Work Commences on Territory’s Largest Fuel Storage Facility
Preliminary work is underway to build the Northern Territory’s largest fuel storage facility in Darwin, Australia, with construction to begin by the end of this month.
Originally a media release from Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner, found here.
The facility will be located at East Arm, at the Land Development Corporation’s Bulk Liquids Area, and will hold up to 80 million gallons (300 million liters) 300 million liters of fuel.
In September, the U.S. government awarded the tender to provide fuel storage and management services in support of the U.S. military to Crowley, a leading provider of energy, logistics and maritime services to military and civilian agencies. The $270 million project will play a pivotal role in servicing U.S. defense operations in the region, with the infrastructure used for the transfer, management and storage of military specification jet fuels.
“This investment opportunity will create hundreds of jobs for Territorians just a short drive from the CBD and Palmerston, and local businesses will also feel the flow on benefits,” said Michael Gunner, Chief Minister, Northern Territory. “The Territory is becoming a leading hub for defense and national security, because of our strategic location and capabilities, and because of our can-do attitude.”
In December, the Land Development Corporation and Crowley Australia Pty Ltd., the Australia-based Crowley subsidiary, reached an agreement on the land and signed a long-term lease. Crowley Australia Pty Ltd. will manage the development and subsequent ongoing operations of the new facility.
“The groundworks underway herald the start of construction of the new facility and provide an exciting look ahead for site activity for the new year,” said Tony Stubbin, CEO, Land Development Corporation. “LDC looks forward to seeing Crowley’s 300-million-liter fuel facility at the Bulk Liquids Area in East Arm to support strategic fuel storage and the U.S.-Australian defense alliance.”
Saunders International has been awarded the contract by Crowley for the design and construction of 11 jet fuel tanks for the facility. In addition to the design and construction contract Saunders will provide engineering, procurement and construction management services to Crowley.
Initial works being carried out on site include early clearing of the site and developing vehicle access ahead of construction beginning. This follows the project having been granted approval from the NT Environmental Protection Authority, a development permit for construction and the signing of a long-term lease.
“Crowley is excited to see work on the fuel storage facility in Darwin begin,” said Sean Thomas, vice president, Crowley Solutions. “We appreciate the dedication of our team and collaboration from all stakeholders including the NT Government. These collective efforts will allow Crowley to provide important fuel storage and management services to the U.S. military, as well as strengthen our growing presence within Australia and the Northern Territory.”
Darwin’s strategic location supports the importance of national security, defense and fuel security for resilience, which is a key priority of the Territory Economic Reconstruction blueprint for boosting the territory’s economy.