Critical Infrastructure Maintenace Can Make A Significant Difference To Regional Energy Security
Geneva (Switzerland), November 1, 2024 – Rhône Energies, a consortium composed of Entara and Trafigura, announces the completion on November 1 of the acquisition of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery as well as the Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne terminals from Esso S.A.F. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new era for the refinery, which has been a key player in the French industrial landscape for more than 60 years.
The transfer process was carried out in close collaboration with Esso teams, refinery employees and employee representatives, to ensure a smooth and optimal transition. The public authorities, both national and local, were involved in obtaining all the regulatory authorisations necessary for the transfer between the two operators.
As the new owner, Rhône Energies will oversee all operations at the Fos-sur-Mer site, including maintenance, infrastructure integrity and production marketing. The company’s priority will be the health and safety of employees, environmental performance and social dialogue.
Following the acquisition, Nicholas Myerson, Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Energies, and Derek Becht, Chief Operating Officer, have appointed Hervé Fonlupt, Chief Operating Officer at Esso, as Director of the Refinery. With 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Hervé will lead the day-to-day operations and ensure the success of the site, supported by a dedicated management team.
Nicholas Myerson, Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Energies, said: “We are pleased to have completed the acquisition process and are proud to welcome the refinery’s employees to Rhône Energies. We would like to thank the local and national authorities for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in recent months. With this acquisition, we join a remarkable industrial ecosystem in Fos-sur-Mer. We intend to capitalize on existing operational excellence and develop additional capabilities to support the refinery in the energy transition, and are fully committed to meeting the energy needs of the region. »
Hervé Fonlupt, Director of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery, said: “It is an honour to take over the management of this site and to continue working with this experienced team. I am convinced that Rhône Energies is the ideal partner to drive the new phase of the refinery’s development. Now that the transition is complete, we look forward to opening a new chapter and maintaining our high standards of industrial excellence, safety and the environment. »
The Fos-sur-Mer refinery is a historic site that has helped provide safe and affordable energy to the region since it began operations in 1965. With a processing capacity of 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day, Fos-sur-Mer has direct access to a major global port and plays a significant role in the production of petroleum products for the French market. The site employs around 310 people. Rhône Energies has entered into a long-term supply agreement with Esso S.A.F for the continuity of its distribution activities in the region.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandre DECHAUX
Email: rhoneenergies@teneo.com
Phone: +33 6 17 96 61 41
Link to the Rhône Energies website: www.rhoneenergies.ch
About Entara
Entara LLC is an energy infrastructure company that optimizes and reduces the carbon intensity of refineries with long-term strategic potential. Its mission is to be a major player in critical energy infrastructure that provides sustainable energy products to ensure the energy security of the regions in which it operates. Its team is made up of experts in energy, operations and business management who draw on their extensive experience to improve the performance of refineries while ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and environment in the refineries they operate.
About Trafigura
Trafigura is a leading employee-owned commodities group founded more than 30 years ago. At the heart of global procurement, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our global logistics network to get oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and electricity from where they are produced to where they are needed, building strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, safer and more sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through MorGen Energy and the Nala Renewables joint venture.
The Trafigura Group also includes industrial assets and operating activities, including multi-metal producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, joint venture Impala Terminals and Greenenergy, a supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs more than 12,000 people, of whom 1,400 are shareholders, and is present in 156 countries.
