As Papua New Guinea’s industrial and commercial sectors expand, the demand for reliable fuel storage and maintenance services has never been greater. Based in Port Moresby, Paul’s Tank Fuel Cleaning Services (PTFC Services) is positioning itself as a key local provider of specialised fuel and tank maintenance solutions, supporting industries where fuel integrity is mission-critical.
Led by founder and Managing Director Paul Kilipiah, the company has built a reputation for professional, safety-focused, and compliant services tailored to PNG’s operating environment. With Mr Kilipiah’s hands-on expertise in mechanical fitting and occupational safety, projects are guided with a strong emphasis on quality workmanship and regulatory compliance.
“We remain fully committed to supporting Papua New Guinea’s growing industrial sector with reliable, professional, and locally driven solutions,” Mr Kilipiah said.
Addressing a Critical Market Gap
Before PTFC Services was established, PNG lacked a locally based specialist dedicated to fuel system maintenance, cleaning, and inspection for commercial and industrial clients. Many businesses either attempted tank cleaning internally, often without specialist expertise, or relied on overseas contractors and general-purpose service providers. Both options carried risks — from contamination and equipment failure to higher costs and delayed response times.
PNG’s challenging conditions — including high humidity, heavy rainfall, ageing infrastructure, and remote logistics — make fuel contamination an ongoing concern. Water ingress, sludge build-up, and microbial growth can severely compromise fuel quality, leading to equipment breakdowns and operational downtime.
Recognising this gap, PTFC Services developed a comprehensive suite of specialist services focused on preventative maintenance and compliance, directly addressing the needs of sectors such as mining, oil and gas, logistics, marine operations, and power generation.
“Instead of waiting for foreign specialists, local firms can now access home-grown expertise at competitive pricing and quicker response times, which is critical in a landscape with logistical challenges and long distances between sites,” Kilipiah explained.
Comprehensive Specialist Services
PTFC Services provides a wide range of technical solutions designed to protect fuel quality and system integrity. Core services include:
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Fuel Tank Cleaning and Sludge Removal – Deep cleaning to eliminate water, dirt, sludge, and other contaminants that reduce fuel quality and damage equipment.
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Fuel System Inspections – Detailed assessments of tanks and piping systems to detect early-stage issues and ensure compliance with safety standards.
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Tank Installation and Replacement – Installation of new tanks and tailored replacement services aligned with client operational requirements.
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Pipe and Hose Maintenance – Servicing and upkeep of fuel lines to prevent leaks and system failures.
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Services – Prevents corrosion in underground or submerged metal structures such as fuel tanks, pipelines, marine vessels, and storage facilities.
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Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services – Evaluates the condition of materials, tanks, pipelines, and structures without causing damage.
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Tank Telematics Services – Advanced digital monitoring systems track fuel or liquid levels in real time via sensors connected to GSM or satellite networks.
The company also provides water tank cleaning, septic setup, waste removal, hydrocarbon cleaning, telematics installation, blasting and coating, and additional cathodic protection services, reflecting a diversified portfolio that meets multiple operational demands.
Nationwide Reach Through Project Mobilisation
While Port Moresby serves as the company’s headquarters, PTFC Services operates on a mobilisation model, deploying teams and equipment nationwide based on project requirements. Services are delivered on-site at mining locations, fuel depots, transport yards, marine facilities, power stations, and remote provincial sites. This flexible approach enables the company to serve industries across PNG, including hard-to-reach areas where professional fuel maintenance services are crucial.
Why Fuel Tank Cleaning Is Critical for PNG Industries
Professional fuel tank cleaning is vital in PNG, where diesel-powered equipment underpins major economic sectors.
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Mining – Large diesel storage systems power heavy machinery operating around the clock. Contaminated fuel can lead to injector and pump failure, equipment breakdowns, and costly production shutdowns. Even a single day of downtime in remote operations can result in significant financial losses.
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Transport and Logistics – Clean fuel ensures fleet reliability and engine efficiency. Neglected tanks can cause blocked filters, mid-route vehicle breakdowns, higher maintenance costs, and reputational damage due to delivery delays.
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Marine – Diesel engine reliability is essential for vessel propulsion and onboard power. Water contamination and microbial growth increase the risk of engine failure at sea, posing safety hazards and environmental risks.
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Power Generation – Many communities rely on diesel generators for electricity. Poor fuel quality can lead to generator breakdowns, increased fuel consumption, and prolonged outages affecting hospitals, businesses, and households.
Across all sectors, neglected maintenance can result in corrosion, leaks, environmental penalties, operational downtime, and escalating repair costs. In PNG’s challenging climate, professional fuel tank cleaning is a preventative investment rather than an optional expense.
“As PNG continues to develop in mining, transport, marine, agriculture, and power generation, the importance of proper fuel storage and maintenance cannot be overstated,” Kilipiah said. “Clean fuel systems are directly linked to equipment performance, operational efficiency, environmental protection, and workplace safety.”
Building Capability and Compliance
PTFC Services is focused on strengthening technical capability and compliance standards. The Managing Director has undertaken Integrated Management System training covering ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health and safety), positioning the company to service larger and more demanding industrial clients.
Ongoing investment in certification, liability coverage, and workers’ compensation insurance enhances credibility — an important factor in securing contracts across mining, oil and gas, and heavy industry. The company is also expanding expertise in telematics and advanced inspection support, aligning with industry trends toward predictive maintenance, digital monitoring, and integrated fuel data systems.
Safety and Risk Management
Specialised tank cleaning, particularly fuel and water systems, involves high risks including exposure to flammable fuels, toxic fumes, confined space entry, hazardous sludge, and environmental contamination. PTFC Services prioritises safety through strict risk assessment, certified equipment, and experienced technicians.
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Industry Outlook: Growing Demand and Higher Standards
PNG’s downstream fuel infrastructure is becoming more sophisticated, with expanding storage capacity and improved distribution. As infrastructure ages and operations scale, demand for professional fuel management and compliance support is expected to rise.
The industry is moving toward higher safety standards, stronger regulatory compliance, and data-driven maintenance practices. This shift creates opportunities for skilled local providers with technical certification and operational experience to compete effectively with multinational contractors.
“Our vision is not only to grow as a company but also to build local technical capacity in Papua New Guinea,” Kilipiah said. “We invest in training and safety standards, deliver quality workmanship, create employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans, and support industries that keep our country moving. Businesses should view fuel tank maintenance as a strategic investment — it reduces long-term costs, prevents breakdowns, and protects valuable assets.”
Through specialised services, nationwide reach, and a commitment to compliance and local capability, PTFC Services is positioning itself at the forefront of PNG’s critical industrial support sector.
