Americas
US investigators blame Chevron over Richmond refinery fire
The investigators found Chevron didn't apply safer design principles at the California refinery and also didn't fix a corroded pipe that ruptured and caused a fire and vapor cloud. The August fire at the 245,000 bpd refinery near San Francisco burned for hours, sending thick, black smoke over the San Francisco Bay.
Williams, Shell launch US gas processing alliance
The new venture, Three Rivers Midstream, has signed a long-term fee-based dedicated gathering and processing agreement for Shell's production in the Pennsylvania area. The joint venture also plans to pursue gathering and processing agreements with other producers in the liquids-rich region.
Plains to build Cactus crude pipeline in West Texas
Plains said the pipeline is expected to transport both sweet and sour crude oil from the Permian Basin to the Eagle Ford pipeline it operates as part of a joint venture with Enterprise Products. The Eagle Ford pipeline serves markets in Three Rivers, Texas, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Suncor picks KBR to maintain Edmonton refinery
KBR will assist with turnaround planning review, maintenance, pipe fabrication and long-term execution plans for the Suncor Edmonton refinery. Financial terms of the three-year agreement were not disclosed.
IEA cuts global oil demand outlook, warns on supply
The downward revision by the Paris-based consumer group reflects similar moves by other industry forecasters as concerns over the global economy continue to weigh on demand expectations. The decline reflects very weak demand from industrialized countries, particularly in Europe.
LyondellBasell to install NGL fractionators at Corpus Christi olefins site
The fractionation units will be capable of processing a combined 63,000 bpd of NGLs produced from the Eagle Ford shale. The company plans to buy ethane and propane produced at the units, using them as feedstocks for the adjacent Equistar olefins plant to produce ethylene and propylene.
BHP Billiton chairman urges US to promote exports of onshore oil, natural gas
Jacques Nasser, BHP Billiton chairman since 2010, says the export of onshore oil and gas, which has surged in recent years as new extraction techniques have been developed, will bring geopolitical benefits around the world and also create a large number of highly skilled jobs.
SABIC plans new US ethane cracker, possibly more
Mohammed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC, said the company is in talks with partners to invest in one or perhaps two projects. The plans for a new ethylene plant are based on an abundance of cheap ethane feedstock derived from the ongoing US shale boom. The company did not disclose a specific location.
SABIC signs research pact with MIT to develop unconventional feedstocks
The agreement paves the way for SABIC and MIT to work together to develop new practical innovation for the company’s solutions and processes in order to meet global needs from developing unconventional feedstocks to innovating new material solutions, SABIC said in a statement.
Pemex picks Spanish companies to build Mexican refinery cogeneration plant
Pemex said the future facility will be equipped with a heavy-duty type gas turbine as well as with a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), with supplementary combustion associated to the gas turbine, which will generate 115 t/h of steam at a pressure of 19 kg/cm² and 275 º C.
- Transition Industries signs agreements for the Pacifico Mexinol Project, an ultra-low carbon chemical production facility 7/3
- Bangkok Airways introduces SAF on commercial flights 7/3
- EcoCeres secures SAF contract with British Airways to help reduce carbon emissions 7/3
- Air Liquide to invest up to $200 MM in Louisiana, U.S. to support industrial growth 7/3
- MOL completes the acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals 7/3
- BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fueled vessels 7/3
