Client: Williams Marine Construction | Location: White Bay Balmain 2040 | Service: Tank Head Cleaning / Industrial Clean | Date: December 2025
Silver Raven was engaged to deliver a full internal fuel tank clean on a Hansa Homburg cargo vessel, operating within a live port environment under MSIC requirements. Using tank layout drawings supplied by the client, our team developed a detailed cleaning methodology that identified optimal placement of high-pressure rotating tank heads to maximise fuel removal from internal structures. Cleaning was carried out methodically, zone by zone, across all levels and compartments until the entire tank met inspection standards.
The fuel holding tank was complex in design, consisting of five levels and five segregated rooms. Each compartment was cleaned individually, with inspections completed after every movement of the tank head to ensure effectiveness and safety. Contaminated wash water and fuel residue were continuously removed using a vacuum truck to prevent buildup at the base of the tank. Where fixed equipment and structural geometry limited automated cleaning, Silver Raven operators conducted confined space entries to spot-clean stubborn areas using industrial-grade degreasers.
Given the hazardous conditions pitch-black environments, fuel vapours, heat, and slippery surfaces strict safety controls were implemented. Silver Raven prepared a site-specific confined space entry and rescue plan, operated under confined space permits, and utilised certified breathing apparatus and safety equipment. All personnel held valid MSIC cards, allowing work within security-sensitive port and vessel areas. The team was strategically split into dedicated roles: confined space entry, tank head operation and repositioning, and external spotters ensuring tank isolation and personnel accountability at all times.
The project was completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. The client was satisfied with the final inspection outcome and subsequently engaged Silver Raven for additional works at Hutchison Ports. This project demonstrates Silver Raven’s expertise in fuel tank cleaning, industrial cleaning, high-pressure jetting, confined space operations, and MSIC-compliant works within the maritime and port sectors.
