Further to its published decision in January to discontinue its small capacity LPG cylinders from 01 February 2023, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) has been informed that Calor will be changing its position having listened to the concerns of the BSS, the RYA, and the wider boating community.
Calor has made a statement to the BSS about the continued supply of LPG in its small cylinder sizes, 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane, for the immediate future which gives those affected recreational boaters a little breathing space and a golden opportunity to plan for alternative arrangements – either LPG cylinders from alternative suppliers or introducing safe and well-fitted adjustments to their gas system by competent installers.
The Calor statement to the BSS in full says: “In January we announced plans to streamline our small cylinder range to help put us in a better position to service our wider cylinder customers who rely on us to provide their home heating and hot water.
“In taking this decision we underestimated the impact this would have on specific user groups who use the 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders for caravanning and boating. We have listened to concerns, and we are finalising plans to continue to exchange and refill serviceable* cylinders of these sizes, phasing them out of supply over a longer time frame. This should give users additional time to source an alternative way to power their onboard facilities.
“We are working out the full details of this process and will communicate this as soon as we can.”
*Serviceable cylinders are those that do not require refurbishment, due to age or damage. Calor is able to keep this stock of cylinders in circulation for the foreseeable future. However, they will be phased out once they reach end of life and will not be replaced by new cylinders of these sizes. Cylinders that are deemed unserviceable will be taken out of circulation. This means that over time, and as the number of cylinders decrease, supplies will be limited for users of these specific sizes.
The RYA and BSS would like to encourage recreational boaters to take advantage of Calor’s new position and to use the opportunity. If changes are necessary, you can find the details of registered gas engineers via the Gas Safe Register website. This will ensure that any changes are safe and compliant with boat LPG Codes of Practice and BSS Requirements.
Update 19/04/23
Calor have advised that prior to collection, customers should phone their nearest centre to check if they have stock, place an exchange order, pay for the gas and obtain an order number. This is due to a limited number of in-service cylinders and this stock will be available in exchange for an empty cylinder and only at Calor’s Distribution Centres. You can find your nearest Distribution Centre by visiting the Calor website.
If you have any questions regarding the purchase or usage of gas, please visit the Cruising pages or email the RYA Cruising team.