In modern defence environments, operational readiness depends on far more than equipment, personnel or strategy. It requires the assured availability of fuel (across air, land and sea) delivered with precision, compliance and reliability. For military forces operating globally, this capability is mission-critical. Over the past decade, SCA Group, headed by S.C.A. – Shipping Consultants Associated LTD, has fulfilled more than 3,000 fuel supplies across all continents, consolidating its role as a trusted leader in aviation fuel supply, marine and ground fuel logistics and port and terminal services essential to defence operations.
A Multi-Domain Expertise Built for Military Requirements
Fuel logistics within the defence sector presents unique challenges. Missions can shift without warning, schedules can change overnight and supply points often lie in remote or politically sensitive environments. SCA Group’s multi-domain expertise ensures continuity across three specialised areas: aviation fuel supply, marine fuel supply and ground fuel logistics.
As noted by Jacopo Landi, one of the two Directors of SCA Group: “Mission readiness depends on reliable fuel availability. Our teams ensure continuity across aviation, marine and ground fuel supply so military units can remain fully operational, regardless of location or operational tempo.”
This integrated capability allows military clients to operate seamlessly across airfields, naval ports, inland bases and remote forward operating environments. The organisation’s fuel supply model incorporates rigorous quality checks, global compliance standards and operational flexibility designed to accommodate sudden changes in mission tempo.
Global Delivery Capacity Across All Operational Theatres
SCA Group supports both routine and highly sensitive operations, supplying fuel in major ports, airfields and inland locations worldwide, often with minimal advance notice. This global reach is underpinned by:
- 17 international offices across key strategic regions
- A vetted network of worldwide suppliers
- On-site representatives ensuring correct handling and delivery
- Long-term contractual relationships with defence agencies
These capabilities allow the organisation to maintain continuity across mission profiles ranging from naval deployments to multinational exercises and humanitarian support operations.
Fuel Supply in Support of Institutional and Defence Stakeholders
Over the years, SCA Group has delivered fuel and lubricants under some of the most demanding defence frameworks. The organisation has supplied:
- 21 NATO Navies through consecutive contracts with the NSPA
- US Navy vessels worldwide, including through the DLA SEACard programme
- French Navy, under multiple co-awarded contracts since 2015
- Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces, including aviation fuel supply
- Selected Air Forces and other governmental clients across multiple continents
These partnerships demonstrate a proven capacity to meet strict technical standards, manage complex documentation processes and ensure compliance with fuel specifications across jurisdictions.
Port and Terminal Services as a Strategic Component
Fuel logistics rarely function in isolation. They depend on seamless coordination with port and terminal services, cargo handling, supplier management and regulatory oversight, all framed within certified quality systems.
As highlighted by Michael J. Harrison, the other Director of S.C.A. -Shipping Consultants Associated LTD: “Fuel delivery is only one part of the equation. Coordinating port and terminal services, cargo handling and regulatory compliance is what ensures a truly seamless operation. This integrated approach significantly reduces risk for our military clients.”
This comprehensive approach reinforces mission readiness and reduces operational risk for defence stakeholders by ensuring safe and compliant handling of marine fuels, timely fuel delivery in port and offshore locations and alignment with international safety and environmental regulations.
Compliance and Safety as Operational Imperatives
Compliance and safety are not just regulatory checkboxes in military fuel logistics: they are operational imperatives that define who is allowed to operate and under which conditions. SCA Group upholds a robust and internationally certified compliance framework that functions as a strategic enabler across all domains of defence logistics.
The organisation operates under a comprehensive suite of certifications, including:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management)
- ISO 27001 And Cyber Essentials Plus (Information Security and Cyber Protection)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety, Applicable to Integrated Logistics Contracts)
- TRACE (Anti-Bribery, Due Diligence And Institutional Compliance)
These certifications not only ensure secure documentation, controlled processes and data integrity across the fuel supply chain: they also validate SCA Group’s ability to operate in highly regulated institutional contexts, such as NATO procurement environments, NSPA fuel frameworks and US DoD standards.
By integrating these standards as part of its core model, SCA Group delivers audit-ready, risk-mitigated, and globally interoperable fuel logistics, a baseline that allows for seamless cooperation with defence agencies across multiple jurisdictions and mission types.
Fuel Supply as a Foundation of Mission Readiness
From operational deployments to large-scale exercises, fuel remains one of the most strategic elements of military logistics. SCA Group’s global model combines aviation fuel supply, marine and ground fuel logistics and port and terminal services in order to provide military forces with the assurance needed to maintain global mobility and mission continuity.
With proven experience, worldwide reach and the ability to support complex operations with minimal notice, the organisation stands as a trusted partner for defence procurement stakeholders seeking reliability, compliance and operational excellence.
