Storage Matters
Tank storage matters
1. Does the tank market remain buoyant and what type of work is
currently in demand?
2. Do you see the introduction of more environmentally friendly fuel
grades being good news for the tank storage industry and is the
industry willing to invest?
3. Are you aware of any innovations with respect to tank
construction, safety, monitoring and/or management?
Fuel Oil News recently posed the above questions to a selection of tank manufacturers with the first responses detailed below.
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Phil Doughty, director – Allied Storage Tanks
1
Presently the tank market seems to be in a strange mode in that whilst some of us are busier than
we’ve ever been, some well-established manufacturers have gone into liquidation. The loss of well-
known names would lead you to think that the market is slow but this not what we find at Allied. In
the last three months we’ve taken on additional welders and fabricators with a couple of additions to the
office team too. We’re currently in sales negotiations with potential clients which leads us to believe that the
market is still buoyant.
A major problem is finding new young blood to come into fabrication and welding as there’s a big
gap in the market for such skills. Looking to encourage people into the industry, Allied has ventured into
apprenticeships for the first time. We do struggle to find the academic back up for these trades – back in the
70s/80’s specialist courses were readily available in industrial cities.
2
With movements around the world already recognising and acting on real concerns regarding our
planet, we do have to also consider what remaining reserves we have and how long they will last. It
is therefore only right that significant moves and investments are made to clean up and secure more
longer-term products to fuel our energy.
Allied Storage Tanks already appreciates that some new fuel grades demand storage tanks that
are made from other materials. Over the last few years, we’ve experienced an increasing demand for
stainless steel storage tanks and, as a result we’ve sourced information, gained experience and geared
up to accommodate this change. Even regular customers are looking to use stainless steel where possible.
Compared to carbon steel tanks with any special treatment & coating, the costs are more comparative,
maintenance costs are much reduced and life expectancy extends considerably.
3
Previous major incidents within tanks/tank farms resulted in far more responsibility having to be taken
with respect to storage tanks, especially those holding hazardous products.
Raising the demands of the COMAH regulations, this also brought about the need for tanks to be
inspected on a regular basis with “life expectancy” being a key issue, with storage tanks recognised as an
asset with responsibilities. EEMUA inspections are trusted and respected reports that once obtained give
assurances or confirm if any remedial activity is necessary. Allied has experienced a considerable shift in
orders received for tank repairs with a regular demand having been established for some time. The need to
keep up to date with health, safety and environmental matters, along with methods, equipment and best
practice is essential.
Continued on page 23
Fuel Oil News | July 2019 21