Limetree Bay Will Remain Shut Down And Layoff 271 Employees

ST. CROIX, USVI — Limetree Bay Refinery announced on Monday, June 21 that it will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The company released a statement confirming that they are suspending plans to restart the refinery indefinitely, due to severe financial constraints.

The refinery was ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency to shut down for 60 days, after several operation incidents. The temporary shut down order was set to expire on July 14, however, Limetree Bay stated that they will not have enough cash to restart operations.

"Since the temporary suspension of its petroleum refining and processing operations on May 12, 2021, Limetree Bay has been working to obtain capital to assist in its restart efforts," said Limetree representatives in a statement released Monday. "Regrettably, the Company has been unable to secure the necessary funding and will be required to reduce the refinery’s workforce by approximately 271 employees, effective September 19, 2021."

Jeff Rinker, Limetree Bay’s CEO, released the following statement, "This was an extremely difficult decision for us, and we are truly saddened to announce suspension of our restart plans for the refinery. Our personnel have demonstrated tremendous commitment and dedication in restarting the refinery, and we continue to be proud of their hard work. Unfortunately, this is our only option, given the extreme financial constraints facing the Company.”

In preparation for an extended shutdown, the refinery will begin purging gases from all of the units and removing any residual oil and products in the lines.

Limetree Bay’s oil storage terminal will not be affected by the decision to suspend the restart of the refinery and will continue in operation.

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