HMAS Coonawarra Fuel Farm Compliance Upgrades

Overview 

ructon was engaged to undertake compliance upgrades at the fuel farm located within the HMAS Coonawarra Naval Base in Darwin. This project involved drafting, fabricating, and installing new platforms, walkways, and ladders to enhance accessibility and safety in and around live fuel tanks and lines.

Scope of Work

• Design Review and Advisory: Conducted a thorough review of the existing design, providing valuable design advice to improve accessibility and safety for personnel working around the fuel tanks.
• Fabrication and Installation: Managed the off-site fabrication of structural steelwork, including platforms, walkways, and ladders, followed by on-site installation to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Cost Optimisation: Identified opportunities for cost savings by reducing the amount of steel required for the project without compromising structural integrity.
• Hazard Identification and Mitigation: Conducted a comprehensive safety assessment of the site, identifying hazards in the three separate tank areas. Provided engineering solutions to eliminate many hazards by designing new structures and re-engineering existing ones.

Outcomes and Benefits

• Enhanced Safety: Successfully improved the safety of personnel working in a high-risk environment by addressing identified hazards and optimising structural designs.
• Improved Accessibility: The newly installed platforms, walkways, and ladders enhanced accessibility around the fuel tanks, facilitating safer movement and operational efficiency.
• Cost Savings: Achieved cost savings for the client through efficient design and material use, reinforcing Pructon’s commitment to value engineering.
• Successful Compliance: Ensured that all upgrades met relevant compliance and safety standards, contributing to the operational integrity of the naval base’s fuel farm.