Irving Oil Refinery Completes $220 Million Investment Project

Over 1 million hours worked without a lost time injury

SAINT JOHN – One of the most significant investment projects in the Saint John Refinery’s history is now complete, thanks to the hard work of the project workforce and the support of the local community.

Over the past 60 days, the project team completed over 1 million workforce hours without a lost time injury – a significant safety milestone given the complexity and scope of the project. The $220 million project included maintenance and investment work on several units throughout the facility with a peak construction workforce of about 2,300 people. It marks the latest in a series of investments to continue to strengthen the refinery’s adaptability to changing product outlook and a wide variety of market conditions, as well as positioning the facility for future investment projects.

The majority of the work was focused on improving the processing reliability and efficiency of the Residual Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU), the primary producer of the refinery’s ultra-low sulphur fuels; with the aim of improving the facility’s yield or conversion of these higher grade fuels.

“It's a testament to the hard work and commitment to safety of those involved that our people were able to execute the project without a lost time injury," said Mark Sherman, Refinery General Manager. "We’re thankful to our employees, contractors, and community for their outstanding support throughout the project."

The scope of work included the installation of more than 6,000 feet of piping, as well as replacing valves, pumps and catalysts (substances that convert crude oil into lighter products). Over the duration of the project, 37 cranes were used, and 63 Kent trailers were required to provide office space and lunch facilities for the project team – hosting more than 12,000 meals day and night over the past two months.

"When it comes to executing turnarounds, we have an excellent team at the refinery," said Glen Kettlewell, Manager of Major Projects. "This team, coupled with the strong, long-term relationships we have with our contractors and building tradespeople, put us in a good position. We are pleased to have people working with us who are committed to our facility and region." 

“Target 60” Project at a Glance:

• Approximately 1.4 million working hours completed;
• Peak project workforce of 2300 people;
• 37 cranes, including two heavy lift cranes capable of lifting 750 tonnes each;
  Heaviest lift conducted during project: 80 tonnes;
• 63 Kent trailers used for office space and lunch facilities;
• Over 12,000 meals served to project workforce;
• Work involved several units, including: RFCCU, Diesel Hydrotreater, Hydrogen Plant, Amine Units, Utility Area, Pipe Rack, #2 and #3 Flares, Crude Unit;
  The RFCCU is 1120 feet long and up to 250 feet high. At the time of its commissioning in 2000, it was the largest unit of its kind in North America.
   

About Irving Oil

Irving Oil, a Fort Reliance company, was founded in 1924 and is a privately owned regional refining and marketing company with a history of long-term partnerships and relationships. Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery, in Saint John, N.B., which is located 65 miles north of the U.S border and has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. The refinery exports over 80 per cent of its production to the U.S., and accounts for 75 per cent of Canada's gasoline exports to the U.S. and 19 per cent of all US gasoline imports. In 2003, Irving Oil became the first oil company to receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award, for its clean gasoline.  

For more information about Irving Oil, visit www.irvingoil.com.

Media contact:

Lesley MacLeod
Irving Oil
1-506-202-3924
lesley.macleod@irvingoil.com