BWC Starts Up Chevron Terminal In Pascagoula

BWC Terminals has begun operations as part of the first phase of a new terminal in Pascagoula, Miss., with additional construction planned as the company continues to expand the facility.

The terminal was developed to support Chevron’s Pascagoula refinery, which is located across the street from the facility. Construction began in September 2025, and the first portions of the terminal were completed in July, according to Adam Smith, president and CEO of BWC Terminals.

The initial phase includes storage tanks and a rail offloading system capable of handling a 120-car unit train. The system receives yellow wax from the Uinta Basin, which is stored at the terminal before being transferred to Chevron’s refinery.

Smith said the $316 million investment figure associated with the project represents a broader, forward-looking estimate that includes both the initial and second phases of the development.

The second phase of the buildout, which is currently under development, will further support the Pascagoula refinery.

“The $316 million number that was largely published when we did the groundbreaking … was really more of a holistic, forward-looking view of what we anticipated was going to be Phase 1 and Phase 2,” Smith said.

The terminal’s marine infrastructure is also nearing full operation. BWC has completed its dock and was awaiting a post-construction survey to confirm water depths and ensure there were no issues with the waterway.

Smith said the survey is expected to be completed by the end of October. The U.S. Coast Guard has approved the dock, and BWC expects it to become fully operational during the last week of October, with vessel operations expected to begin before the end of the month.

The terminal is poised to handle a range of marine traffic, including Panamax-size vessels, medium-range product tankers, articulated tug-barges and river barges.

“We anticipate seeing a number of those marine assets coming in and out of our facility, both product inbound as well as outbound,” Smith said.

BWC already has seen some marine activity at the facility, including barge traffic and one vessel. Smith expects marine activity to increase once the dock is fully operational.

For Chevron, the additional marine access will provide another transportation mode for supporting refinery operations. Chevron currently has exclusive use of the terminal and is BWC’s only customer at the facility.

Marissa Badenhorst, director of Chevron’s Pascagoula and Pasadena refineries, said the project will strengthen the refinery while contributing to the regional economy.

“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when industry, local partners and the community work together toward a shared goal,” Badenhorst said. “The new terminal enhances the capabilities of our Pascagoula Refinery while creating economic opportunities and supporting the long-term strength of the region’s energy infrastructure. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone alongside BWC and everyone who contributed to its success.”

In addition to its marine and rail connections, the terminal has pipeline connectivity directly to the Chevron refinery. Smith said the facility is essentially an extension of the refinery and was built initially to support Chevron’s operations.

The terminal is adjacent to the Port of Pascagoula but is privately held and is not part of the port, Smith said. BWC is looking for opportunities to build its relationship with the port and potentially contribute additional economic value to the area.

As the facility expands, there could be opportunities for additional storage and other developments that could benefit the surrounding area, although specific future developments have not yet been determined.

Smith also credited local regulators, government agencies and the community for supporting the project during its development.

The company has hired a local workforce to operate the facility, and Smith said employees have played an important role in the terminal’s startup.

He said employees brought a willingness to learn and train in BWC’s operating practices and helped the company work through the challenges that can accompany the startup of a new facility.

The first phase is expected to be fully complete for a November 17 ribbon-cutting ceremony, and BWC expects to begin construction on the second phase in the first quarter of 2027.