- The Flandres refinery reported a loss of over €130 million in 2009.
- The refinery shutdown will involve dismantling units until 2013.
- Total and EDF plan an LNG terminal with a regasification capacity of 10-13 billion cubic meters per year.
- The ETBE production unit may be maintained for biofuel projects.
Refinery Shutdown
Total plans to permanently shut down refining operations at its Dunkirk site due to a structural decline in petroleum product demand. The Flandres refinery, which reported a loss of over €130 million in 2009, halted production in September 2009. The dismantling of units is expected to continue until 2013.
New Business Activities
The site will be repurposed into an industrial and technical facility with three new activities: a refining operations support center employing 180 people, a refining training center employing 25 people, and a logistics depot employing 15 people. Additionally, 20 administrative positions will be maintained, ensuring a total of 240 jobs at the site.
Biofuel Cluster
Total and its partners will explore maintaining the existing ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) production unit for biofuels. The site may also host a second-generation biofuel pilot unit as part of the BioTfueL project, potentially providing jobs for around 30 people.
LNG Terminal Project
Total and EDF have signed an agreement for a planned LNG terminal in Dunkirk, with a regasification capacity of 10-13 billion cubic meters per year. The terminal could meet over 20% of French natural gas demand. Up to 1,200 people will work on the project during construction, with at least 50 direct jobs and an estimated 150 indirect jobs created during operation. Flandres refinery employees will be given priority for these jobs.
Employee Support
The 370 employees affected by the refinery shutdown will be offered options to stay in Dunkirk, transfer to other Total facilities in France, or take early retirement. Total will provide personalized support, including job placement within the Group and financial assistance for those starting their own businesses.
