Americas
Methanex approves second plant relocation from Chile to US
The Geismar II project includes their 1 million tpy methanol plant, which is expected to be operational by early 2016. The second phase is likely to cost $550 million. The global demand outlook for methanol is favorable and demand is expected to outpace capacity additions in the industry, the company says.
Two fuel barges explode in Alabama; three injured
Early indications were that a spark ignited residual gasoline vapors while a crew was cleaning the barges, said Lt. Mike Clausen of the US Coast Guard, which was still conducting an investigation late Thursday. "That's where the investigation is currently leading," he said.
Tesoro, Savage to build crude-by-rail shipping yard for US West Coast refiners
With access to rail and existing marine infrastructure, the Port of Vancouver is uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for the distribution of North American crude oil to West Coast refining centers, according to the companies. The deal is subject to approval by regulatory agencies and port commissioners.
India's Petronet agrees to 20-year deal to buy LNG from US company United
India's natural gas importers are fast sealing deals to secure supplies as demand far exceeds domestic output. The nation currently produces about three-quarters of its natural-gas requirements, but will need to import nearly half of its requirements within a few years due to dwindling production.
Sulzer Pumps forms alliance with China's Sinopec
Through this partnership, Sulzer Pumps will support Sinopec's international operations and export business through constant and cost-effective supply and technical excellence. For service support and spare parts, Sinopec will be supported by Sulzer Pumps' global service network.
Survey finds majority support Keystone XL pipeline
Nearly 75% of Americans and 68% of Canadians said they support or somewhat support the project, which would carry heavy crude from the Alberta oil sands to the US Gulf for refining. "Energy security, particularly in the US, is driving views on energy issues," said Nik Nanos, president of Nanos Research.
Brazil announces stimulus package for ethanol, petrochemical producers
The Brazilian government is hoping that lower taxes on the country's sugarcane ethanol and petrochemical industries will help boost the competitiveness of exports.
Crosstex to build Louisiana NGL fractionation unit, picks UOP technology
Under the deal, UOP will build and install the UOP Russell fractionation equipment that is designed to extract ethane and propane -- highly in demand as petrochemical feedstocks for producing ethylene and propylene, two building blocks for plastics -- from mixed natural gas liquids (NGL) streams.
US monthly oil demand nudges up; gasoline down
Despite the modest rise of about 100,000 bpd, demand was the second lowest in March since 1997, the API said. Demand for gasoline, the most widely used petroleum product in the country, fell 2.3% in March to a 13-year low of 8.4 million bpd. First-quarter gasoline use was off 1.7% from a year earlier.
Praxair to supply planned NWR refinery in Alberta with new air separation unit
The North West Redwater refinery is scheduled to start up in 2016. The NWR gasification process will consume oxygen to produce hydrogen, which is used to upgrade bitumen into diesel and other higher value hydrocarbon products. Initially, the refinery will convert 50,000 bpd of bitumen.
- Digital Feature (sponsored): Three questions oil and gas companies should ask to improve their operations risk management 3/6
- Nextchem awarded engineering/technology services contract from SATORP (Saudi Arabia) 3/6
- PBF Energy's Martinez refinery (California, U.S.) repairs to cost $30 million 3/6
- Lummus Technology, Resynergi announce commercialization of microwave-powered plastic pyrolysis technology 3/6
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas to use sustainable carbon fiber composites in Formula 1 racecars 3/6
- Vopak to build ethane tanks to support Thailand's petrochemical production 3/6
