Americas
CB&I formally acquires US engineering major Shaw
CB&I had said that combining the two companies would create "one of the most complete engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, maintenance, and associated services companies in the world". CB&I plans to operate Shaw as a business sector under the brand name CB&I Shaw.
EIA sees slim US oil demand growth through 2014
With the downward revision for 2012, the EIA now sees 2013 US demand rising 0.3%, to 18.65 million bpd, with 2014 demand up 0.4%, at 18.72 million bpd. The 2014 figure would be down 10%, or nearly 2.1 million bpd below the demand peak hit in 2005 of 20.8 million bpd.
Explosion kills one at Air Liquide gas plant in Texas
The explosion occurred close to 7:40 a.m. on Saturday morning, according to the company, whose US operations are headquartered in Houston. About 20 people were working at the facility on Saturday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and one worker is still in critical condition.
Freeport LNG inks 20-year export contract with BP
Now that Freeport has secured customers for the entirety of its two planned liquefaction segments, the company expects to gain the financing to build them as soon as the company receives the necessary government permits, Freeport LNG chief executive Michael Smith said.
Chevron begins Canadian partnership with Apache on Kitimat LNG exports
After a brief transition period, Chevron will assume operatorship of the LNG plant and the pipeline. Apache Canada increased its ownership in the LNG plant and pipeline from 40% and will operate the upstream assets. Encana and EOG Resources sold their interests and exited the venture.
TPC Group begins engineering work to expand US polyisobutylene capacity
TPC Group first entered the market in May 2000 with the startup of its patented PIB process. Since that time, the company has grown significantly through multiple expansions to become the largest producer in North America. TPC supplies the market from its Houston production facility.
Calumet, WBI Energy form venture to build North Dakota diesel refinery
The facility will process 20,000 bpd of Bakken crude oil. Construction could begin this spring, and is expected to take up to 20 months. The plant will be located on a 318-acre site located west of Dickinson in Stark County, North Dakota. It will employ approximately 100 people, according to the companies.
Tesoro targets more Canadian crude oil for US West Coast refineries
Tesoro has been aggressive in expanding its crude-oil sources to bring down costs at its refineries along the West Coast, home to the vast majority of its operations. Tesoro and other US refiners have been steadily increasing their use of a domestic oil supply, bolstered by recent advances in drilling technology.
Canada concerned by cheap Alberta crude prices
There has typically been a slight discount, of roughly $10 to $20 a barrel, on the price of Western Canadian Select oil compared to the benchmark West Texas Intermediate blend. But that discount has widened to nearly $40, economists say, and they warn it could balloon further due to pipeline capacity constraints.
US investigation blames lax safety culture for fatal Carbide chemical blast
The explosion resulted from a failure by the company to investigate similar but smaller explosive incidents over many years while deferring crucial maintenance of the large electric arc furnace that blew up, according to the CSB. Two workers inside died within 24 hours from severe burn injuries.
- Allied Biofuels signs PIA with Uzbekistan to advance $6-B biofuels refinery project 4/10
- Nufarm strengthens strategic collaboration to support long term growth in biofuels production 4/10
- Pertamina and CRecTech sign MoU to explore pilot biogas-to-biomethanol facility in SEZ, Indonesia 4/10
- Shell Chemicals and Syensqo partner to deliver low-carbon ethylene oxide solutions 4/10
- HAMR Energy’s nationally significant fuel projects selected for Australian Government’s Investor Front Door Pilot 4/10
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries builds world's first ammonia-powered vessel 4/10
