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The Top End is gearing up to host construction of a new fuel storage facility, expected to support the sustainment of US military presence in the region.
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Global energy and logistics services company Crowley has commissioned preliminary work to construct a new fuel storage facility in Darwin, after signing a long-term lease for the land with the Land Development Corporation and securing approval from the NT Environmental Protection Authority.
Preliminary works are expected to include clearing of the site, and developing vehicle access.
Crowley, which received the $270 million contract from the US government in September, has awarded a $140 million subcontract to Saunders International for the design and construction of 11 jet fuel tanks and the provision of engineering, procurement and construction management services.
Located in East Arm, at the Land Development Corporation’s Bulk Liquids Area, the facility will be built to store up to 300 million litres of fuel, supporting the transfer, management and storage of military specification jet fuels used by US forces.
The project is tipped to generate approximately 400 jobs during construction and support an additional 20 employees once the facility is operational in the back-end of 2023.
“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,” NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.
“The Territory is becoming a leading hub for defence and national security, because of our strategic location and capabilities, and because of our can-do attitude.”
Crowley Solutions vice president Sean Thomas welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the sustainment of the United States’ military presence in the region.
“We appreciate the dedication of our team and collaboration from all stakeholders including the NT government,” Thomas said.
“These collective efforts will allow Crowley to provide important fuel storage and management services to the US military, as well as strengthen our growing presence within Australia and the Northern Territory.”
Land Development Corporation CEO Tony Stubbin added, “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.
“LDC looks forward to seeing Crowley’s 300 million-litre fuel facility at the Bulk Liquids Area in East Arm to support strategic fuel storage and the US-Australian defence alliance.”
[Related: Top End to receive $747m Defence boost]
