4 December 2021
A 300 million litre fuel storage facility which will be built in Darwin is progressing, with the project granted environmental approval.
In addition, a Development Permit for construction of the facility has been issued, and the long-term lease for the site has been signed this week.
In September, the United States Government awarded the tender to provide fuel storage and management services in support of the U.S. military to Crowley, a U.S.-based company with global energy and logistics services. Crowley Australia Pty Ltd., the Australia-based Crowley subsidiary, will manage the development of the $270 million facility.
The Crowley Bulk Fuel Storage Facility will be the largest of its kind in the Territory, and it will be built at East Arm, at the Land Development Corporation’s future Bulk Liquids Area.
The environmental approval milestone for the project follows community consultation on potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
The facility will play a pivotal role in servicing US defence operations in the region, with the infrastructure used for the transfer, management and storage of military specification jet fuels.
The project will create around 400 jobs during construction and support an additional 10 employees once the facility is operational in late 2023.
The location supports the importance of national security, defence and fuel security for resilience, which is a key priority of the Territory Economic Reconstruction blueprint for boosting the Territory economy.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
“It’s exciting to see this project progressing, which will strengthen the Territory as a leading hub for defence and national security, because of our strategic location and capabilities.
“This investment further cements us as Australia’s comeback capital, and demonstrates our ability to deliver not only for the nation, but for our international allies.
“This project will create jobs for Territorians during construction, as well as permanent positions once the multi-million litre facility is up and running.”
Quotes from Crowley Vice President, Sean Thomas:
“We are proud of the collaborative efforts of our project team in Australia and the U.S.
“Furthermore, we appreciate the thoughtful and organized public process through which we have worked with the Territorial and Commonwealth Governments to gain appropriate approvals for this project.
“Crowley is excited to advance to the next phase of development and look forward to providing an important capability that will support the women and men in uniform who provide for a free and open INDO-PACIFIC.”
Quotes from Land Development Corporation CEO, Tony Stubbin:
“Construction commencement will mark a substantial new facility in the Land Development Corporation’s Bulk Liquids Area at East Arm.
“LDC recognises the strategic importance of fuel storage and the US-Australian alliance.”
Northern Territory Government
