Fueling Safety: MJW’s Strategic Fire Protection Upgrades at Gulf Coast Tank Farm

In early 2023, MJW was selected by CITGO to deliver a critical safety upgrade to an existing fuel tank farm. The mission: design and implement semi-fixed foam protection systems to three large aboveground storage tanks, each holding significant volumes of ignitable liquids.

To kick off the project, MJW’s engineering team conducted an in-depth site survey and utilized 3D scanning technology to create a detailed set of plans covering the entire tank farm. This precise digital mapping laid the foundation for a phased approach to the fire protection upgrade.

By late 2023, MJW moved into Phase I of the project—securing permits to install foam protection for one of the tanks. During this permitting period, the client expanded the project scope to include Phase II, protection of additional two tanks.

In a stroke of scheduling fortune, permits for all three tanks were granted almost simultaneously. MJW quickly shifted into fabrication mode. Materials were procured and sent to the company’s Lakeland facility, where the team prefabricated most of the necessary piping and pipe supports. After fabrication, the components were hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance and coated with red epoxy paint for visibility and added durability.

By February 2025, MJW crews mobilized on-site to begin the installation phase. Over the next several months, the team worked efficiently and safely, completing the foam protection systems for all three tanks. The systems were tested and fully operational by the first week of May—delivered on time and to high standards.

Feedback from terminal personnel has been overwhelmingly positive, praising both the quality of workmanship and the professionalism of the MJW field crew. With Phase II now complete, the team is eagerly awaiting the green light for Phase III, which will continue the systematic protection of this high-risk, high-value facility.

This project demonstrates MJW’s strength in technical design, fabrication, and field execution—all while adapting to an evolving scope and tight timelines. As fuel infrastructure continues to demand higher safety standards, MJW stands ready to deliver.