Caltex Australia’s move further into aviation fuel has taken off as it opened a new jet fuel tank at its Newport terminal on Friday as part of a $75million upgrade.
Chief executive Julian Segal said the upgrade would increase reliability of the supply chain, including supplying fuel to Melbourne Airport.
The upgrade includes a 15-million litre unleaded fuel tank, a new access point so heavy vehicles can avoid a black spot on Douglas Parade and a truck-loading bay which reduces the average truck turnaround time.
The project took 18 months and involved 130 workers at peak times, 14 different construction companies and more than 200 suppliers of labour, materials and equipment.
Caltex head of fuels and infrastructure, Louise Warner said the jet fuel tank would hold 25 million litres.
“That’s enough jet fuel to fly an A380 around the world 35 times,” she said.
“We’ve also made upgrades to our equipment on the site to improve the reliability and flexibility of our jet fuel supply chain, which is really critical for the growing market we have at Melbourne Airport.”
A public art competition to decorate the jet fuel tank was also announced on Friday.
Local artists are being invited to submit a design that shows “life being easier” and celebrates the area surrounding the terminal.
The artwork will be visible from the road and the West Gate Bridge.
The competition will be judged by a panel including Hobsons Bay mayor Angela Altair and The Substation director Brad Spolding.
Entries can be submitted until August 31, 2018. Details: www.caltex.com.au/community-art-project
