KMSB Wharf Fuelling System Control & Safety Integration /
Project Overview
The Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) in Broome, WA, was developed to improve maritime logistics across the region by overcoming the challenges of extreme tidal variation and port congestion. Its 24/7 floating wharf allows vessels to berth and operate independent of tides, thereby supporting efficient and reliable marine operations.
As part of this major infrastructure development, Tier16 was engaged to design and deliver a dedicated control, safety, and monitoring system for the wharf fuelling pipeline.
The solution was developed from the ground up to automate fuel transfer operations, provide operators with real-time visibility, and integrate seamlessly with external fuel management systems and fuel suppliers.
Client Challenge
The client required a modern fuelling control system capable of supporting a wide range of fuel transfer rates, based upon vessel capacity, while maintaining strict operational and safety standards.
The system was expected to facilitate faster vessel refuelling, improve coordination between fuel suppliers and wharf operators, and provide reliable monitoring and control throughout the fuel transfer process.
Due to the long distance between the shore-based fuel facilities and the floating wharf, a robust communications and safety architecture was essential to ensure reliable operation. Furthermore, a solution was required to enable communications to the portable bunkering container, positioned along the wharf at the vessel dispensing point.
Tier16 Solution
Tier16 delivered a fully integrated control and safety system for marine fuel transfer between shore-based pump skids and vessels berthed at the wharf.
At the core of the solution is a Schneider Electric M580 PLC, which manages overall system operation, including pump control. The system coordinates seamlessly with the fuel supplier’s control system to automate fuel transfer sequences.
When a dispensing request is initiated, the fuel supplier’s control system opens the relevant tank and pipeline valves. Once valve-open feedback is confirmed, the main PLC automatically starts the transfer pump and commences fuel transfer in a controlled manner. Fuel transfer begins at a low rate before ramping up to the maximum agreed vessel flowrate after safety checks have been performed.
As the transfer nears completion, the PLC automatically reduces the flowrate, allowing the operator to manually throttle the flow. After completion of the fuel transfer, the fuel supplier’s control system closes the tank and pipeline valves.
To support the site’s long-distance safety requirements, Tier16 implemented a dedicated safety PLC, including fibre optic communications between the safety PLC and its remote modules. Communications to the portable bunkering container were achieved using an ethernet radio solution, comprising a wharf-mounted base station and a receiver mounted on the container. This allows the main PLC to communicate with the remote I/O module within the container.
Project Scope
Technologies Used
Project Outcomes & Impact
The KMSB Wharf Fuelling System significantly enhances marine refuelling capability at the Broome facility, providing:
Fast, safe and more efficient vessel refuelling operations and therefore reduced port congestion and scheduling delays.
Multiple flow rate selection to cater for a wide range of vessel refuelling requirements.
Lower operating costs through improved process control.
Support for future growth through a scalable and flexible system design.
By delivering safe, reliable, and efficient fuel transfer operations, the project strengthens KMSB’s role as a key logistics hub for the Kimberley region and supports long-term economic growth across Northern Western Australia.
