Our History – Zealander Refinery

Commitment

We believe we can make a difference to this world, to this very earth on which we live.We have been destroying the forests for whatever reasons for many years.

From Industrial Foundation to Energy Innovation

Since 1973, Zeeland Refinery has grown from a regional refining facility into one of Europe’s most energy-efficient, safety-driven, and environmentally conscious refineries. Our history reflects continuous investment, technical advancement, and a long-standing commitment to both performance and sustainability.

🏗️ 1973 — Foundation

Zeeland Refinery was founded as a strategic energy asset along the Western Scheldt. Positioned to serve Northwest Europe, the refinery was designed to produce essential fuels and feedstocks at scale — supporting both transportation and industrial sectors across the region.

📈 1980s — Growth & Expansion

Throughout the 1980s, the refinery underwent multiple upgrades. These expansions increased crude processing capacity and introduced greater flexibility to refine various types of crude oil. This decade laid the foundation for a more resilient and adaptable operation.

🌍 1990s — Environmental Investments

With environmental awareness rising across Europe, Zeeland Refinery made significant investments in cleaner technologies. We introduced desulfurization units, reduced flaring, and began aligning our operations with emerging EU fuel standards, reducing our environmental footprint.

⚙️ 2000s — Modernization & Efficiency

The new millennium brought a renewed focus on energy efficiency and process optimization. We adopted cutting-edge automation and control systems, improved heat integration, and implemented operational excellence programs — making Zeeland Refinery one of the most efficient in Europe.

🛡️ 2010s — Safety and Sustainability Leadership

We advanced our safety culture through risk-based inspection programs, upgraded emergency systems, and invested in workforce training. At the same time, our first CO₂ reduction targets were launched, supported by cleaner fuels and energy-saving projects.

🌱 Today — Supporting the Energy Transition

Zeeland Refinery continues to evolve. While we maintain our role in delivering vital fuels to Europe, we are also innovating toward a lower-carbon future. We’re actively supporting the Dutch energy transition and EU climate targets through new sustainability initiatives, emissions reduction programs, and exploratory work in renewable feedstocks and hydrogen readiness.

Our past is built on strength and reliability. Our future is built on innovation and responsibility.