Chevron's operations in Singapore sprang from companies that later became part of our corporate family. Caltex was owned by Chevron and Texaco. Texaco merged with Chevron in 2001.
In 1933, Chevron entered the Singapore market through The Texas Company (China) Ltd., a former Texaco company. In 1937, Caltex introduced its first fuel oil and diesel fuel bunkering terminals. Operations started at the Tanjong Pagar Terminal in 1938. Caltex significantly expanded operations in 1958 with the addition of another bunkering terminal. In 1964, a lubricants blending plant was built at Tanjong Penjuru.
Introducing Lubricant Additives
In 1972, Chevron Oronite opened a sales office in Singapore for Oronite® fuels and lubricant additives. By 1995, Singapore became the Asia-Pacific regional hub for Oronite.
In 1999, we built our Singapore Manufacturing Plant, the largest lubricant additives manufacturing plant in Asia.
A Leader in Refining
In 1979, Chevron, through Caltex, became a one-third partner in Singapore Refining Company, which took over operation of the original Singapore Petroleum Company refinery.
The partners upgraded the refinery significantly in the 1980s by adding visbreaker, reformer and hydrocracking units, which greatly increased the refinery's capacity and allowed it to meet changing demands in the market.
In 1995, the refinery was upgraded at a cost of $1 billion with the installation of a residuum fluid cracking unit and other associated facilities, which increased production of gasoline and diesel.
The refinery's crude processing capacity continued to grow steadily, and in 2004, Chevron's interest in Singapore Refining Company increased to 50 percent.
Singapore has grown into an important hub for several aspects of our business. In 2001, it became the regional headquarters for Chevron's downstream Asia-Pacific operations.
Retail Growth
Over the years, the number of Caltex service stations and mini-convenience stores in Singapore has grown to more than 30.
In 2006, the company launched its exclusive fuel-cleaning additive, Techron®, when it introduced Caltex with Techron in Singapore and other Asia-Pacific countries. The launch is tied to the company's "Caltex Clean" fuels marketing strategy, which stresses the importance of providing clean automotive products and operating well-kept stations.
Recognized for Health, Environment and Safety
Chevron operates its facilities in a way that protects the health and safety of its employees, contractors and customers. Our workers demonstrate these principles every day through:
- Safety, health and environment awareness
- Pollution prevention
- Emergency preparedness and response
Chevron also is a founding member of East Asia Response Ltd., a regional emergency response center based in Singapore. The organization is always ready to respond to environmental incidents by mobilizing resources for the containment and removal of hazardous materials.
Each year from 2001 through 2006, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower recognized Chevron's marine fuels terminal and lubricants blending plant for achieving outstanding safety performance. In 2006, the ministry also honored the lubricants blending plant with the Outstanding Achievement for Safety Solution Award. And in 2007, for the seventh year in a row, the ministry again recognized the lubricants blending plant for its safety performance. In 2008, Chevron Singapore Pte. Ltd., our downstream subsidiary, was honored with a silver Workplace Safety and Health Award from the Ministry of Manpower.
At Chevron Oronite's Singapore Manufacturing Plant, operations are guided by Responsible Care® Codes of Practice. The byproduct hydrogen sulfide is recovered and converted to elemental sulfur for recycling in the manufacturing process.
Honored in the Business Community
Chevron and our affiliates have made significant contributions to Singapore as an investor and employer for more than 70 years.
Our commitment to Singapore was recognized by the Economic Development Board in November 2005, when Chevron received the Distinguished Partner in Progress Award for our commitment to developing Singapore's manufacturing industry and for our contributions to the people and economy of Singapore.
Updated: March 2009