popular articles

North Atlantic in talks to acquire Esso’s Gravenchon refinery

North Atlantic has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the Gravenchon refinery, France’s second-largest, from ExxonMobil in a deal reshaping the industrial landscape of the Seine Valley.

Please share:

Canadian group North Atlantic announced it has entered exclusive negotiations with ExxonMobil to acquire a majority stake in the American giant’s French industrial operations. The agreement targets the acquisition of 82.89% of Esso Société Anonyme Française (SAF) and 100% of ExxonMobil Chemical France SAS (EMCF). The deal notably includes the refinery in Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon (Seine-Maritime), owned by Esso SAF.

Located on more than 600 hectares in the Seine estuary, the Gravenchon refinery has a processing capacity of 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is France’s second-largest refinery, after the one operated by TotalEnergies in Gonfreville l’Orcher. The facility remains a strategic site for both national and regional energy supply.

Industrial objectives and transition timeline

According to the North Atlantic press release, the company aims to “consolidate the Gravenchon site at the heart of the French energy and industrial sector for decades to come”. The group also stated its intention to “ensure a complete and well-managed transition”, maintaining current jobs, salaries, and benefits.

The transaction is being managed through North Atlantic France SAS, a newly created entity for overseeing the company’s French assets. The deal comes as part of ExxonMobil’s broader portfolio restructuring in Europe, following the sale of its Fos-sur-Mer refinery in 2024 to a Swiss consortium.

Institutional reactions and outlook

Marc Ferracci, Minister for Industry and Energy, is expected to meet with North Atlantic representatives in the coming days to discuss the project. According to the ministry, discussions will focus on “employment and long-term investment benefiting the site and surrounding territory”. The development of activities linked to energy transition will also be addressed.

ExxonMobil confirmed its intention to maintain a commercial presence in France. Tanya Bryja, Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil Product Solutions, said that the Esso brand would continue to operate at nearly 750 service stations nationwide. She added that “France remains an important market”, highlighting ongoing sales of lubricants, chemicals, and specialty oil products.

At 10:15, Esso shares were down 8.47% at €139.40 on the Paris stock exchange, while the broader market posted a modest 0.22% gain.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Brazilian group Petrobras formalises its return to Angola with two memorandums of understanding signed with Sonangol and the national oil regulator, targeting offshore exploration without immediate financial commitment.
The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Malabu Oil & Gas’s lawsuit against Agip, Eni’s subsidiary, by upholding the statute of limitations on the OPL 245 oil block case.
The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Malabu Oil & Gas’s lawsuit against Agip, Eni’s subsidiary, by upholding the statute of limitations on the OPL 245 oil block case.
Portugal’s Galp expects a production surge in Brazil driven by the offshore Bacalhau field, in partnership with Sinopec, Equinor and ExxonMobil.
Portugal’s Galp expects a production surge in Brazil driven by the offshore Bacalhau field, in partnership with Sinopec, Equinor and ExxonMobil.
TotalEnergies sells its 12.5% stake in the offshore Bonga oil field to Shell for $510mn, raising the British group's share to 67.5% in the OML 118 block off the Nigerian coast.
TotalEnergies sells its 12.5% stake in the offshore Bonga oil field to Shell for $510mn, raising the British group's share to 67.5% in the OML 118 block off the Nigerian coast.
The Trump administration authorizes Chevron to maintain limited stakes in Venezuela while prohibiting oil production and export, marking a decisive shift for the oil sector amid geopolitical tensions with Maduro’s government.
Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.
Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.
SK Innovation, through its subsidiary SK Earthon, is accelerating investments in offshore oil exploration projects in Southeast Asia, enhancing South Korea's energy security through a regional strategy focused on operational efficiency.
SK Innovation, through its subsidiary SK Earthon, is accelerating investments in offshore oil exploration projects in Southeast Asia, enhancing South Korea's energy security through a regional strategy focused on operational efficiency.
Production at the Mero-4 field began on May 24 using a 180,000 barrels/day FPSO, the result of international cooperation among six partners operating offshore Brazil.
Production at the Mero-4 field began on May 24 using a 180,000 barrels/day FPSO, the result of international cooperation among six partners operating offshore Brazil.
As Western nations debate an adjustment to the price ceiling on Russian oil, Moscow firmly rejects these measures as market-distorting, citing a lack of significant impact on its current exports.
Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
Valeura Energy has completed eight wells on Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand, securing stable output and preparing a new investment phase at the Nong Yao field.
Valeura Energy has completed eight wells on Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand, securing stable output and preparing a new investment phase at the Nong Yao field.
Shell recognised Mecpec Trading for its 2023 fuel sales growth and contribution to Singapore's distribution network, with a 23% increase in total volume delivered.
Shell recognised Mecpec Trading for its 2023 fuel sales growth and contribution to Singapore's distribution network, with a 23% increase in total volume delivered.
Petroecuador suspended activities at its Esmeraldas refinery following a fire, with no injuries reported, while an investigation is under way to assess the damage.
Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) plans to eliminate over 3,000 non-union positions as part of a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at significantly reducing operational costs.
Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) plans to eliminate over 3,000 non-union positions as part of a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at significantly reducing operational costs.
TotalEnergies has started production at Mero-4, raising the total capacity of the Mero field to 770,000 barrels per day via five offshore units off the coast of Brazil.
TotalEnergies has started production at Mero-4, raising the total capacity of the Mero field to 770,000 barrels per day via five offshore units off the coast of Brazil.
Falling oil prices strain shareholder returns as supermajors weigh high dividends against cash flow stability.
Falling oil prices strain shareholder returns as supermajors weigh high dividends against cash flow stability.
Economically fragile Venezuela awaits a critical U.S. decision on renewing oil licenses granted to multinationals, a crucial issue that could significantly affect its recent economic recovery and financial stability.
Nigerien authorities instruct the local arm of China National Petroleum Corporation to repatriate expatriates who have held positions for over four years, citing violations of local content requirements and economic sovereignty.
Nigerien authorities instruct the local arm of China National Petroleum Corporation to repatriate expatriates who have held positions for over four years, citing violations of local content requirements and economic sovereignty.
German asset manager Union Investment has excluded TotalEnergies from its sustainable funds over allegations of human rights violations linked to the EACOP oil project in Uganda, further complicating its international financing.
German asset manager Union Investment has excluded TotalEnergies from its sustainable funds over allegations of human rights violations linked to the EACOP oil project in Uganda, further complicating its international financing.
The National Oil Corporation suspended crude transport from the Hamada fields following a leak detected south of Zawiya, 45 kilometres from Tripoli.
The National Oil Corporation suspended crude transport from the Hamada fields following a leak detected south of Zawiya, 45 kilometres from Tripoli.
US commercial crude oil inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels last week, defying market expectations, according to data published by the US Energy Information Administration.
As Venezuelan elections approach concerning the oil-rich disputed Essequibo territory, Guyana emphasizes increased vigilance, citing risks to its energy and territorial sovereignty amid Caracas' claims. ##
As Venezuelan elections approach concerning the oil-rich disputed Essequibo territory, Guyana emphasizes increased vigilance, citing risks to its energy and territorial sovereignty amid Caracas' claims. ##
GATE Energy and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue international offshore contracts, combining engineering, construction and commissioning capabilities.
GATE Energy and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue international offshore contracts, combining engineering, construction and commissioning capabilities.
BW Offshore has handed over the operations of the FPSO BW Adolo to BW Energy Gabon while retaining ownership and the vessel lease under previously agreed terms.
BW Offshore has handed over the operations of the FPSO BW Adolo to BW Energy Gabon while retaining ownership and the vessel lease under previously agreed terms.

Advertising