Our History
Helping fuel our rapidly changing world for more than a century
While Motiva was formed in 1998, our Port Arthur Refinery's roots date back to 1903. This rich history is built on a foundation of innovation, perseverance, and passion for creating products that drive our rapidly changing world. The refinery is a direct by-product of the discovery of oil at nearby Spindletop – one of the birthplaces of the modern oil industry.
Fast forward nearly 100 years to 1998, and Motiva’s story begins as a joint venture between Star Enterprise and Shell Oil Company. Over the past three decades, we have embraced new opportunities, establishing ourselves as the largest refinery in North America, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Aramco, and entering the chemicals business.
From 1903 to Today
Our Refinery's History
Operations Begin
1903
The Texas Fuel Company begins operations at the Port Arthur Refinery, with a crude capacity of 850 barrels per day.
Continuous Thermal Cracking Units
1920s
The Port Arthur Refinery builds the first continuous thermal cracking units in the U.S., more than doubling gasoline yields.
Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units
1945
The Port Arthur Refinery starts two large fluid catalytic cracking units to produce aviation fuel, helping boost the war effort.
Increased Crude Capacity
1970
The Port Arthur Refinery completes the Vacuum Pipe Still (VPS) 4 unit, increasing crude capacity and environmental stewardship.
Base Oils
1985
The Port Arthur Refinery launches its first base oil unit, with the refinery eventually becoming the largest base oil plant in the Western Hemisphere.
Star Enterprise
1989
Saudi Refining, Inc. purchases 50 percent of the refinery as part of a joint venture with Texaco (formerly Texas Fuel) to create Star Enterprise.
Motiva's History
Motiva Enterprises
1998
Motiva is formed as a joint venture between Shell, Texaco, and Saudi Aramco, and includes the Port Arthur Refinery.
Texaco Exits
2002
Texaco exits the merger, thus creating a 50/50 joint venture between Shell and Saudi Aramco.
Crude Expansion Project
2012
Motiva completes the landmark five-year Crude Expansion Project, making the Port Arthur Refinery the largest refinery in North America.
76® Brand Added
2016
Phillips 66 and Motiva sign a long-term brand license agreement for the 76® brand, which Motiva now offers in 26 states and Washington, D.C.
Full Aramco Ownership
2017
Motiva becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Aramco and executes an agreement with Shell Oil Products U.S. to market the Shell brand.
Entry to Chemical Business
2019
Motiva acquires Flint Hills Port Arthur LLC, enabling Motiva to accelerate our entry into the chemicals business.
Manufacturing Complex
2020
Motiva combines our refinery and chemicals plant to capture synergies and form the Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex.
Shell Brand Extended
2023
Motiva and Shell Oil Products U.S. sign a long-term agreement to extend our Shell brand license agreement, with Motiva's operating territory stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Mid-Atlantic states.
Aramco Trading Americas
2023
Aramco Trading Americas acquires Motiva Trading and becomes the sole supplier and offtaker of Motiva, helping optimize and balance our system while bringing opportunity to Aramco Trading Americas.
Our Operations
We are a modern manufacturing company with an innovative spirit and a focus on the future.
