Propane/Butane in the UK

[Dockhead]

I haven't been in UK waters since the pandemic, but am planning a little trip to the Shetland Islands from Norway this summer.


My boat was designed for the 4.5kg Calor butane bottles, which you can neither get nor (easily) fill in Scandinavia/Germany. So I bought Kosan bottles and the regulator and use those. The only problem is that the Kosan bottle doesn't really fit my gas locker, requiring me to take the regulator off the top of the bottle to get the gas locker door closed, a PITA.


I'm like to refill my Calor bottles while I'm in the Shetlands, but did I hear that they are discontinued, and no longer filling them??!! What are UK sailors using now if that's true?

[GordMay]

Rearo Supplies Ltd is your go-to cylinder stockist in Shetland, selling bottled gas in a range of sizes.
➥ https://www.calor.co.uk/cylinder-dea...ies-Ltd-153929
➥ https://www.rearosupplies.co.uk/

Rearo Supplies Ltd
Staney Hill Gas Depot,
Lerwick, Shetland,
ZE1 0NA
Tel: 01595 692807
Email: gas@rearo.co.uk


‘Calor’ gas retailers, in UK:
[1] ➥ https://www.calor.co.uk/gas-bottles/...rType=Cylinder

[Pete7]

Dockhead,

Reports on the MOA Forum are that supplies of Calor 4.5kg butane and identical 3.9kg propane cylinders are now becoming readily available across Great Britain. Calor have been introducing slightly taller Calor 4.5kg cylinders in Ireland and some have turned up in Western Scotland, but Calor have promised that they won't be introducing them in GB. Given the their track record for being honest, anything coming from Calor ought to be treated with a pinch of salt. Price in England £30-40 for an exchange refill. Not sure about northern Scotland or the outer islands.

Depending on your cylinders DOM or last test, (date on the aluminium plate around the cylinder neck) you will probably want to change them all to avoid problems of out of date cylinders for the next few years.

I would ring ahead and check availability, however, one alternative is to call into Scrabster on route. Huge very well protected commercial harbour and a short taxi ride to Thurso and the dealer. Orkney also an option with several suppliers.

https://www.calor.co.uk/gas-bottles/...rType=Cylinder

We are now out of the gas market less one half sized 904 Camping Gaz cylinder just in case. That's a whopping 1.8L.

Calor is now owned by a Dutch gas giant and it would seem the bean counters have come to their senses and decided giving up the huge UK market to their competitors wasn't a good business decision they took pre covid.

Have a great trip.

Pete

[Dockhead]

Thanks, both of you! Great info.