ExxonMobil, a multinational oil corporation based in the United States, recently announced plans to reduce its operations in Port-Jérôme, Normandy. As a result, this move is expected to lead to the loss of 677 jobs. In addition to shutting down several petrochemical units on the Gravenchon site near Le Havre, including a steam cracker, ExxonMobil stated that they will work with employees to find individual and collective solutions for their departure. No departures are expected before 2025.
The Minister of Industry, Roland Lescure, expressed concern for the employees and their families and emphasized the need for ExxonMobil to provide reclassification prospects and development opportunities for the site. The challenges faced by ExxonMobil were attributed to factors such as the configuration and size of the steam cracker as well as higher operating and energy costs in Europe.
The announcement has caused sadness and anger among employees who are unsure of how to react to the news despite recent minor injuries resulting from a fire in a distillation unit at Port-Jérôme refinery. Esso France also announced plans to sell its Fos-sur-Mer refinery and depots in Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne. The Swiss consortium Rhône Énergies, comprised of Trafigura and Entara has committed to maintaining employment for the 310 employees at the Fos-sur-Mer site.
The reorganization of ExxonMobil’s activities in France reflects broader challenges faced by the oil industry, including high energy costs and declining demand for petroleum products. Some experts believe that refineries have potential in France but it may involve conversion into biorefineries that produce biomass-based fuels while others see potential for refineries to adapt and evolve in response to changing market conditions and sustainability concerns. The future of oil processing in France may involve a blend of traditional oil processing techniques with innovative biomass technologies.
