Every Labor Day, we should take a moment to reflect on the men and women whose skill, dedication, and sweat build the foundation of our nation’s economy. In the energy sector, that foundation isn’t built on raw materials alone—it’s built on the hard work of skilled trade unions and the energy infrastructure that powers America.
This year, Energy Transfer celebrated a major historic milestone: 10 years since the first trans-Atlantic ethane shipment departed from our Marcus Hook Terminal in Pennsylvania.
Looking back over the past decade, we see how the transformation of Marcus Hook—driven by trade labor partnerships and ongoing infrastructure expansion—continues to provide reliable, highly-skilled union jobs while powering global markets.
For years, vast reserves of natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia were trapped without sufficient market access. By connecting regional production to global demand via the Mariner East pipeline network and Marcus Hook, Energy Transfer unlocked unprecedented value for the entire region.
None of this success would be possible without the skilled men and women of our regional trade unions.The transformation of Marcus Hook from a legacy oil refinery into a modern NGL hub required millions of man-hours. Electricians, pipefitters, boilermakers, ironworkers, and operating engineers reshaped the Delaware County skyline.
Energy Transfer has injected hundreds of millions of dollars directly into the regional workforce. These partnerships go beyond job creation. Upwards of 5,000 individual trade craftspeople have contributed to projects at the terminal over the years.
The union workforce at Marcus Hook has achieved national safety records, earning honors like the prestigious Zero Injury Safety Award (ZISA) from the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee for achieving millions of consecutive injury-free work hours.
Looking Ahead: New Ethane Expansion Projects
Labor Day is about honoring past accomplishments, but it’s also about building for the future. Energy Transfer is actively investing in new expansion projects at the Marcus Hook Terminal.
To meet rising demand for critical feedstocks both regionally and abroad, Energy Transfer is expanding its ethane chilling and storage capacity. By adding a 900,000-barrel refrigerated storage tank and ~20,000 barrels per day of incremental chilling capacity, this project will further solidify Pennsylvania’s place as a global energy leader—without expanding the physical footprint of the terminal.
Crucially, this project means more high-paying, local trade jobs. Construction of these sophisticated cryogenic facilities requires top-tier trade skills, creating nearly 100 immediate skilled construction roles and securing long-term operational work.
As we celebrate a decade of ethane exports from Marcus Hook, we extend our gratitude to the skilled trade unions, plant operators, maritime crews, and engineers who keep our infrastructure running safely and efficiently every day.
Energy infrastructure doesn’t just happen—it is built, maintained, and operated by the dedicated American worker. Happy Labor Day!