Limetree Bay Energy announced that it is suspending its plans to restart the refinery indefinitely, due to severe financial constraints.

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. 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. The Company met with employees today to announce the decision to suspend the restart and explain the transition process for those who will be affected by it.

“This was an extremely difficult decision for us, and we are truly saddened to announce suspension of our restart plans for the refinery,” said Jeff Rinker, Limetree Bay’s CEO. “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.”

Limetree Bay will begin preparing the refinery for an extended shutdown, which includes safely 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.

About Limetree Bay Ventures

Limetree Bay Ventures, LLC is a large-scale energy complex strategically located in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The complex consists of Limetree Bay Refining, a refinery with peak processing capacity of over 200,000 barrels of petroleum feedstock per day, and Limetree Bay Terminal, a 34-million-barrel crude and petroleum products storage and marine terminal facility serving the refinery and third-party customers.