Web page reveals more about Murphy Oil plan

An industrial Web page is reporting that Murphy Oil expects to find a joint venture partner by the end of this year to pursue the rumored $6 billion expansion of its Superior refinery.

Industrialinfo.com reports that front end engineering design work will begin early in 2008, with engineering and construction firms hired by mid-year to perform engineering, procurement and construction services.

The potential expansion would add 200,000 barrels per day to current production of 35,000 barrels, company officials previously have told The Daily Telegram.

The conversion project will include new equipment including a 200,000-barrel-per-day crude and vacuum unit, a 80,000 barrel-per-day coker and hydrocracker, coker hydrotreater and fluid catalytic cracker units that each will process 50,000 barrels per day, industrialinfo.com reported.

ENSR, Murphy Oil’s environmental consultant, has been reviewing issues that include the displacement of 500 wetland acres located on the company’s Superior land holdings. If regulatory approvals are received, the partners would begin a construction process requiring 10 million hours of labor. From 3,000 to 4,000 workers would be required during the building phase.

Tags: murphy, oil, refinery, expansion, pollution, environment, lake, superior