Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:48pm EDT
* Expansion will make Motiva Port Arthur largest U.S. refinery
* Coker to be shut for work later this month -sources
* Vacuum unit to be shut in May for overhaul -sources
By Erwin Seba
HOUSTON, April 12 (Reuters) – Motiva Enterprises LLC’s Port Arthur refinery is on track to become the largest in the United States by September when its capacity reaches planned rates of 600,000 barrel per day (bpd) with the addition of a 325,000 bpd crude distillation unit, expected to begin start-up by late April.
The start-up is not expected to bring a surge in production along the Gulf Coast as Motiva plans to carry out repairs on other production units as well as take its time starting the new unit to iron out any kinks.