Rhône Energies completes acquisition of Fos-sur-Mer Refinery, France

Rhône Energies, a consortium led by Entaro and Trafigura, has successfully completed the acquisition of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery and the connected facilities in Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne from Esso. This acquisition opens a new chapter for the refinery, a cornerstone of the French industrial sector for more than 60 years.

In a collaborative handover process involving Esso’s teams, local authorities, and workforce representatives, Rhône Energies ensured a smooth transition. As the new owner, Rhône Energies will manage all aspects of the Fos-sur-Mer site’s operations, including maintenance, asset integrity, and commercial activities, while prioritising safety, environmental performance, and continued social dialogue.

Following the acquisition, Rhône Energies has appointed Hervé Foulqet, a former operations manager with Esso, as the general manager of the refinery. With more than 30 years in the energy industry, Foulqet will lead the refinery’s day-to-day operations, supported by a dedicated plant leadership team.

Nicholas Myerson, CEO of Rhône Energies, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasising the group’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability in energy management. We aim to develop capabilities to lead the refinery through its energy transition, ensuring it meets the region’s needs for affordable and secure energy, he said.

The Fos-sur-Mer refinery, operational since 1968, processes around 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Its strategic location provides easy access to export routes and makes it a critical asset in France’s energy landscape. Rhône Energies is committed to maintaining the refinery’s long-term agreement with Esso SAF to secure supply lines for its downstream business.