which are more
strict than any other part of the EU making it harder for Vladimir and his team to find a solution and put their
facilities to work again.
I hope the war and conflict in Ukraine will end soon and trade with Russia can start again. If this happens
then there will be huge opportunities with Russian products moving West with building materials and
supplies going East to rebuild Ukraine and other areas damaged by the war.
I know OVI under Vladimir’s
leadership will be in the forefront of that change to trading relationships and would highly recommend
anyone looking to invest or sell into Russia and the Baltic to be in touch with him as he has a lot to offer
and a ready made terminal to move and blend products.
I wish OVI, Vladimir and his team the very best of luck from myself and all in The Oil Industries Club. I am
sure our members will feel as I do that an end to hostilities is overdue and we encourage a peace that
allows us all to return to the trading relationships we were all building in the recent past.
Anyone interested in learning more about OVI and what the company can offer should contact:
Vladimir Oderov
CEO
OVI
Tel. +371 29575200
Email [email protected]
www.ovi.lv
Dennis Woods
President
Oil Industries Club
OIL INDUSTRIES CLUB
SPORTING LUNCH Kia Oval
Saturday 2nd May, 2026
What do you get when you combine great cricket, excellent food, good company and 111 people from across the oil industry?
A pretty special day at The Kia Oval.
Our recent Sporting Lunch brought together members and guests for a fantastic day centred around the Surrey v Northamptonshire 50-over match. But, as always, the cricket was only part of the story.
We enjoyed a fabulous lunch in the iconic India Room, with plenty of opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people and enjoy some great industry conversation.
We were also delighted to hear from our President, who shared an update on the Club, including the exciting modernisation of our systems and the work underway to keep the Club moving forward.
And then there was The Oval itself. What a venue.
The atmosphere, the history and the cricket created the perfect setting, complemented by a team of attentive and professional staff who looked after our members and guests exceptionally well throughout the day.
Ultimately, days like this are about more than cricket.
They are about people, relationships, conversation and community.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
Great cricket, great company and a great Club. What more could you ask for?
OIL INDUSTRIES CLUB
HORSE RACING Windsor Race Track
Monday 29th June, 2026
The Oil Industries Club galloped into new territory with our very first Horse Racing Event, and what a memorable evening it turned out to be!
Members and guests gathered at the iconic Windsor Race Track for an evening that brought together the excitement of horse racing, the enjoyment of good company, and the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships away from the usual business environment.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a real sense of anticipation. As the horses took to the track and the races got underway, the atmosphere quickly built. The thunder of hooves, the excitement of the final stretch and the cheers as each race reached its conclusion provided plenty of entertainment throughout the evening.
But, as always with an Oil Industries Club event, the racing was only part of the experience.
Between races, members and guests had the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy conversations in a relaxed and informal setting. Away from meetings, offices and boardrooms, the evening created the perfect environment for genuine conversations and new connections.
There is something special about bringing people together in a setting where business can take a back seat and relationships can develop naturally. Whether discussing the latest developments in the industry, sharing experiences, catching up with colleagues or simply enjoying the evening, the event demonstrated once again that some of the strongest professional relationships are built through shared experiences rather than formal meetings.
Our inaugural Horse Racing Event was a fantastic addition to the Oil Industries Club calendar, combining sporting excitement with the camaraderie and networking that our members value.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our first racing event such a success. Your enthusiasm, participation and company made the evening one to remember.
We are delighted to have added another memorable experience to the Oil Industries Club events calendar, and we look forward to welcoming members and guests to many more exciting gatherings in the months and years ahead.
Until the next event, keep your eyes on the finish line!
SPORTSMAN LUNCH
13 January, 2026
The Sportsman Lunch is a popular annual gathering that combines great food, engaging stories, and meaningful networking within the oil industry. Guests enjoy a lively atmosphere with guest speakers, shared experiences, and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. The event offers a perfect setting for both entertainment and relationship building in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
OIC AT THE RACES
25 August, 2025
OIC at the Races is an annual horse racing event for the oil industry that offers a relaxed networking atmosphere. Attendees enjoy refreshments, reserved betting areas, a delicious lunch, and opportunities to connect, making it suitable for both seasoned fans and newcomers. The event promises camaraderie, fun, and excitement, along with chances to win.
OIL INDUSTRIES CLUB
SPORTING LUNCH Kia Oval
Saturday 2nd May, 2026
What do you get when you combine great cricket, excellent food, good company and 111 people from across the oil industry?
A pretty special day at The Kia Oval.
Our recent Sporting Lunch brought together members and guests for a fantastic day centred around the Surrey v Northamptonshire 50-over match. But, as always, the cricket was only part of the story.
We enjoyed a fabulous lunch in the iconic India Room, with plenty of opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people and enjoy some great industry conversation.
We were also delighted to hear from our President, who shared an update on the Club, including the exciting modernisation of our systems and the work underway to keep the Club moving forward.
And then there was The Oval itself. What a venue.
The atmosphere, the history and the cricket created the perfect setting, complemented by a team of attentive and professional staff who looked after our members and guests exceptionally well throughout the day.
Ultimately, days like this are about more than cricket.
They are about people, relationships, conversation and community.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
Great cricket, great company and a great Club. What more could you ask for?
OIL INDUSTRIES CLUB
HORSE RACING Windsor Race Track
Monday 29th June, 2026
The Oil Industries Club galloped into new territory with our very first Horse Racing Event, and what a memorable evening it turned out to be!
Members and guests gathered at the iconic Windsor Race Track for an evening that brought together the excitement of horse racing, the enjoyment of good company, and the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships away from the usual business environment.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a real sense of anticipation. As the horses took to the track and the races got underway, the atmosphere quickly built. The thunder of hooves, the excitement of the final stretch and the cheers as each race reached its conclusion provided plenty of entertainment throughout the evening.
But, as always with an Oil Industries Club event, the racing was only part of the experience.
Between races, members and guests had the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy conversations in a relaxed and informal setting. Away from meetings, offices and boardrooms, the evening created the perfect environment for genuine conversations and new connections.
There is something special about bringing people together in a setting where business can take a back seat and relationships can develop naturally. Whether discussing the latest developments in the industry, sharing experiences, catching up with colleagues or simply enjoying the evening, the event demonstrated once again that some of the strongest professional relationships are built through shared experiences rather than formal meetings.
Our inaugural Horse Racing Event was a fantastic addition to the Oil Industries Club calendar, combining sporting excitement with the camaraderie and networking that our members value.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our first racing event such a success. Your enthusiasm, participation and company made the evening one to remember.
We are delighted to have added another memorable experience to the Oil Industries Club events calendar, and we look forward to welcoming members and guests to many more exciting gatherings in the months and years ahead.
Until the next event, keep your eyes on the finish line!
SPORTSMAN LUNCH
13 January, 2026
The Sportsman Lunch is a popular annual gathering that combines great food, engaging stories, and meaningful networking within the oil industry. Guests enjoy a lively atmosphere with guest speakers, shared experiences, and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. The event offers a perfect setting for both entertainment and relationship building in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
OIC AT THE RACES
25 August, 2025
OIC at the Races is an annual horse racing event for the oil industry that offers a relaxed networking atmosphere. Attendees enjoy refreshments, reserved betting areas, a delicious lunch, and opportunities to connect, making it suitable for both seasoned fans and newcomers. The event promises camaraderie, fun, and excitement, along with chances to win.
OIL INDUSTRIES CLUB
FLY FISHING Spring Hill Trout Waters
Saturday 2nd May, 2026
The Oil Industries Club and the Worshipful Company of Fuellers once again took to the water for their annual fly-fishing event, enjoying a memorable morning of fishing, good company and plenty of friendly conversation at Spring Hill Trout Waters near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Held in early May, the event brought together experienced anglers, enthusiastic beginners and guests for a relaxed day in the beautiful Kent countryside. With the sun making a particularly strong appearance for the time of year, the unusually warm weather certainly presented a challenge.
But as any keen angler will tell you, part of the enjoyment of fishing is learning to adapt to whatever conditions the day brings.
After arriving at the venue, participants gathered for a hearty breakfast of bacon rolls, accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee, before making their way down to the lakes. With rods prepared and flies selected, it was time to see who could tempt the trout.
Several anglers successfully landed one or two trout during the morning, providing some rewarding moments and, naturally, a little friendly competition. For those new to the sport, the event also provided an excellent opportunity to learn from more experienced participants.
Special thanks go to Bob Goble, who provided expert coaching and tuition throughout the morning. His guidance was particularly valuable for beginners, helping newcomers understand the techniques and develop greater confidence with the fly rod. It was great to see new anglers picking up skills, enjoying the challenge and getting involved alongside those with more experience.
Of course, the event was about much more than the fishing. The relaxed atmosphere, conversations around the lakes and shared enjoyment of the outdoors made the morning a fantastic opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and make new connections.
The day was rounded off with a superb BBQ lunch, generously prepared and provided by Lee and Jane, the owners of Spring Hill Trout Waters. Their warm hospitality, excellent organisation and attention to detail helped make the event such a success. Some participants were still keen to continue fishing into the afternoon, while others took the opportunity to relax, enjoy lunch and reflect on the morning's highlights.
A special thank you to Lee and Jane for once again making everyone feel so welcome. Spring Hill Trout Waters continues to prove itself as an excellent venue for this annual gathering, combining a beautiful setting with great facilities and the perfect environment for a day of fishing and fellowship.
We would also like to thank Dennis Woods, President of the Oil Industries Club, for taking and sharing the excellent photographs from the event. His photographs captured many of the day's memorable moments and provided a great visual record of another successful gathering.
Finally, our thanks go to all the members and guests of the Oil Industries Club and the Worshipful Company of Fuellers who came along and helped make the day what it was.
Events like this are a wonderful reminder that the Oil Industries Club is about more than professional connections. They provide an opportunity to step away from the usual working environment, enjoy shared interests, welcome new faces, exchange skills and experiences, and simply spend time together in good company.
From the first bacon roll of the morning to the final casts of the afternoon, the annual fly-fishing event once again delivered a great combination of sport, friendship and networking.
