August 25, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Irving Oil is investing C$235 million in its Saint John refinery, Canada’s largest, as part of a major turnaround project aimed at supporting safe, reliable and long-term operations at the facility.

Known as Operation Osprey, the 75-day turnaround is scheduled to begin in early September and will bring approximately 2,100 additional skilled workers to the refinery. The workforce will include personnel from more than 55 contracting companies, with the majority expected to come from communities across New Brunswick and the wider Atlantic Canadian region.

Operation Osprey represents one of the largest turnaround investments in the history of the Saint John refinery. The project will include key infrastructure replacements, equipment upgrades and a major revamp of the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU).

Commissioned in 2000 as part of Operation King of Cats, a C$1 billion refinery expansion project that brought thousands of workers to the region, the RFCCU plays a critical role in converting heavy crude oil into fuels such as gasoline and diesel. The unit uses a specialised catalyst to break down complex hydrocarbons during the refining process.

Irving Oil President and CEO Jeff Matthews said the C$235 million investment is essential to maintaining the refinery’s safe and reliable operation while supporting long-term energy security for the regions served by the company.

The turnaround is also expected to provide a significant economic boost to New Brunswick. The influx of contract workers, representing 19 different trades, is projected to generate more than C$14 million in economic spinoff for the province. This includes spending on short-term accommodation, entertainment and recreation, retail and other local services.

Trades involved in the project will include labourers, scaffolders, pipefitters, boilermakers, instrumentation technicians, welders and bricklayers. The total workforce hours associated with the turnaround are equivalent to more than 440 annualised jobs.

Dave MacLennan, vice president and general manager of the Irving Oil Saint John Refinery, said turnaround maintenance projects are critical to maintaining operational reliability, supporting energy security and providing opportunities for employees and tradespeople.

The company said the planning process for major turnarounds takes several years, with safety remaining a central priority throughout the project. Irving Oil also highlighted the role of its employees and contractor partners in delivering a project of this scale safely and successfully.