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Europe

HP Construction: Europe

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Meche, Helen

BASF will increase its capacity for cyclohexane oxidation at its Antwerp Verbund site by about 50,000 tpy. The total investment amounts to about €10 million. Cyclohexane oxidation products are im..

HP Impact: Society urges GHS compliance

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Thinnes, Billy

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has been preparing health, safety and environment (HSE) professionals for major compliance changes that are required by the United Nations’ (UN&#14..

HP Associations: A wealth of knowledge at AFPM annual meeting

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Thinnes, Billy

At March’s American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM, formerly known as the NPRA) annual meeting in San Diego, California, it seems everyone had some important knowledge to share. Nowhe..

Valero CEO believes refining capacity still too much in US, western Europe

"We believe there's still too much refining capacity in the US and western Europe," Valero CEO Bill Klesse said during a conference call with investors. "Some things die hard." High unemployment and higher vehicle fuel efficiency have tamped down on fuel sales on both sides of the Atlantic.

BASF chief executive expects no drop in oil prices

German chemical company BASF doesn't expect oil prices to fall in the foreseeable future, CEO Kurt Bock said Friday at the firm's annual general meeting. Whether the company can pass on higher costs to customers will depend on how the economy develops, he said.

BG to sell 40% stake in Chile LNG plant to Enagas

UK-based BG Group agreed to sell its 40% equity interest in the GNL Quintero (GNLQ) liquefied natural gas terminal to Spain-based Enagas. The agreements reached apply to BG Group's shareholding in GNLQ - the owner and operator of the 2.5 million tpy regasification terminal in Quintero, Chile.

Italy's Eni sees challenging 2012 on weak economy, competition from renewables

On the energy markets, Eni said gas demand is expected to be weak due to the economic slowdown and increasing competition from renewables. The Italian company has one of the biggest gas operations in Europe. "The troubles on the financial markets are not over," an executive said.

Klesch, other buyers in talks to acquire Petroplus refinery in France

French Energy Minister Eric Besson said talks are underway with Swiss privately held Klesch Group and other potential buyers for the acquisition of a French refinery that belongs to Petroplus. The refinery is located in Petit-Couronne and is reported to have a capacity of 161,800 bpd.

Pöyry wins engineering on UPM Finland biorefinery

The Pöyry Industry business group has been awarded a contract for detail engineering in the UPM biorefinery project in Lappeenranta, Finland. The Lappeenranta biorefinery is UPM's first step in a strategy toward becoming a key player in advanced biofuels production, officials said.

Axens wins top France safety award for Salindres catalyst, adsorbent site

Axens is receiving a top annual safety award in the category of responsible care from the Union of the French Chemical Industries (UIC) for its Salindres plant in the Gard region. Axens will be presented with the award in Paris on Thursday, April 26, at the UIC general meeting.