Hess Refinery Back in Service

The Port Reading-based Hess Refinery has resumed its normal operations. 

The refinery, which was shut down several weeks for maintenance work earlier this month, did not lay off any employees during the shutdown, according to a company spokesperson.

The refinery's fluid catalytic cracking unit was in need of repairs. The unit was restarted on Feb. 18.

The shutdown happened as news came out that Hess was permanently closing operations of its St. Croix refinery because of a drop in demand for refined oil products. Hess Chief Executive John Hess said in a January conference call with investors that there were no plans to permanently shutter the Port Reading refinery "if it generates acceptable returns." 

The Port Reading location processes more than 70,000 of high grade fuel daily.