America First Refining (AFR) has selected engineering and construction company Fluor to handle the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of a new refining facility in Brownsville, Texas.

Last month, AFR announced that the project will be the first newly built oil refinery in the US in more than five decades.

Fluor plans to record the contract’s value in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026).

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The plant will use proven, commercially tested technology to convert US shale crude into transportation fuels, gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, while prioritising high efficiency and lower emissions.

Once operational, the facility is expected to process more than 60 million barrels (mbbl) per year of domestically produced crude, strengthening US energy security and supporting the development of cleaner fuels.

Fluor energy solutions business group president Pierre Bechelany said: “We are honoured to partner with America First Refining on this landmark US project.

“Together, AFR and Fluor bring deep technical expertise and proven project delivery capabilities, positioning the project for successful execution.

“This collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to advancing the nation’s refining infrastructure.”

The refinery is expected to break ground in Q2 2026 and could improve the US trade deficit by approximately $300bn.

The project is part of a major agreement that includes a 20-year offtake contract with an undisclosed global supermajor, described as the largest energy deal in the US.

The facility aligns with US President Donald Trump’s America First energy agenda and represents a major capital investment.

It is supported by a nine-figure commitment from the same undisclosed supermajor, valuing the project in the ten figures.

Located at the Port of Brownsville, the site benefits from the port’s Economic Opportunity Zone designation, which is expected to spur job creation and attract additional investment across South Texas.

From 2014 to 2024, the US exported nearly ten billion barrels (bbbl) of crude but imported around 28bbbl, an imbalance that is reported to have cost consumers more than $1.8tn.