Bunded Tanks, Mobile Bowsers or Stationary Tanks: Which Suits Your Needs?
If you store or dispense fuel, oil, or AdBlue in Ireland, choosing the right tank setup matters more than most people realise. The wrong choice costs time, money, and compliance headaches. The right one fits how you work, where you work, and what you are storing.
From a practical operator’s point of view, the decision usually comes down to three options: bunded tanks, mobile bowsers, or stationary tanks. Each has a clear role. This article breaks them down so you can decide what actually suits your operation.
Understanding the Basics
Before choosing, be clear on three things:
- What product you are storing (diesel, kerosene, oil, AdBlue).
- Where it will be used (yard, site, field, multiple locations).
- How often you need to move it.
Once those are clear, the right option usually becomes obvious.
Bunded Tanks: Compliance and Long-Term Storage
What Is a Bunded Tank?
A bunded tank is a tank within a tank. The inner tank holds the fuel, while the outer tank acts as secondary containment. If the inner tank leaks, the outer bund captures the spill.
In Ireland, bunded tanks are widely regarded as best practice and are often required by insurers, councils, and environmental guidelines.
Who Bunded Tanks Suit Best
Bunded tanks are ideal if you:
- Store fuel long-term in a fixed location
- Operate from a yard, depot, or farm
- Need to meet environmental or insurance requirements
- Want peace of mind against leaks and spills
They are commonly used by farmers, haulage operators, plant hire companies, and commercial yards.
Advantages of Bunded Tanks
The biggest advantage is environmental protection. Spills are contained, which protects soil, drains, and watercourses.
Other benefits include:
- Easier compliance with regulations
- Often preferred or required by insurers
- Strong resale value
- Suitable for diesel, kerosene, and oil
- Can be fitted with pumps, meters, and lockable cabinets
For many Irish operators, bunded tanks are the safest long-term option.
Limitations
Bunded tanks are not designed to be moved once installed. They require a solid base and sufficient space. If your work is spread across multiple sites, a bunded tank alone may not be enough.
Mobile Bowsers: Flexibility and On-Site Refuelling
What Is a Mobile Bowser?
A mobile bowser is a transportable fuel tank designed to be moved by trailer, pickup, tractor, or forklift. It allows you to bring fuel directly to machines rather than bringing machines back to the yard.
Who Mobile Bowsers Suit Best
Mobile bowsers are ideal if you:
- Work across multiple sites
- Refuel plant, machinery, or generators on location
- Want to reduce downtime caused by travelling for fuel
- Operate in agriculture, construction, or civil works
They are especially popular with contractors and farmers during busy seasons.
Advantages of Mobile Bowsers
The main benefit is time savings. Machines stay working while fuel comes to them.
Other advantages include:
- Reduced fuel theft risk compared to leaving machines unattended
- Flexible use across sites
- Available in bunded and non-bunded versions
- Can be used for diesel or AdBlue, depending on design
For many operators, a mobile bowser pays for itself quickly by reducing downtime.
Limitations
Mobile bowsers have smaller capacities than stationary tanks. They also require towing or lifting equipment and must be secured correctly during transport.
They are best seen as a working tool rather than a bulk storage solution.
Stationary Single-Skin Tanks: Simple and Cost-Effective
What Is a Stationary Tank?
A stationary tank is a fixed, single-skin tank used for storing fuel or liquids in one location. These tanks are straightforward and cost-effective.
Who Stationary Tanks Suit Best
Stationary tanks suit operators who:
- Need basic storage at a fixed location
- Are not required to have bunding
- Want a lower upfront cost
- Use fuel regularly and visibly monitor the tank
They are often used for short-term storage or in controlled environments.
Advantages of Stationary Tanks
The biggest advantage is price. Single-skin tanks are cheaper than bunded tanks.
Other benefits include:
- Simple installation
- Wide range of sizes
- Easy access for dispensing
- Suitable for sheltered locations
For some users, they meet needs without overcomplication.
Limitations
The downside is lack of secondary containment. Any leak goes straight to ground. This can create environmental risk and potential clean-up costs.
They may also be less acceptable to insurers or regulators, depending on location and use.
Fixed vs Mobile: The Real Question
For most operators, the real decision is not one or the other. It is often both.
A common and effective setup in Ireland is:
- A bunded stationary tank at the yard for bulk storage
- A mobile bowser for on-site refuelling
This approach gives compliance, cost control, and flexibility.
What About AdBlue?
AdBlue adds another layer of consideration. It must be stored in dedicated, compatible tanks and dispensing systems.
- Bunded AdBlue tanks are ideal for yard storage
- Smaller mobile AdBlue tanks suit field or site use
- Never use diesel equipment for AdBlue
Clean storage is critical to avoid expensive SCR system damage.
Making the Right Choice
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do my vehicles return to the yard daily?
- Do I lose time travelling to refuel?
- Do I need to meet insurance or environmental requirements?
- Am I planning for long-term use or short-term convenience?
Your answers will point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Bunded tanks offer security and compliance. Mobile bowsers offer flexibility and efficiency. Stationary tanks offer simplicity and lower upfront cost.
The best choice is the one that matches how you actually work, not how you think you should work.
Get the setup right, and fuel storage becomes reliable, compliant, and hassle-free. That is the goal.