Americas
US chemical activity index rises sharply as outlook for business improves
The Chemical Activity Barometer has four primary components, each consisting of a variety of indicators: 1) production; 2) equity prices; 3) product prices; and 4) inventories and other indicators. Inventories, product prices, and equity prices all improved over the prior month.
Total Safety wins 18 awards for contractor safety
The member locations receiving the award range across the US in more than five states. Total Safety has received 54 AFPM contractor merit awards in the past four years.
EPA, Citgo strike deal to resolve Corpus refinery emissions violations
The agreement follows an unannounced inspection by EPA enforcement staff in June 2012, who acted on a tip from the Chemical Safety Board. The inspectors found violations in a range of areas, including equipment and controls, operation and auditing procedures, and initial and ongoing training.
Air Liquide opens California CO2 liquefaction plant
The facility captures carbon dioxide emissions from an ethanol plant owned by Calgren Renewable Fuels. The carbon dioxide recovered is then purified and liquefied by Air Liquide.
US demand rises for ethanol-free gasoline — API
The API and NMMA released new data on demand for non-ethanol gasoline, which is preferred for use by lawn equipment, boats and other recreational vehicles.
Borealis, Agrifos to develop world-scale ammonia project on Texas Gulf
The brownfield, hydrogen-based project is scheduled for mechanical completion and start-up in early 2019. The site will benefit from existing infrastructure and excellent logistics capabilities, which will allow product supply to a variety of long-term off-takers and customers.
Pembina to provide terminal services for new Canada diesel refinery
The terminalling services will be provided by Pembina to North West under a 30-year fixed return agreement and a 10-year natural gas liquids (NGL) mix purchase and sale agreement related to the third fractionator Pembina is constructing at its Redwater site.
USW workers vote to continue strike at Marathon’s Galveston Bay refinery
According to the USW, local issues that would eliminate job security and roll back safety policies are at the heart of the disagreement between both parties.
Flowserve secures $18 million in orders for Talara refinery upgrade in Peru
The project, led by Spanish-based contractor Técnicas Reunidas, will modernize the Talara refinery and allow it to produce gasoline and diesel fuels that adhere to new Peruvian environmental standards. It is the first major pump installment in the refinery since the 1970s.
IPP solicits offers to buy, relocate methanol plant
IPP officials say the plant is in excellent operating condition and was only shut down due to high feedstock (natural gas) costs in its current location. Major modifications through 2009 have increased both the flexibility of the plant's operation and reliability.
- Borouge reaffirms commitment to local manufacturing with new industry supply agreements 1/10
- Update: Turkey's Izmir refinery now expects to restart crude unit in Feb, IIR says 1/10
- Pertamina unit to produce ISCC-certified SAF in 1Q 1/10
- WTO panel largely backs EU in palm oil case against Indonesia 1/10
- Howard Energy Partners acquires ethylene pipeline from EPIC Midstream Holdings 1/10
- U.S. to impose further sanctions on Russian oil fleet and traders 1/10
