In this article, we will look at the 5 largest refineries in the US. We have also discussed the latest global predictions about crude oil prices in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 13 Largest Refineries in the US.
5. ExxonMobil Corp, Louisiana
Barrels per Calender Day: 522,500
Company: Exxonmobil Refining & Supply Co
Site: Baton Rouge
ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery, Louisiana, ranks fifth in the US and thirteenth globally, processing over 520,000 barrels daily since 2020. Originating in 1909 under Standard Oil, it houses the first commercial fluid catalytic cracking plant operational since May 25, 1942. The complex spans nine plants along the Mississippi River’s east bank, employing 6,300 workers, including 4,000 direct hires. With a tank farm capacity matching its processing rate, the facility remains a cornerstone of ExxonMobil’s operations.
The Baton Rouge Refinery earned the Louisiana Environmental Leadership Program Recognition Award for their notable recycling achievements. Their Chemical Plant was honored with the Global SSHE Excellence Award for outstanding safety, security, health, and environmental practices. Additionally, their Polyolefins and Plastics Plants received the Elite Gold Award from AFPM for excellence.
4. ExxonMobil Corp, Texas
Barrels per Calender Day: 564,540
Company: Exxonmobil Refining & Supply Co
Site: Baytown
The Baytown Refinery is situated in Baytown, Texas and is a significant oil refinery owned by ExxonMobil. With a daily capacity of 564,540 barrels, it stands as one of the largest in the United States, initially established in 1919 by the Humble Oil Company.
Occupying 2,400 acres (9.7 km2) alongside the Houston Ship Channel, the refinery plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy, serving as the largest employer in Baytown. Despite its prominence, the refinery encountered a major industrial accident on December 23, 2021, when a major explosion rocked the facility. This event resulted in serious injuries to five workers, prompting legal action against ExxonMobil and partner Team Industrial Services for alleged unsafe working conditions. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities stemming from the incident, although its implications remain a focal point for both local and national scrutiny.
3. Marathon Petroleum Corp, Texas
Barrels per Calender Day: 593,000
Company: Marathon Petroleum Co LP
Site: Galveston Bay
The Galveston Bay Refinery, also known as Marathon Texas City Refinery, operates within the Texas City Industrial Complex on Galveston Bay. With a capacity of 593,000 barrels per day, it ranked among the largest refineries in Texas and the United States in 2008 and was the eighth largest globally by 2018. Established in 1931 as Republic Oil refinery, it merged with Marathon’s other Texas City refinery in 2018. However, in 2021, it gained notoriety as the top emitter of benzene, a carcinogen, into the US environment among all refineries, highlighting major environmental concerns.
2. Marathon Petroleum Corp, Louisiana
Barrels per Calender Day: 596,000
Company: Marathon Petroleum Co LP
Site: Garyville
The Garyville Refinery, owned by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, is America’s second-largest oil refinery, with a capacity of 596,000 barrels per day. Nestled in Garyville, Louisiana, it spans 3,500 acres along the Mississippi River. Construction initiated in 1973, culminating in completion by 1976, later expanded in 2009 through the $3.9 billion Garyville Major Expansion Project. Their operations include crude distillation, hydrocracking, catalytic cracking, and more, primarily refining heavy sour crude into gasoline, diesel, and other products. With 900 employees and 600 contract workers, it plays a key role in the region’s energy landscape, capitalizing on varied transportation modes for feedstock supply.
1. Saudi Aramco, Texas
Barrels per Calender Day: 626,000
Company: Motiva Enterprises LLC
Site: Port Arthur
The Motiva refinery in Port Arthur, Texas is North America’s largest oil refinery. Originating in 1902 under Texaco, it flourished into a cornerstone of Texan oil production, anchored by the Spindletop boom. Over the years, ownership has shifted hands, culminating in a joint venture between Shell and Saudi Aramco, before transitioning fully to Saudi Aramco in 2017. The refinery’s growth is marked by a landmark expansion in 2012 which increased its capacity to over 600,000 barrels per day. Versatile in processing, it handles different crude types, supplying a spectrum of fuels and oils across the United States. It is the largest refinery in the US.
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