Types of Fuel Storage Tanks: UK Uses, Compliance & Buying

Choosing a fuel storage tank isn’t just about capacity and price. Get it wrong and you risk leaks, contamination, enforcement action, and costly downtime. Get it right and you’ll cut operating costs, improve refuelling efficiency, and stay on the right side of UK rules. The challenge? There are many formats and materials—above-ground versus underground, bunded versus single-skin, steel versus plastic—not to mention specific needs for diesel, petrol, AdBlue, HVO and aviation fuels. Add in requirements from the Environment Agency, your Petroleum Enforcement Authority, DSEAR and ADR for transportable units, and the decision can quickly become complex.

This guide makes it straightforward. You’ll find plain‑English comparisons of the main tank types and formats, typical UK use cases, compliance checkpoints, and practical tips on specification, sizing and budgeting. We’ll also flag the common pitfalls that lead to water ingress, diesel bug, overfilling, and spill liabilities—and when to consider training or expert support. By the end, you’ll be able to shortlist the right tank for your site and fuel, and know the regulatory boxes to tick before you buy. First, a quick look at how specialist training and consultancy helps you build a safe, compliant storage setup from day one.

1. Logicom Hub: training and consultancy for safe, compliant fuel storage

What it is

Logicom Hub delivers dangerous goods training and consultancy that helps you specify, operate and audit fuel storage safely. Courses cover IATA, IMDG, ADR and RID, plus DGSA preparation and specialist topics (e.g., lithium batteries, infectious substances). Delivery is flexible—e‑learning, public classroom, in‑house and CAA‑approved virtual classroom—with post‑training support to embed learning on site.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Whether you’re selecting between types of fuel storage tanks or tightening site controls, expert coaching reduces risk and cost.

• Use cases: New tank projects, upgrades to bunded systems, generator day tanks, ADR transportable tanks/bowsers, switching diesel to HVO.
• Pros: Informed specifications, fewer spills/contamination issues, smoother inspections, confident operators.
• Cons: Time and training budget needed; periodic refreshers as rules change.

Compliance and standards to know

Logicom Hub maps requirements to your operation: Environment Agency expectations for storage, DSEAR for flammable atmospheres, [ADR](https://logicomhub.com/transport-category-points-fedex-requirement/) for transportable units, and IATA/IMDG/RID for multi‑modal movements. For petrol, engagement with your Petroleum Enforcement Authority is essential; for diesel, bunding and secondary containment norms apply.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Training turns guidance into practical decisions before you buy.

• Default to bunded: Secondary containment sized to 110% is widely required.
• Match material to exposure: Steel for robustness; plastic for corrosion resistance.
• Engineer safety features: Overfill protection, leak detection and venting.
• Right‑size capacity: Base on consumption, delivery lead times and resilience.
• Budget beyond the tank: Operator training, inspections and fuel quality controls.

2. Above-ground fuel storage tanks (AGST)

What it is

Above‑ground fuel storage tanks are static, surface‑mounted tanks for onsite storage and dispensing of fuels such as diesel and gas oil, with specialist variants for petrol and AdBlue. They’re available in steel or plastic, in horizontal, vertical or slimline formats, and often come integrally bunded (tank‑in‑tank) to provide secondary containment and simplify installation, inspection and maintenance.

Typical applications and pros/cons

AGSTs suit depots, farms, construction sites and standby power systems where easy access, rapid install and straightforward compliance are priorities.

• Pros: Easy visual inspection and servicing; lower civils cost than UST; fast install; wide choice of bunded, pre‑equipped units; good for refuelling fleets and plant.
• Cons: Larger footprint and visual impact; greater exposure to weather (steel corrosion risk; plastic UV/temperature stresses); higher theft/vandalism risk; requires good siting and protection.

Compliance and standards to know

For diesel and gas oil, secondary containment is the norm; a bund must hold 110% of the tank’s contents. Fit safety systems such as emergency venting, overfill protection and leak detection. Petrol storage is subject to your Petroleum Enforcement Authority and DSEAR controls; transportable units fall under ADR, while static AGSTs must meet Environment Agency expectations for pollution prevention.

• Bunding: 110% capacity secondary containment (UK requirement).
• Safety kit: Overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection, accurate gauging.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Match the tank to exposure and use: steel offers robustness for busy yards; plastic resists corrosion and is lighter to position. Engineer for safety and fuel quality from day one.

• Choose materials wisely: Steel for impact resistance; plastic for corrosion resistance.
• Prioritise features: Overfill device, venting, calibrated gauge, water draw‑off and filtration.
• Site selection: Keep clear of drains/watercourses; provide secure base and physical protection.
• Right‑size capacity: Base on burn rate and delivery intervals; keep tanks topped up to reduce condensation.
• Plan whole‑life costs: Include security, periodic inspections and fuel management systems.

3. Underground fuel storage tanks (UST)

What it is

Underground fuel storage tanks are buried, static tanks used where yard space, security, or visual impact are concerns. Commonly chosen for diesel, gas oil and petroleum spirit at forecourts and high‑throughput depots, USTs are typically supplied as double‑skinned units with interstitial (between‑skins) monitoring, plus the same core safety features you’d specify on above‑ground tanks: emergency venting, overfill protection and leak detection.

Typical applications and pros/cons

USTs make sense where you want to free surface space for operations, protect fuel from weather and reduce theft or vandalism risk. They demand higher up‑front civils and tighter monitoring but can offer long service lives (underground systems can last up to 30 years).

• Pros: Preserves yard space and site aesthetics; reduced weather exposure; lower theft/vandalism risk; long life expectancy.
• Cons: Higher civils/installation cost; more complex integrity monitoring; harder access for inspection/repair; costly decommissioning if required.

Compliance and standards to know

Expect secondary containment via double‑skin with interstitial leak detection, alongside overfill prevention, emergency venting and accurate gauging. Diesel/gas‑oil USTs must meet Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations; petrol USTs are additionally controlled by your Petroleum Enforcement Authority and DSEAR. Plan for periodic integrity/tightness testing and robust spill control at fill points.

• Secondary containment: Double‑skinned construction with monitored interstice.
• Safety systems: Overfill protection, emergency venting, leak detection and calibrated gauges.
• Operations: Regular integrity testing and reconciliation; protected fill/dispense areas.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Choose proven double‑wall construction with continuous leak monitoring and overfill protection as standard. Right‑size capacity to delivery intervals and consumption, and include access chambers for inspection and gauging.

• Engineer the interface: Secure fill point, high‑level alarm, clear vent routing and spill containment.
• Plan whole‑life costs: Civils, permits, integrity testing and eventual decommissioning.
• Protect fuel quality: Water management and filtration at the dispensing side; keep stocks at optimal levels to limit condensation.

4. Bunded tanks (secondary containment) vs single-skin

What it is

Among the types of fuel storage tanks, a bunded tank provides secondary containment: an inner tank surrounded by an outer skin or external bund designed to capture leaks. UK practice expects the bund to hold 110% of the primary tank’s capacity. Bunding can be integrally built (tank‑in‑tank, common on steel and plastic units) or constructed in concrete/brick around a single tank; both aim to prevent pollution and simplify compliance.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Bunded tanks are the norm for commercial diesel and gas oil storage, farms, construction sites, and any higher‑risk location. Single‑skin tanks are generally limited to low‑risk domestic situations following a formal risk assessment (for example, typically under 2,500 litres and well away from drains and controlled waters).

• Bunded – pros: Strong environmental protection; aligns with regulator expectations; reduces spill clean‑up liabilities.
• Bunded – cons: Higher purchase cost; slightly larger footprint; rainwater management needed for open bunds.
• Single‑skin – pros: Lower upfront cost; lighter/simpler install in eligible domestic settings.
• Single‑skin – cons: Narrow eligibility; higher spill risk; often unacceptable on commercial sites.

Compliance and standards to know

UK guidance expects secondary containment capacity of 110%. Commercial diesel storage is typically bunded; petrol storage is additionally controlled by your Petroleum Enforcement Authority and DSEAR. For domestic oil, an OFTEC risk assessment determines when bunding is required (e.g., larger volumes, proximity to drains/watercourses, or other site hazards). Fit overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Choose integrally bunded tanks to simplify install and inspection. Specify overfill alarms/shut‑off, emergency vents, interstitial monitoring (for double‑walled designs), and calibrated gauges. Manage rainwater in external bunds with controlled drainage. Right‑size capacity to delivery intervals and consumption, and budget for security, periodic inspections and fuel quality controls (water draw‑off and filtration).

5. Steel fuel tanks

What it is

Steel fuel tanks are heavy‑duty, static types of fuel storage tanks used for diesel, gas oil and, in controlled setups, petrol. They’re available bunded or single‑skin in horizontal, vertical, slimline and cube formats, including generator fuel tanks and fuelcubes for compact sites.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Chosen for construction, industrial yards, depots and exposed sites where impact resistance matters. Steel suits high‑throughput, frequent refuelling and busy traffic areas.

• Pros: Sturdy and resilient; can be repaired/patch‑welded; long service life; ideal for harsh environments.
• Cons: Corrosion risk from weather/condensation; heavier to install; needs coating and periodic maintenance to protect fuel quality.

Compliance and standards to know

Commercial diesel/gas‑oil storage is typically bunded with 110% secondary containment. Fit overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging. Petrol requires Petroleum Enforcement Authority control and DSEAR compliance. Plan regular checks for corrosion, water ingress and microbial contamination.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Prioritise integrally bunded steel in high‑risk or high‑traffic locations and engineer for maintainability.

• Protect the shell: Quality paint/linings and planned recoating; add tank stands/guards where needed.
• Protect the fuel: Water draw‑off, filtration and reliable gauges/alarms; keep stocks optimised to limit condensation.
• Match the form: Horizontal for low height and easy dispensing; vertical or slimline to save footprint; size to delivery cycles and burn rate.

6. Plastic and GRP fuel tanks

What it is

Plastic fuel tanks (typically polyethylene) and GRP composite tanks are corrosion‑resistant types of fuel storage tanks supplied in integrally bunded or single‑skin forms and in horizontal, vertical and slimline formats. They’re widely used for diesel and gas oil, with dedicated plastic ranges also common for AdBlue where corrosion resistance and easy handling are priorities.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Popular on farms, small depots, workshops and standby generator installations where a lightweight, easy‑to‑install tank is ideal. They’re also common where frequent moves or restricted access make steel impractical.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre; resistant to rust/corrosion; fully bunded options readily available; simple installation and a wide choice of off‑the‑shelf sizes.
• Cons: Vulnerable to cracking from cold, UV and stress; accidental impacts can be terminal (plastic is hard to repair); needs good siting and support to avoid deformation.

Compliance and standards to know

Commercial diesel/gas‑oil storage is typically bunded with secondary containment sized to 110% of capacity. Diesel tanks don’t require petroleum certification, but petrol storage is controlled by your Petroleum Enforcement Authority and DSEAR. Fit core safety features: overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging. For domestic oil, use an OFTEC risk assessment to determine if bunding is required (e.g., larger volumes or proximity to drains/controlled waters).

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Choose an integrally bunded, UV‑stabilised tank with proven fittings and plan for fuel quality management from day one.

• Prioritise construction: UV‑stabilised polyethylene/GRP shells; rigid base/support to prevent warping.
• Build in safety: Overfill alarms, emergency vents, reliable gauges; leak detection where available.
• Protect the fuel: Water draw‑off/filtration; keep stocks optimised to limit condensation.
• Match the form to space: Slimline for tight yards; horizontal for easy dispensing; size to burn rate and delivery cycles.
• Remember whole‑life costs: Include periodic inspections, replacements (if damaged), and security.

7. Fuel cube, fuel store and format options (horizontal, vertical, slimline)

What it is

“Fuel cubes” are compact, typically steel, integrally bunded tanks with a square footprint. “Fuel stores” are cabinet‑style, bunded tanks with dispensing equipment enclosed for security and weather protection. The same tanks are offered in horizontal, vertical and slimline formats to solve different site constraints for diesel and gas oil storage and dispensing.

Typical applications and pros/cons

These formats are popular on construction and forestry sites, workshops and depots where space, access routes and security dictate the tank shape and layout.

• Pros: Compact footprint; tidy, protected equipment (fuel store); choice of shapes to suit yard space and clearances.
• Cons: Cube/fuel store capacities are often smaller than bulk horizontals; vertical tanks need height clearance; slimline units can limit accessory space.

Compliance and standards to know

Choose bunded models sized to 110% secondary containment. Fit overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging. If a unit is specified for transport or site towing, ADR rules may apply; otherwise, standard Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations govern static diesel/gas‑oil storage.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Match shape to constraints and refuelling patterns.

• Horizontal: Low height, easy dispensing, great for yards.
• Vertical: Small footprint for tight sites and line‑ups.
• Slimline: Narrow access, along fences or between structures.
• Fuel cube/store: Robust, compact and secure for busy sites.
• Size to consumption and delivery intervals; add filtration and water draw‑off; budget for security and periodic inspections.

8. Static bulk fuel tanks for onsite refuelling

What it is

Static bulk tanks are fixed, above‑ or underground, integrally bunded steel or plastic units equipped for dispensing on site. As one of the most common types of fuel storage tanks, they combine storage with pumps, meters, filtration and often fuel management systems to refuel fleets, plant and generators efficiently.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Used by transport depots, farms, construction and standby‑power sites to cut time and cost versus off‑site fuelling.

• Pros: Onsite refuelling boosts uptime and enables bulk‑buy savings; easy visual checks and service on above‑ground units.
• Cons: Requires secure siting and protection from weather/impacts; larger footprint and ongoing maintenance.

Compliance and standards to know

For diesel/gas oil, UK practice expects secondary containment sized to 110% of capacity, plus emergency venting, overfill prevention and leak detection. Petrol storage is additionally controlled by your Petroleum Enforcement Authority and DSEAR. Static tanks aren’t ADR equipment, but fill/dispense points still need spill control and pollution‑prevention measures; monitor for water ingress and microbial growth.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Design for safety, fuel quality and day‑to‑day usability.

• Engineer in protection: Integrally bunded tank, overfill alarm/shut‑off, emergency vents, reliable gauging and leak monitoring.
• Right‑size and equip: Capacity matched to burn rate and delivery lead times; specify pump flow, filtration/water separation and telemetry/management.
• Site smartly: Solid base, clear access, distance from drains/watercourses, physical security—and keep stocks optimised to reduce condensation.

9. Transportable tanks, IBCs and towable bowsers

What it is

Transportable tanks, IBCs and towable bowsers are mobile fuel storage and dispensing solutions designed to move with your operation by forklift, pickup or tow vehicle. Usually bunded in steel or plastic, they store diesel/gas oil and integrate pumps, meters and hoses to refuel plant and vehicles on multi‑site or remote jobs.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Contractors in construction, agriculture, forestry and events use these types of fuel storage tanks to keep equipment running without trips to forecourts. Pros include flexibility, quick deployment and minimal civils; cons include smaller capacity versus static bulk tanks, higher security needs, and extra wear‑and‑tear from frequent handling and transport.

Compliance and standards to know

On the road, these units fall under ADR transport rules; when parked and used as storage, Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations apply. Petrol variants attract Petroleum Enforcement Authority oversight and DSEAR controls, whereas diesel does not require petroleum certification. Select highway‑tow bowsers for public roads and site‑tow units for off‑road use only.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Favour bunded designs with 110% secondary containment, overfill prevention, emergency venting, reliable gauging and spill control at fill points. Right‑size to daily burn rate and delivery cadence, and specify lockable cabinets, filtration/water separation, anti‑theft measures and robust lifting/tie‑down points to protect both the asset and the fuel.

10. Generator day tanks and belly/integral tanks

What it is

Generator day tanks are smaller, local tanks that supply a generator for defined run time, fed from a bulk tank or filled directly. Belly (integral) tanks are built into the generator baseframe. Both are available as bunded or double‑skinned diesel types of fuel storage tanks with safety features such as overfill protection, emergency venting and leak detection.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Used for standby power, data centres, hospitals, utilities and construction sites where assured runtime and automatic refuelling are critical.

• Pros: Close‑coupled supply improves reliability; short pipe runs; fast level checks; compact with belly tanks.
• Cons: Smaller capacity; belly tanks can be harder to inspect/maintain; exposure to weather if not enclosed; requires robust overfill control from bulk to day tank.

Compliance and standards to know

For diesel/gas oil, UK practice expects secondary containment sized to 110% of capacity, with overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging. Petrol variants (less common for gensets) fall under Petroleum Enforcement Authority control and DSEAR. Apply Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations to fill/dispense points and plan for integrity checks and spill control.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Size the day tank to guaranteed runtime and delivery intervals; include margin for testing. Prefer integrally bunded or double‑skinned designs with interstitial monitoring, high‑level alarms/shut‑off, calibrated gauges and water draw‑off/filtration to combat condensation and contamination. For belly tanks, ensure access for inspection and fit protection from impacts and weather; keep stocks optimised to reduce condensation and diesel bug risk.

11. Petrol storage tanks (petroleum spirit)

What it is

Petrol storage tanks are purpose‑built, highly controlled systems for holding and dispensing petroleum spirit. Available as above‑ground or underground units, they’re typically supplied as bunded or double‑skinned designs with safety features such as emergency venting, overfill prevention and leak detection to manage petrol’s volatility.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Used where petrol is dispensed regularly and safely on private sites.

• Pros: Enables compliant bulk storage and cost control; cleaner, safer than cans; protects supply.
• Cons: Stricter approvals than diesel; higher capex (especially UST); tighter operational controls and inspections.

Compliance and standards to know

Petrol is one of the most regulated types of fuel storage tanks in the UK. Expect oversight from your Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA) and DSEAR duties, plus pollution‑prevention requirements.

• PEA and DSEAR: Licensing/registration and risk assessment are mandatory.
• Secondary containment: Bund to 110% capacity; fit overfill, venting and leak detection.
• Mobility: Transportable petrol tanks are ADR‑regulated; static systems follow storage rules.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Select format to throughput, space and visibility goals; design in safety and measurement from day one.

• Pick the form: AGST for simpler, smaller stores; UST for higher throughput, security and aesthetics.
• Choose construction: Double‑skinned/Integrally bunded with monitored interstice (UST); reliable gauging and high‑level alarms.
• Engineer interfaces: Lockable cabinets, protected fill points, spill control and documented inspections; budget for permitting and periodic integrity testing.

12. Diesel and gas oil storage tanks

What it is

Diesel and gas oil (red diesel) tanks are purpose‑built systems for storing and dispensing automotive diesel (DERV) or off‑road fuel on private sites. Supplied in steel or plastic, they’re commonly integrally bunded (tank‑in‑tank) and available as static bulk tanks, generator day tanks, transportable IBCs and towable bowsers with pump, meter and hose options.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Used across depots, farms, construction sites and standby power installations to cut fuelling costs and downtime versus forecourt purchases. The big watchouts are fuel quality (water/“diesel bug”) and security, plus choosing the right material and format for the site.

• Pros: Bulk‑buy savings and onsite refuelling; wide choice of bunded formats.
• Cons: Water ingress and microbial growth risk; theft/vandalism; maintenance required.
• Best fit: Fleets, plant, generators and multi‑site refuelling with bowsers/IBCs.

Compliance and standards to know

Commercial diesel/gas‑oil storage is typically bunded; UK practice expects secondary containment sized to 110% of tank capacity. Unlike petrol, diesel tanks don’t need petroleum certification. ADR applies when units are transported; static tanks follow Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations. Fit core safety equipment.

• Safety kit: Overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection, calibrated gauging.
• Operations: Routine inspections, spill control at fill/dispense points, water management.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Match material to exposure (steel for robustness, plastic for corrosion resistance) and build in fuel‑quality protection. Size to consumption and delivery intervals; design for security and easy servicing.

• Protect the fuel: Water draw‑off and filtration; keep stocks topped up to limit condensation.
• Engineer usability: Appropriate pump flow, accurate gauge/telemetry, lockable cabinets.
• Right format: Static bulk for depots; day tanks for gensets; ADR‑capable bowsers/IBCs for mobile work.

13. AdBlue (DEF) storage tanks

What it is

AdBlue (DEF) storage tanks are dedicated, purpose‑built systems for storing and dispensing AdBlue on site. They are supplied mainly as plastic, integrally bunded units, often with lockable cabinets that house compatible pumps, meters and hoses, plus optional management and gauging accessories.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Common at transport depots, workshops and farms where AdBlue is dispensed alongside diesel, these tanks prioritise clean handling and simple compliance.

• Pros: Corrosion‑resistant plastic construction; tidy, integrated dispense equipment; straightforward installation.
• Cons: Strict cleanliness needed to avoid contamination; separate equipment from fuel systems; bunded designs increase footprint.
• Best fit: Routine on‑site top‑ups with moderate daily draw.

Compliance and standards to know

While AdBlue isn’t a fuel, UK pollution‑prevention expectations apply to storage and dispensing. Specify secondary containment and core safety features to control spills and overfills.

• Secondary containment: Bund capacity sized to 110% of the tank.
• Safety kit: Overfill prevention, appropriate venting, accurate gauging; leak detection where available.
• Good practice: Dedicated AdBlue equipment to avoid cross‑contamination with fuels.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Focus on compatibility, cleanliness and usability. Select proven, integrally bunded plastic systems with the right accessories for your operation.

• Pick the package: UV‑stabilised plastic tank with lockable cabinet and secure fill point.
• Equip for quality: AdBlue‑compatible pump, filter, meter/flow measurement and closed‑coupling fittings.
• Control and visibility: Gauges/alarms and optional management/telemetry; plan spill control at fill/dispense points.
• Right‑size capacity: Base on usage and delivery cadence; allow space for hose reels and service access.

14. HVO and biofuel-compatible tanks

What it is

HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a renewable diesel. Tanks marketed as HVO or biofuel‑compatible are essentially diesel tanks engineered to store and dispense these fuels safely and efficiently. They come in steel or plastic, often integrally bunded (110% containment), in static bulk, generator and transportable formats.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Organisations switching from fossil diesel to lower‑carbon fuels for fleets, plant and standby generators can use these tanks as drop‑in alternatives where equipment is compatible. Biofuel blends containing FAME are more prone to water and microbial contamination, so good housekeeping is critical.

• Pros: Lower‑carbon option; familiar formats and fittings; straightforward installation.
• Cons: Tighter fuel‑quality control; routine monitoring and filtration needed.

Compliance and standards to know

HVO and biofuel storage follows the same fundamentals as diesel: secondary containment, overfill protection, emergency venting and leak detection. ADR applies when transportable units move on the road; petrol‑style petroleum certification is not required.

• Bunding: 110% capacity secondary containment.
• Safety kit: Overfill prevention, emergency venting, accurate gauging and leak detection.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Choose tanks specified by the supplier as HVO/biofuel‑compatible and design for fuel quality from day one.

• Control contamination: Water draw‑off and filtration; keep stocks optimised to limit condensation.
• Pick materials: Steel for robustness; plastic for corrosion resistance.
• Right format: Static bulk, generator day tanks, or ADR‑capable transportables sized to consumption and deliveries.

15. Aviation fuel tanks (AVGAS and Jet A-1)

What it is

Aviation fuel tanks store and dispense AVGAS and Jet A‑1. Above‑ or underground, they’re typically double‑skinned or integrally bunded and fitted with overfill prevention, emergency vents and leak detection to protect fuel quality and the environment.

Typical applications and pros/cons

Best suited to aerodromes, heliports and maintenance bases that need clean, reliable onsite refuelling. Also supports remote helicopter and ground‑support operations where downtime is costly.

• Pros: Secure, purpose‑built systems; fast turnaround; strong quality control.
• Cons: Higher capex and housekeeping; stricter controls and inspections.

Compliance and standards to know

Apply the same fundamentals as other types of fuel storage tanks: 110% secondary containment, overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging. Expect DSEAR duties for flammable atmospheres, ADR for transportable units, and Environment Agency pollution‑prevention expectations.

Specification, sizing and budget tips

Design for cleanliness and control. Keep equipment easy to operate and inspect.

• Containment and access: Double‑skin with monitored interstice; protected, lockable fill points.
• Fuel quality: High‑grade filtration/water separation with water draw‑off; accurate meters and security sized to throughput and deliveries.

Bringing it all together

Choosing the right tank is a practical exercise in matching risk to reality. Scope your fuels, daily burn and delivery cadence, then pick the format that solves your constraint: AGST for speed and access, UST when space, security or aesthetics demand it. Default to bunded (110% containment), specify overfill prevention, emergency venting, leak detection and accurate gauging, and protect fuel quality with filtration and water draw‑off. Steel brings impact resistance; plastic brings corrosion resistance. Static bulk suits depots and gensets; transportable IBCs and bowsers keep remote plant running. Remember the rulebook: Environment Agency expectations for storage, PEA and DSEAR for petrol, and ADR when you move fuel on the road.

With a clear brief you can shortlist, budget and buy with confidence. Before you place the order, sanity‑check your site risk assessment, spill control and operating procedures—or get a second pair of eyes. For expert coaching and compliant implementation, speak to Logicom Hub for dangerous goods training and practical consultancy that sticks.