Fuel Storage for Antarctica: Durotank’s Smart Tank Solution for the Australian Antarctic Division
Background & Challenge
The Australian Antarctic Division needed a highly specialised diesel fuel storage system to support a new Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant at Davis Station. The project needed a fuel storage solution that could survive one of the harshest places on Earth.
The temperature at Davis Station can swing from +12°C in summer to as low as -40°C in winter. So the brief was tough from the start. The tanks had to hold up through freezing temperatures, high winds, snow and ice loading, year after year. They had to meet Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692. And they needed a minimum 25-year design life, because flying a technician down to Antarctica for repairs isn’t exactly simple.
The tanks also had to run on Special Antarctic Blend Diesel and be built to stop any chance of fuel reaching the surrounding environment. That meant double-wall construction and secondary containment as standard, not an add-on.
Then there was the journey itself. Everything had to survive being shipped thousands of kilometres, then dragged into position once it landed on site. On top of that, every weld needed extensive qualification, including Charpy V-Notch testing at -40°C, backed by strict quality assurance documentation.
Solutions & Benefits
Durotank supplied a complete stainless steel fuel storage package: a 10,000L weatherproof double-wall Smart Tank and a 1,000L weatherproof double-wall Smart Cube, working together as bulk and service tanks.
Both were manufactured from 316L stainless steel, chosen for its corrosion resistance, low-temperature toughness and long service life in extreme environments. The system includes an integrated fuel transfer system with a submersible turbine pump, self-bunded secondary containment and IP65 sealed spill boxes.
The stainless steel skid frames were designed to be dragged straight into position on site. Overfill protection, dedicated vents and instrumentation interfaces were built in from the start, along with complete manufacturing quality documentation, inspection records and testing certificates.
The tanks were specifically engineered to run on Special Antarctic Blend Diesel, withstand temperatures down to -40°C, comply with AS1940 and AS1692 and deliver a 25-year minimum design life.
The Durotank Difference
This is what the system now gives the Australian Antarctic Division: fuel storage that keeps working through snow, ice and extreme wind, with a 25-year design life that means fewer visits and less maintenance in one of the most remote places on the planet.
The double-wall construction paired with the IP65 Sealed Spillbox protects a highly sensitive environment from fuel spills. While the skid-mounted design and full documentation made installation at Davis Station as straightforward as it could be.
Most importantly, the bulk and service tank arrangement gives the Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant a fuel supply it can rely on for fresh water production for the whole station.
This project shows what Durotank builds for when the stakes are high and there’s no room for error: mission-critical fuel storage that holds up, wherever the job takes it.
How Durotank Can Help
From farms and mine sites to remote infrastructure projects, Durotank delivers fuel storage solutions built for demanding conditions. Our range includes Self-bunded Smart Tanks & Trailers, Self-bunded Smart Cubes & Duro Cubes with optional remote fuel monitoring to help improve visibility, security and efficiency. Whatever your application, our team can help you find the right solution.
Call 1300 829 802 to discuss your requirements.
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My experience with Durotank was exceptional from start to completion.
Emily was patient with us from the start - we took a while to make our decision, but she was always ready to help. She proactively addressed all enquiries and offered comprehensive support. No pressure, just good service.
Furthermore, Durotank was highly accommodating when we requested custom signage. It turned out great and looked fantastic.
I highly recommend Durotank to any organisation seeking a seamless, efficient, and thoroughly professional supplier for diesel tank requirements.
Joe Valesini - AUS Inds Customer Relationship Manager Motion
We had a great experience working with Durotank on our order for a 2,400L water cart trailer, set up for firefighting and tree watering. Their team was responsive throughout the process and delivered exactly what we needed on schedule, despite a very tight timeframe. The build quality is excellent - it’s clear a lot of care and expertise went into the manufacturing. We also value being able to support an Australian-made company and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Durotank for both their product quality and service.
Joel Courtney – APMS Operations
We considered many other brands of diesel tank but quickly settled on Durotank - they ticked all the boxes. An Australian-made, self bunded quality tank with the ability to load and transport on-site whilst full is a winner.
The team communicated professionally with us regarding modifications and build timing. We will certainly use Durotank again and would confidently recommend them to others.
Andrew Reeves, Ethtec
We had a great experience working with Durotank in purchasing our service trailer, from the enquiry stage to the delivery date the Durotank team were pleasant and very professional. Emily from the sales team answered any and all questions we had about specs and options, working with us to meet expectations and budget limitations. The production team kept us well informed of build schedule and approximate delivery dates. Overall we highly recommend the Durotank team if your looking for a service trailer, value for money is second to none and the quality is top notch.
Aaron Asquith - Leading Hand - Rental Komatsu Australia, Truganina Branch VIC
We purchased Durotank’s 2400 Litre poly water trailer with fire-fighter pump and hose reel, plus optional dribble bar and batter sprays attached.
Our property, Duxton Farm, borders the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Because of this, early season burning is extremely important to prevent uncontrollable bushfires later in the dry season. The trailer has been an invaluable asset to fire control – always full and ready to go when the call comes.
We’ve found it to be well balanced, empty or full, with the baffle ball system effectively controlling surge. We have had no issues with set-up, towing it with either a Landcruiser or Hilux.
Overall, we’re extremely happy with our purchase and the support from the Durotank team. We’ll be back.
Bruce Connolly, Northern Regional Manager, Duxton Farms
I purchased a Poly Tank Fuel Trailer from DUROTANK in April 2018. DUROTANK builds one of the best fuel trailers I have ever used. The build quality, engineering and attention to detail is unreal. The fuel trailer is rock solid, it tracks extremely well full of fuel at 100km/hr and its road worthy. All of the fittings are hoses are high quality hydraulic hose and crimped fittings so there are no leaks. The Durotank team is very easy to deal with and more than happy to help with any enquiries. The staff are friendly and it is a pleasure to do business with them. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat, that’s for sure
Ben Harris – AB Contract Farming
The Duro Cubes are going extremely well! My guys are very happy with them. Having them already saved us on oil transport on at least 2 occasions so far and has also allowed us to restructure our oil work days and use out of hours oil deliveries to make more efficient use of the time on site.
Field Supervisor, Electricity Distributor (AUSGRID)
The fuel trailer I purchased from DUROTANK is well designed to withstand the harsh mining environment I work in, with no compromise to efficient and reliable fast fuel delivery
Brad Black – Hardrock Blasting Services
I would like to recommend Durotank to anyone that is considering their products. From first enquiry to after the product was delivered the customer experience was flawless.
Nick Dunlop – Kelton Rentals
As a business owner I would highly recommend DUROTANK to any person who is serious about saving money, purchasing and storing their own fuel in bulk, particularly in today’s challenging economic times. DUROTANK supplied us an excellent quality Australian made fuel tank built to the specs that suited out business. Our staff love how easy it is to use and how much time it saves refuelling each week. We purchased the Smartfill System with it and its definitely a worthwhile investment both for use and fuel management. The aftersales service from DUROTANK has been outstanding.
Tony Grace – Lachlan Valley
The supply process from quotation to order placement, being kept informed of manufacturing process and delivery date and final delivery was seamless. I really appreciated the proactive approach to driving a positive Customer Experience. I couldn’t fault the product or service at all.
Peter – Meadows Family Restaurants
All our fuel trailers and on site tanks are supplied by Durotank which are built with strength and quality and always delivered on time, helpful and friendly staff, won’t get better.
