Top 10 Best Oil and Gas Companies in Castle Point

Castle Point's Energy Heritage

Castle Point has a unique place in Britain's energy history. In 1959, Canvey Island received the world's first commercial shipment of liquefied natural gas, carried aboard the Methane Pioneer. Since then, the island's deep-water frontage on the Thames Estuary has made it a strategic location for fuel and gas storage. Nearby, the former Shell Haven and Coryton refinery sites have been transformed into major port and industrial developments.

Today, oil and gas companies in and around Castle Point provide fuel storage, distribution and supply services essential to London and the South East, while also investing in the energy transition. Below are ten of the most important names.

1. Calor Gas

Calor is the UK's leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas and operates an import terminal on Canvey Island. It supplies LPG to homes, businesses and leisure users across the UK, especially in off-grid areas, and is developing lower-carbon alternatives such as bioLPG.

2. Oikos Storage

Oikos Storage operates a major fuel storage terminal on Canvey Island, handling and storing petroleum products for distribution across London and the South East. It is one of the most significant energy facilities in the borough.

3. Shell

Shell has deep historic roots in South Essex through the Shell Haven refinery, whose site is now home to DP World London Gateway. Shell remains a major UK fuel retailer and is investing in low-carbon energy and EV charging.

4. BP

BP is one of the UK's largest energy companies, operating fuel retail, aviation fuels and North Sea production, while expanding its EV charging network and low-carbon businesses.

5. Centrica

Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, is involved in gas trading, storage and power generation, and is investing in flexible energy assets, hydrogen readiness and storage.

6. Harbour Energy

Harbour Energy is one of the largest independent oil and gas producers in the UK North Sea, with a growing international portfolio and interest in carbon capture.

7. Greenergy

Greenergy is a major UK supplier of road fuels and biofuels, and has been closely linked to fuel import operations on the Thames near Coryton.

8. Certas Energy

Certas Energy is one of the UK's largest fuel distributors, supplying heating oil, diesel and lubricants to homes, farms and businesses, including across Essex.

9. Flogas

Flogas supplies LPG and natural gas to homes and businesses, including off-grid properties and commercial users, with a growing focus on renewable gas.

10. Wood

Wood is an engineering and consulting company serving the oil, gas and wider energy sectors. Its expertise in project delivery, safety and decarbonisation supports terminals and industrial sites across the UK.

Industry Trends in 2026

The oil and gas sector is in transition. Fuel storage terminals are increasingly handling biofuels and lower-carbon products alongside conventional fuels. Companies are investing in carbon capture, hydrogen and renewable gas. The former Coryton refinery site, now Thames Enterprise Park, is being positioned as a hub for low-carbon fuels and energy innovation, reflecting wider change across the Thames Estuary.

Safety and Community

Major hazard sites on Canvey Island operate under strict safety regulations overseen by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency. Operators work closely with Castle Point Borough Council, emergency services and residents on emergency planning and community engagement.

Employment and Skills

The energy sector provides skilled jobs in engineering, operations, maritime services, logistics and health and safety. Local colleges, including USP College's engineering provision on Canvey Island, help train the next generation of technicians.

The Thames Estuary Energy Corridor

Castle Point is part of a wider energy corridor stretching along the north bank of the Thames from Purfleet to Canvey Island. Fuel terminals here receive products by sea and distribute them by pipeline and road to London, its airports and the South East. This infrastructure is critical to keeping vehicles, aircraft and businesses running. As demand patterns change, many sites are being adapted to handle sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and other lower-carbon products, helping to protect skilled jobs while supporting national climate goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Canvey Island still import LNG?

The historic LNG import operations that made Canvey famous have long since ended, but the island remains an important location for LPG and fuel storage.

Is the oil and gas sector still hiring locally?

Yes. Terminals, distributors and engineering contractors continue to recruit for operations, maintenance, safety and logistics roles, and many of these skills transfer directly into emerging low-carbon industries.

How can off-grid Castle Point homes heat their properties?

Most of the borough is on the mains gas network, but properties without a connection often use LPG or heating oil from suppliers such as Calor, Flogas and Certas Energy. Many are now considering heat pumps or renewable liquid fuels as lower-carbon alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Castle Point's role in the UK's energy system is long-standing and significant. From historic LNG imports to modern fuel terminals and low-carbon ambitions, the companies listed here shape the economy of South Essex and will play an important part in its energy transition.