Posted on 04/11/2025

Written by the CSG Composites Team


Modular and mobile FRP (fibreglass-reinforced plastic) systems are reshaping how remote Australian industries manage water and chemical storage. Compared with traditional materials, FRP structures are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and faster to install, an essential combination for projects located hundreds of kilometres from support infrastructure.

In this blog, the team at CSG Composites explores how modular and mobile FRP solutions are helping remote sites overcome the challenges of distance, harsh climates, and high logistics costs, delivering stronger, safer and more sustainable infrastructure built to last.

Smarter Infrastructure for Remote Australia

Remote sites demand infrastructure that can be installed quickly, withstand harsh conditions, and operate with minimal maintenance. Traditional materials such as steel, cast iron and concrete struggle to deliver those outcomes.

That’s why CSG Composites has become Australia’s leading provider of modular and mobile FRP storage systems. All of our products are purpose-built to perform in tough Aussie environments.

With more than fifty years of experience, CSG Composites engineers composite tanks, silos, and other FRP systems that combine structural integrity, corrosion resistance and low maintenance with the ease of modular design. Every product is manufactured to rigid Australian Standards and rigorously tested for safety, strength and compliance.

Discover Our Accreditations >

The Cost Advantage of Modular FRP Tanks

While traditional materials might appear cost-effective at purchase, they rarely stay that way over time. FRP’s value lies in its total cost of ownership. This is a metric that includes transport, installation, operation and maintenance.

Unlike steel, wood or polyethylene, FRP does not corrode, rust, or degrade in humid or chemically active environments. It requires no repainting, galvanising or cathodic protection. Over decades of service, that means near-zero maintenance costs for your project and no risk of environmental contamination from corrosion.

For remote operations, the savings are amplified. Mobilising maintenance crews to isolated regions can often result in exceeding the original cost of a tank. CSG’s FRP systems are built to last 50 years or more with minimal attention, a critical advantage for mines, utilities and water treatment facilities working hundreds of kilometres from support infrastructure.

Lightweight Design for Logistical Efficiency

Logistics are among the biggest challenges in remote construction. Transporting heavy steel components to regional or desert sites can double project budgets.

FRP’s lightweight nature (roughly one-quarter the weight of steel) significantly reduces freight and handling costs. Each underground FRP tank or modular storage system can be delivered as a single-piece unit or sectional assembly, allowing for fast installation without welding, cranage or extensive on-site labour.

This modularity also simplifies site coordination. Prefabricated and pre-tested components are delivered ready for use, saving weeks of construction time. The result: shorter project timelines, fewer safety risks and reliable delivery outcomes. This reflects CSG’s commitment to help our clients Access Better People, Better Thinking and Better Service.

Engineered for Australia’s Harshest Environments

Extreme conditions demand materials that can resist corrosion, heat and chemical exposure. FRP is engineered precisely for those challenges.

Its resin-rich structure creates a barrier against corrosion, making it ideal for storing water, wastewater and industrial chemicals. Unlike metal, timber or polyethylene tanks, FRP maintains performance across temperature variations without warping, swelling or cracking. Read More on Why FRP Beats Steel & Concrete in Harsh Environments.

Safety and compliance underpin every design. CSG’s FRP tanks meet the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and EPA requirements, offering peace of mind that systems will perform safely even under pressure. Each tank is inspected, pressure-tested and certified before leaving the factory, ensuring consistency and reliability from delivery to installation. This attention to detail is what makes Australian manufacturing the gold standard.

For industries such as mining, renewable energy, and municipal water treatment, that durability directly translates to operational continuity and lower long-term risk.

Custom-Engineered FRP Solutions for Any Site

Every remote site presents unique challenges. From limited space to specialised chemical or water-quality requirements, the job is never easy. CSG Composites’ in-house design team collaborates with engineers and project managers to tailor each system to the client’s needs.

The range includes:

  • Modular FRP water tanks for potable water, stormwater and wastewater reuse.
  • Mobile FRP pumping stations for remote or temporary installations.
  • Portable fiberglass storage tanks suited to construction, defence and emergency operations.
  • Horizontal water tanks for low-clearance areas or compact sites.

Capacities range from 0.9m³ to 671m³, with options for insulation, internal linings and integrated fittings. Each unit is designed for ease of handling, minimal footprint and maximum efficiency with projects requiring mobility and adaptability in mind.

Proven Performance: The Arris Mining Case Study

The real-world performance of CSG’s FRP systems is best demonstrated through the Arris Sustainable Mining Water Project in Western Australia.

Arris, a specialist in water treatment technologies, was commissioned to design and build a passive water reuse facility capable of processing 760,000 litres per day for a large residential mining village. The challenge: deliver a system durable enough to withstand long-distance transport, rough access roads and high daily throughput.

CSG designed and manufactured eight 95,000-litre underground FRP tanks and an additional pump station, each purpose-built to meet strict treatment and reuse standards. Despite extreme conditions and tight deadlines, all units arrived intact and were installed on time.

CSG Composites were very good to us as they were able to meet the short lead time and have the tanks ready to go,” said Jim Kelly, Managing Director of Arris.

The result: a sustainable, low-maintenance water treatment system that continues to perform reliably in one of Australia’s harshest environments.

Discover More Case Studies >

Applications Across Australian Industries

Modular and mobile FRP systems are now used across a wide range of Australian industries:

  • Mining and Resources: Process water, wastewater and chemical containment.
  • Civil Infrastructure: Stormwater detention and sewer overflow tanks.
  • Utilities: Mobile pumping stations and emergency water storage.
  • Agriculture: Irrigation and fertiliser handling.
  • Defence and Remote Communities: Portable water systems for field operations.

Each application across the industries reinforces the principle that modular FRP systems are the most practical, safe and efficient option for isolated projects requiring long-term reliability.

Partner with Australia’s FRP Specialists

From design through delivery, CSG Composites provides engineering excellence built on trust, safety and results. Whether you need a modular water tank, mobile FRP pumping station or a portable fibreglass storage solution, CSG’s expert team ensures your project performs in even the most demanding conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do modular FRP tanks last?

FRP tanks generally have a 50 year service life with minimal maintenance, far outlasting steel, polyethylene or concrete in corrosive environments.

Are FRP tanks compliant with Australian standards?

Yes. All CSG Composites tanks comply with AS/NZS standards, the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, and EPA requirements.

Can tanks be customised for specific industry requirements?

Absolutely. Every tank or pumping system is designed and manufactured in-house to meet specific chemical, hydraulic, or spatial requirements.