Why Texas City is an industrial powerhouse thanks to Marathon Oil and the Port of Houston

Located on the southeastern coast of Texas, Texas City is home to two major industrial powerhouses: Marathon Oil and the Port of Houston. With a population of just over 46,000 people, Texas City is a hub for the oil and gas industry and a key player in the state’s economy. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Marathon Oil and the Port of Houston have helped make Texas City an industrial powerhouse, outlining its past, present, and future.

The History of Texas City

The Early Years

Originally named Shoal Point, Texas City was founded in the 1890s as a railway terminus for the transportation of cattle. By the early 1900s, the town was home to several businesses, including a hotel, general store, and lumber yard.

The Industrial Revolution

With the discovery of oil in Texas, the town of Texas City began to transform into an industrial center. In 1934, the town became the site of the first oil refinery constructed in the United States by Marathon Petroleum. Over the years, more oil and petrochemical companies established operations in Texas City, including BP, Valero, Chevron, and ExxonMobil.

Marathon Oil and Texas City

The Marathon Petroleum Refinery

The Marathon Petroleum Refinery is the second-largest refinery in Texas City, with a production capacity of 585,000 barrels per day.

Recent Incidents

Marathon Petroleum has had a few recent incidents at its Texas City refinery, including:

• A crude unit leak that caused the refinery to be idled (source: Reuters)
• A compressor issue at the refinery (source: Reuters)

The Port of Houston and Texas City

Texas City Dike

The Texas City Dike is a long jetty that serves as a breakwater for the Port of Houston. The dike is a popular fishing spot and also serves as a buffer against storm surges.

Port of Houston Tour

The Port of Houston offers a free public boat tour of the ship channel where visitors can see some of the port’s 200-plus private docks and processing plants, including the Marathon Petroleum Refinery.

The Future of Texas City

Ongoing Expansion

The oil and gas industry continues to expand in Texas City, with companies like Marathon Petroleum investing millions in upgrading facilities

Conclusion

With its rich history and strategic location, Texas City is an important player in the global oil and gas industry. Marathon Oil and the Port of Houston have helped elevate Texas City to an industrial powerhouse, and the city’s future looks bright as the industry continues to expand.

FAQ

Q1: What is the population of Texas City?

A: Texas City has a population of just over 46,000 people according to the most recent US Census data.

Q2: What is the significance of the Marathon Oil Refinery in Texas City?

A: The Marathon Petroleum Refinery is the second-largest refinery in Texas City, with a production capacity of 585,000 barrels per day. It was the first oil refinery constructed in the United States.

Q3: What is the Texas City Dike?

A: The Texas City Dike is a long jetty that serves as a breakwater for the Port of Houston. The dike is a popular fishing spot and also serves as a buffer against storm surges.

Q4: Does the Port of Houston offer tours?

A: Yes, the Port of Houston offers a free public boat tour of the ship channel where visitors can see some of the port’s 200-plus private docks and processing plants, including the Marathon Petroleum Refinery.

Q5: What is the future of Texas City?

A: The oil and gas industry continues to expand in Texas City, with companies like Marathon Petroleum investing millions in upgrading facilities.