Top 10 Best Oil and Gas Companies in South Holland

South Holland's Role in Oil and Gas

For more than a century, South Holland has been one of Europe's most important centres for oil and gas. The port of Rotterdam hosts several large refineries, extensive storage terminals and pipelines that supply fuels and feedstocks across Europe. The province is also home to leading offshore engineering companies that design, build and install platforms, pipelines and floating production systems worldwide.

Today, the sector is undergoing profound change. Oil and gas companies are investing in renewable fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture and electrification while continuing to supply energy that society still needs. South Holland's oil and gas companies are central to this transformation.

How We Selected These Companies

We selected companies based on their operations in South Holland, their importance to the regional economy, technical capabilities and their role in the energy transition. The list includes refiners, storage operators, trading companies and offshore service providers.

The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies in South Holland

1. Shell

Shell has a long history in The Hague, where it maintained its headquarters for decades, and continues to operate the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam in Pernis, one of Europe's largest refineries. Shell is investing in biofuels and hydrogen projects in the port, including a large electrolyser for green hydrogen production.

2. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil operates a major refinery in the Rotterdam port area, producing fuels and base oils. The facility is recognised for its advanced technology and is part of the company's efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions at its European operations.

3. BP

BP operates a large refinery in the Europoort area of Rotterdam, one of the biggest in Europe. The company is exploring biofuels and hydrogen as part of its strategy to transform its operations, using its Rotterdam site as a hub for lower-carbon fuels.

4. Gunvor

Gunvor, a global commodities trading company, operates a refinery in the Rotterdam port. The company is increasingly focusing on lower-carbon fuels and improving the environmental performance of its operations.

5. Vopak

Vopak, headquartered in Rotterdam, is the world's largest independent tank storage company. It stores oil products, chemicals and gases, and is investing in infrastructure for new energies such as hydrogen carriers, ammonia and carbon dioxide.

6. SBM Offshore

SBM Offshore, based in Schiedam, is a global leader in floating production, storage and offloading vessels for the offshore oil and gas industry. The company is also applying its expertise to floating offshore wind and other renewable technologies.

7. Allseas

Allseas, headquartered in Delft, is a world leader in offshore pipeline installation and subsea construction. It operates some of the largest construction vessels in the world, including the Pioneering Spirit, used for platform installation and decommissioning.

8. Fugro

Fugro, based in Leidschendam, is a global provider of geo-data, offering site characterisation and asset integrity services. Its surveys and data support oil and gas projects, as well as offshore wind and infrastructure developments.

9. Heerema Marine Contractors

Heerema, headquartered in Leiden, specialises in the transportation, installation and removal of offshore facilities. Its heavy-lift vessels are used for platform installation and decommissioning, as well as for offshore wind projects.

10. Neste

Neste operates one of the world's largest renewable fuels refineries in the Rotterdam port, producing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel from waste and residue raw materials. Its expansion in Rotterdam illustrates the transition of the port's energy industry.

Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector

The oil and gas industry in South Holland is increasingly focused on decarbonisation. Carbon capture and storage projects, such as Porthos, aim to store emissions from Rotterdam industry under the North Sea. Refineries are converting to process biofuels and are integrating green hydrogen into their operations. Storage companies are preparing for new energy carriers such as ammonia and liquid hydrogen. Offshore companies are applying their expertise to renewable energy and decommissioning of old platforms.

Economic Importance

The oil and gas sector remains a major employer in South Holland and contributes significantly to the Dutch economy. It supports a large network of suppliers, engineering firms and service companies. The sector's transformation is creating new opportunities for skilled workers in fields such as hydrogen, carbon capture and renewable fuels.

Challenges and Opportunities

Companies face pressure from climate policy, investors and society to reduce emissions. At the same time, energy security concerns have highlighted the continued importance of reliable supply. Balancing these priorities requires significant investment and innovation. The companies on this list are leveraging their engineering expertise and infrastructure to play a role in the energy system of the future.

Conclusion

South Holland's oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the regional economy and a key player in Europe's energy transition. From refiners like Shell, ExxonMobil and BP to storage leader Vopak and offshore specialists SBM Offshore, Allseas and Fugro, these companies are adapting their expertise to meet the energy needs of tomorrow.