Construction of 11 fuel storage tanks at the Crowley Bulk Fuel Storage Facility at East Arm, has seen the final ring beam poured last month.

The $270 million fuel storage facility will provide energy logistics management and services to receive, store, protect and dispatch aviation-grade JP-5 turbine fuel and commercial-grade Jet A-1 fuel. The facility, the largest of its kind in the NT, will play a crucial role in servicing US defence operations in the region, the government said..

Engineering, procurement, construction management services and tank works for the facility are being carried out by Saunders International, while Tetra Tech Proteus is providing design services.

Once operational, the facility will be able to hold up to a maximum of 300 million litres of military specification fuel.

The facility is expected to be finished and operational in September next year.

The government has claimed around 200 jobs were created during the construction phase of the facility and will generate 10 jobs once it becomes active.

Crowley recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Larrakia Development Corporation to jointly develop job training programs which they hope will lead to full-time employment in the new facility for Larrakia.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the project strengthens the Territory’s role as a leading hub for defence and national security due to its location and capabilities.

“The Territory is the place to invest in – we are safe, stable and beaming with opportunity,” Ms Manison said.

Crowley vice president Sean Thomas said the company is honoured to add value to the fabric of the Territory and to serve those in uniform that work tirelessly to ensure a free and open INDO-PACIFIC region.

“The dedicated efforts of the entire Crowley team, including our project partners as well as our myriad stakeholders across Australia and the Pacific Region, is the key to the successful advancement of this strategic capability,” he said.