Viva Energy has secured a contract with the Department of Defence to supply fuel to the Australian Defence Force for an initial six-year term.
The contract, which may be extended to 12 years, will see Viva supply aviation, marine, and ground fuel to the ADF and play a critical role in underpinning Australia’s national security through supply of fuel both locally and internationally.
Scott Wyatt, CEO and MD of Viva Energy, said this is a significant contract for both its refining and Commercial and Industrial businesses.
“We are delighted to extend our strategic relationship with the Commonwealth and look forward to supporting the ADF’s Australian and international fuel requirements as a key enabler of their capability.”
In an important Australian Industry Capability activity, Viva will resume production at Geelong Refinery of F-44 (Avcat) or JP-5, a military specification turbine fuel used on aircraft carriers, which is currently manufactured and imported from overseas.
“The resumption of local manufacturing of F-44 (Avcat) at Geelong Refinery is a highlight, reinforcing our commitment to the nation’s energy security. This builds on our project to construct 90 million litres of diesel storage tanks on the site, due for completion in 2024.”
Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, said coming after years of declining local oil refining and fuel production, this deal will be good for Australia’s defence, good for Australia’s energy security, and good for Australian jobs.
“We are really pleased about the difference this will make in the regional centre of Geelong in Victoria. The Government is working hard to build a resilient fuel supply for Defence and to strengthen Australia’s national security – and this domestic fuel supply contract will contribute to this.”
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