Rhône Energies completes acquisition of Fos-sur-Mer refinery
- Rhône Energies (Entara and Trafigura consortium) bought the Fos-sur-Mer refinery and the Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne terminals from Esso.
- Fos-sur-Mer has a crude processing capacity of 140,000 barrels per day.
- Current staff at the site is approximately 310 employees, and Hervé Fonlupt is appointed General Manager.
- Rhône Energies signed a long-term supply agreement with Esso SAF for downstream supply continuity.
Transaction and handover
Rhône Energies, a consortium composed of Entara and Trafigura, has completed the acquisition of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery and the Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne terminals from Esso. The handover involved collaboration with Esso teams, the existing workforce and employees’ representatives, and required regulatory approvals from national and local public authorities to secure a smooth transition.
Operations and commitments
As owner, Rhône Energies will oversee full-site operations including maintenance, asset integrity and commercial activities. The company stated it will prioritise health, safety and environmental performance while maintaining ongoing social dialogue with employees and representatives.
Leadership and staffing
Following completion, Nicholas Myerson (CEO) and Derek Becht (COO) appointed Hervé Fonlupt, a former Esso Operations Manager with 30 years’ industry experience, as General Manager to lead daily operations alongside the plant leadership team. The site currently employs about 310 people.
Site profile and supply
Fos-sur-Mer has operated since 1965 and processes around 140,000 barrels per day of crude, benefiting from direct access to a major port and supplying petroleum products to the French domestic market. Rhône Energies has a long-term agreement with Esso SAF to continue supply to its downstream business in the region.
Source: trafigura.com