Making our Mark

FuelSpec Services is using its vast experience to develop creative solutions, reduce customer costs and make road tankers safer.

FuelSpec Services is a business based in Smithfield, New South Wales, which possesses strong expertise in the Dangerous Goods (DG) and fuel handling industry.

Formerly known as Liquip NSW, the company marked a new era when it re-established itself in July last year to form a new entity that would be completely committed to innovation and the road tanker industry. Now, it is best known as a leading solutions provider for fuel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and dry bulk transportation within that sector.

“We manufacture new tankers and repair those in use,” says FuelSpec Services General Manager, Tracey Hourd. “We are also dedicated to providing consultancy, engineering solutions, manufacturing and operational support to major fuel tanker fleets as well as terminal and depot operations nationally.” 

FuelSpec Services’ capabilities focus on three core categories – fuel tanker engineering, compliance and testing, and fuel terminal and depot infrastructure.

Fuel tanker engineering

• New fuel tanker builds
• Re-horse programs (diesel, petrol, aviation and LPG)
• Tanker spare parts and accessories
• Road tanker and trailer servicing
• Pump and meter repairs
• Pressure welding repairs
• DG flameproofing

Compliance and testing

• Safe Load Program (SLP) inspections
• Hydrostatic testing
• Overfill system testing
• Confined space work
• Training

Fuel terminal and depot infrastructure

• Terminal equipment
• Loading arms and skids
• Self-bunded tanks and depot loading projects
• Flow testing and diagnostics
• NMI meter calibrations
• Fuel filtration systems
• Industry technical support

FuelSpec’s experienced engineering team works closely with customers to explore practical equipment options to help them get the best value for their needs.

Having a wide variety of vehicles on site also allows new customers to see different configurations in person and decide what might work best for their operation. While diesel/petrol rigids remain a core part of the business, the LPG sector has also become a strong contributor. Thus, FuelSpec is currently involved in several rebuild programs for major national LPG fleets.

FuelSpec Services is owned and managed by Tracey Hourd and Steve Hudson who both have a combined 56 years of industry experience. Their depth of knowledge has allowed FuelSpec Services to become a ‘go-to’ company for customers needing help with solving unusual problems, sourcing hard-to-find components or turning around work in a short timeframe. 

Innovation is a major focus for the business. Both Steve and Tracey have extensive experience in sourcing, developing and launching new products, with a particular emphasis on safety improvements for the fuel transport sector.One example is the Smart Bottom Valve Actuator (SBVA), a device designed to improve tanker safety in the event of a serious road incident.

“The tanker industry understands the importance of bottom valves being closed in transit and the consequences if they’re not,” Tracey says. “Despite this, for many years bottom valve failures often went unnoticed.

“Like any mechanical component, bottom valve parts eventually wear out, but foreign debris can sometimes also prevent closure. Damaged components have routinely been replaced without much investigation into how long they had actually been inoperable.”

FuelSpec Services identified the need for a solution like the SBVA through analysis of bottom valve failures observed during its own servicing and maintenance work.

The SBVA has the ability to indicate when a bottom valve is open – reducing risk and speeding up deliveries by lowering the amount of time required around driver checks. It was also designed to last two to three times the life of actuators typically used today. Furthermore, the SBVA simplifies troubleshooting problems with pumping systems and can be easily retrofitted to replace most actuators currently in use.

FuelSpec Services will be showcasing the SBVA and its other new innovations next month at the National Bulk Tanker Association’s Bulk Tanker Day.