F-44 FUEL Facility Automation Upgrade /
Project Overview
Tier 16 delivered a full lifecycle control system upgrade for a critical F-44 AVCAT fuel transfer facility supporting a major Australian naval operations base.
The project formed part of a broader infrastructure expansion designed to support the home-porting of a new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel and future fleet operational demands.
Tier 16 provided complete PLC, SCADA, and HMI engineering services including system design, software development, integration, testing, commissioning, operator training, and documentation.
Client Challenge
The clients naval base is a critical operational support facility responsible for ship repair, maintenance, logistics, training, and fleet support for a substantial portion of the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
The client introduced three new fuel storage tanks, expanded wharf infrastructure, and required a modernised automation platform capable of delivering significantly higher fuel transfer capacity.
Its existing F-44 AVCAT fuel export system was limited to transfer rates insufficient to support the operational requirements of the incoming vessels and future fuel demand growth.
Tier16 Solution
Tier 16 designed and delivered a fully integrated fuel transfer control system incorporating modern PLC, SCADA, and HMI technologies.
The upgraded system automates the transfer of F-44 AVCAT fuel from storage tanks to naval vessels at the wharf. Operators can select fuel sources and transfer destinations through an intuitive operator interface, with the system automatically managing valve sequencing, pump control, fuel circulation, and export routing.
Automated logic continuously regulates pump speeds and flow rates to maintain safe, stable, and efficient transfer operations.
Project Scope
Technologies Used
Project Outcomes & Impact
Increased Fuel Transfer Capacity: The automation system increased AVCAT fuel transfer capability enabling the facility to efficiently support larger naval vessels and future operational growth requirements.
Enhanced Operational Safety & Reliability: The implementation of automated valve sequencing, pump control, and integrated safety logic improved process consistency, and enhanced the reliability of mission-critical fuel transfer operations.
Future-Ready Infrastructure Integration: The project successfully integrated new fuel storage assets and expanded wharf infrastructure into the existing facility, providing a scalable and modernised fuel transfer platform capable of supporting long-term naval operational requirements.
