Fuel Tank Cleaning
Ensure the longevity, efficiency, and compliance of your fuel storage systems with OTS’ expert fuel tank cleaning services. Whether you're managing fuel for a transport depot, industrial site, leachate system, or critical infrastructure, our confined space-trained engineers deliver safe, thorough, and regulation-compliant cleaning.
OTS – Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Fuel Tank Cleaning Services
At OTS, we understand the vital role that clean and well-maintained storage tanks play in your operations. With an expert team of professionals who are 'confined space’ trained, we adhere to the highest industry safety standards. Our proven methodology, using innovative techniques and high-end equipment, ensures the longevity and efficiency of your fuel storage systems.
Our fuel tank cleaning services include:
Sludge and sediment removal
Confined space entry
High-pressure jetting of internal surfaces
High-capacity vacuum extraction and waste removal
Post-service documentation and compliance certification
Why is Fuel Tank Cleaning Necessary?
Fuel storage tanks are subject to sediment build-up and microbial contamination over time, potentially leading to fuel contamination, system inefficiency and corrosion. Regular tank cleaning and tank maintenance is a crucial preventative measure that safeguards your operations. (We typically recommend fuel tank cleaning every 12–24 months as best practice.)
Professional fuel tank cleaning helps to:
Improve fuel quality and system efficiency
Reduce filter blockages and wear
Prevent microbial growth and water contamination
Extend tank and equipment lifespan
Maintain compliance with environmental and safety standards
Below are some key signs your fuel storage tank needs cleaning:
Clogged filters
Unusual odours from the tank
Visible sludge or sediment
Inconsistent fuel gauge readings
Reduced engine performance
Fuel Tank Cleaning Process
Our fuel tank cleaning services follow a structured, safety-led process designed to minimise disruption while ensuring full compliance.
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![Site Inspection]()
Initial Assessment
We assess tank condition, fuel type, and contamination levels to determine the safest and most effective cleaning approach.
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![Fuel Uplift]()
Fuel Isolation or Uplift
Fuel is isolated, uplifted, or prepared for polishing depending on condition and reuse requirements.
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![Tank Cleaning]()
Internal Tank Cleaning
High-pressure jetting and controlled vacuum extraction remove sludge, sediment, and water from tank surfaces.
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![Fuel Disposal]()
Waste Removal & Disposal
All residues are transported to our licensed waste facility for compliant disposal or recovery.
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![Compliance]()
Verification & Reporting
Final checks and documentation confirm the tank is clean, compliant, and ready for ongoing operation.
OTS’ ADR Vac Tanker: High Pressure Jetting and Environmental Services
We are dedicated to advancing our services to deliver the most effective and environmentally responsible solutions for fuel storage maintenance. Our state-of-the-art ADR Vac Tanker is a cutting-edge innovation that combines high-pressure jetting with high-capacity vacuumation.
Designed for efficiency and versatility, it tackles even the most challenging cleaning projects with industrial-grade precision, ensuring tanks are thoroughly cleaned and optimised for performance. To find out more, read our article “Introducing the OTS ADR Vac Tanker”.
Key Features and Benefits of Fuel Tank Cleaning with OTS Group’s ADR Vac Tanker
High-Pressure Jetting: Effectively removes stubborn deposits, sludge and build-up inside tanks, leaving surfaces clean and contaminant-free.
Vacuumation Technology: Safely and efficiently extracts residual fuel, sludge and hazardous materials from tanks, ensuring a clean environment for ongoing operations.
ADR Compliance: Specifically designed for handling hazardous materials, ensuring safe and compliant operations for fuel storage systems.
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The ADR Vac Tanker plays a pivotal role in our comprehensive cleaning services, enabling faster, safer and more thorough cleaning processes. Whether it’s removing contaminants before decommissioning or preparing a tank for routine maintenance, this advanced unit ensures that every project meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
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Our ADR Vac Tanker aligns with OTS Group's commitment to sustainability. By safely collecting and transporting waste to our Waste Licensed Facility, we ensure that all materials are processed and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. This not only protects the environment but also helps our clients meet regulatory requirements.
Why Choose OTS for Fuel Tank Cleaning Services?
When you choose OTS, you’re working with an experienced team that understands the operational, environmental, and safety-critical demands of professional fuel tank cleaning. With extensive industry knowledge and a strong focus on compliance, we help clients maintain clean, reliable, and fully operational fuel storage systems.
Fuel tank cleaning is a core part of our inspection and maintenance services and is frequently delivered alongside related services such as fuel polishing, non-destructive testing, and fuel uplift and disposal. This integrated approach allows us to minimise downtime, prevent avoidable failures, and extend the life of both tanks and associated equipment.
Even with robust Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes in place, unexpected issues can arise. That’s why we also provide a fast, dependable emergency reactive call-out service, allowing our team to respond quickly in time-critical situations where immediate fuel tank cleaning is essential to protect people, assets, and the environment.
With OTS, you’re not just investing in fuel tank cleaning services; you’re choosing a long-term partner committed to safety, efficiency, and compliance at every stage of your fuel system’s lifecycle.
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Every fuel tank cleaning project begins with a thorough visual inspection and assessment of the tank, fuel condition, and site requirements. From there, we develop a tailored cleaning plan that ensures the safe removal and disposal of residual fuel, sludge, or contaminants.
Where appropriate, fuel polishing can be incorporated to remove impurities and extend fuel usability, helping to maintain system efficiency and reduce waste.
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Safety underpins every fuel tank cleaning operation we carry out. All OTS technicians are fully confined space trained and equipped to work safely in restricted and potentially hazardous environments.
Our services strictly adhere to industry safety standards and approved procedures, with appropriate equipment, controls, and risk management in place at every stage.
Fuel Tank Cleaning FAQs
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Most sites benefit from fuel tank cleaning every 12–24 months, depending on fuel type, tank condition, and usage. High-risk environments, such as backup generators or biodiesel storage, may need more frequent cleaning to prevent contamination or downtime. At OTS we tailor our fuel tank cleaning schedule to your site’s specific requirements.
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Yes. Wherever possible, our engineers plan fuel tank cleaning to minimise disruption, including coordinating uplift, temporary storage, or fuel polishing so your systems can resume operation quickly and safely.
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Yes. Our team carries out fuel tank cleaning on tanks storing diesel, kerosene, HVO, and other liquid fuels. We also support clients dealing with microbial contamination, water ingress, FAME-related issues, or degraded fuel.
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Not always. Where appropriate, OTS can isolate the fuel and return it after cleaning using fuel polishing. In cases where fuel is heavily contaminated or unsuitable for reuse, fuel uplift and disposal may be required prior to tank cleaning.
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All recovered sludge, water, and residues are safely transported to our licensed waste facility for compliant disposal or recycling. Full documentation is provided for environmental and audit purposes.
Clean fuel tank, clean fuel.
If your operations rely on clean, uncontaminated fuel, you should consider annual fuel tank cleaning services, or sooner if you’ve experienced inconsistent fuel quality, filter blockages, or bacterial contamination.
To book a service inspection or to learn more about our fuel tank maintenance services, please contact us today.