The High Court has made winding‑up orders for companies linked to the Lindsey oil refinery. Orders were granted on 30 June 2025 for Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited; on 22 July 2025 for Prax Terminals Jarrow Limited; and on 12 November 2025 for Prax Downstream UK Limited. In each case, the court appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as liquidator. (gov.uk)
Following applications by the Official Receiver, the court appointed Matthew Callaghan, Andrew Johnson, Joanne Hewitt‑Schembri and Samuel Ballinger of FTI Consulting LLP as Special Managers to assist with the liquidations. These appointments cover the refinery and terminal companies, and were later extended to Prax Downstream UK Limited. (gov.uk)
The Official Receiver will carry out the liquidations in line with statutory duties and is required to inquire into the causes of the companies’ failure and the conduct of current and former directors. Since June 2025 the Insolvency Service has also overseen operational continuity at the site where appropriate to protect value pending asset realisation. (gov.uk)
Under section 177 of the Insolvency Act 1986, the court may appoint a special manager to manage the business or property of a company in liquidation where the nature of the business or the interests of creditors require it. Special Managers act under the court’s directions, must give security, keep prescribed accounts and operate as agents of the companies. (legislation.gov.uk)
Customers of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited, Prax Terminals Jarrow Limited and Prax Downstream UK Limited should direct queries to the Special Managers at PLOR.customers@fticonsulting.com. Suppliers should use PLOR.suppliers@fticonsulting.com. These inboxes are managed by the Special Managers on behalf of the companies in liquidation. (gov.uk)
Creditors who have not been paid for goods or services, or who paid for goods or services not received, should register their claim in the relevant liquidation. The Insolvency Service directs creditors to complete a Proof of Debt identifying the specific company and submit it with supporting documents to PLOR.Creditor@Insolvency.gov.uk. (gov.uk)
The Proof of Debt must comply with rule 14.4 of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016. In practice this means setting out the creditor’s details, the total claim as at the relevant date, how and when the debt arose, whether interest is included, any security held and any retention‑of‑title position, and attaching documents that substantiate the claim. (legislation.gov.uk)
Sub‑contractors owed money by Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited, Prax Terminals Jarrow Limited or Prax Downstream UK Limited should also register as creditors using the same Proof of Debt process. Those who worked for other companies in the State Oil group should contact those separate entities directly. (gov.uk)
On 5 January 2026, the Insolvency Service announced that Phillips 66 Limited is the successful bidder for the Lindsey site and related assets owned by the five companies in liquidation. Completion is subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals; employees have been informed. The Official Receiver and the Special Managers will oversee completion of the sale. (gov.uk)
The asset sale does not remove the need for creditors to register claims in the existing liquidations. Once a Proof of Debt is received and recorded, the Official Receiver will add the claimant to the creditors’ list and include them in future correspondence on progress and any potential distributions. (gov.uk)
Costs and fees in compulsory liquidation are set by legislation and, for Official Receiver‑administered cases, were updated from 9 January 2025. These are drawn as expenses of the winding up and may affect the timing and size of any dividend, which depends on realisations and admitted claims. (gov.uk)
For now, the practical steps are straightforward: identify which Prax company owes the debt, gather contracts, invoices and delivery or service evidence, complete the Rule 14.4 Proof of Debt, and email it to the Insolvency Service at PLOR.Creditor@Insolvency.gov.uk. Maintain contact with the Special Managers through the published customer and supplier addresses for any operational queries. (gov.uk)