Americas
EDF, Exmar propose floating LNG plants in US
Floating plants could give companies a large head start over many other gas-export projects, which must wait for government approval before building their land-based liquefaction facilities. Even Cheniere Energy won't be done building its export terminal in Sabine Pass, Louisiana, until 2016.
Airgas to build Houston liquid carbon dioxide plant
The new plant will replace the Airgas plant at the Shell Deer Park refinery complex that is expected to close late this year. Airgas says it has entered into long-term agreements with affiliates of Denbury Resources to transport and deliver feedstock of raw carbon dioxide to the new Airgas facility.
Pemex awards work to Technip for revamp of Lara Sosa refinery in Mexico
The scope of work includes the detailed engineering, procurement, construction, training, commissioning and start up for the recondition of the combustion gases system of the No. 1 catalytic plant (FCC) of the refinery. Technip's operating center in Mexico City, Mexico, will execute the project.
IEA lowers forecast for global oil demand growth, warns of China slowdown
In its closely-watched monthly report on the oil market, the watchdog agency cut its oil demand growth forecasts for the coming year by a marginal 90,000 bpd, but warned that recent signs of recovery in the global oil demand could be the result of one-off factors, rather than sustained improvement.
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.

- 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