Saunders wins contract to build massive fuel tank

Engineering firm Saunders International has won a $9 million contract to design and construct a 32 million litre diesel storage tank for Park Fuels.

The project is part of the government’s Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage Program (BADSP), and will be located on Kooragang Island, in Newcastle.

The project includes materials, labour and all equipment necessary to design and construct the tanks, as well as foundations and roof access.

Saunders’ Chief Executive Officer, Mark Benson said: “Saunders has a long-standing relationship with Park Fuels, and we are pleased to be working with them once again at their Kooragang Island Terminal.”

“We have previously constructed a smaller tank and refurbished another two existing tanks at this facility. This is an opportunity for Saunders to provide our innovative solutions and utilise our local Newcastle teams and equipment to complete this tank build.

“The project is an important win for Saunders, as it positions us well for the remaining opportunities within the government program.”

It comes as Park Fuels ramps up their diesel capacity by about 50% from 122 million litres to 182 million litres, after being awarded a government grant as part of the BADSP to build additional diesel storage across their two seaboard import terminals at Newcastle, with plans for another 28 million litres of storage at its Port Kembla facility.

“There are a further five projects under the BADSP to be awarded, and Saunders continues to assist the grant recipients in finalising their respective solutions, including the new tank at Park Fuels’ Port Kembla facility,” Benson said.

One of the company’s previous major projects saw it design and construct eleven jet fuel tanks, capable of holding 300 million litres of aviation fuel, for the U.S. Defence fuels facility at Darwin, worth around $140 million, in 2021.