Americas
Invista to expand aromatic polyester polyols plants in Netherlands, US
The investments involve upgrades to boost global production volumes of the Terate HT polyols product line to help meet growing global demand for INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyols, according to the company. Financial commitment for the expansions will be in the "millions of dollars".
Flash fire injures contractors at BP Indiana refinery
When the fire ignited, the three injured contractors were performing maintenance work on a 105,000 bpd hydrotreater, according to news agency Reuters. BP said the three contractors were in stable condition at a local hospital. Two were being treated for burns and one for smoke inhalation.
Methanex awards plant engineering deal to Jacobs for Chile-to-US relocation
Jacobs is already executing site-specific engineering and construction management for the 225-acre location in Geismar, La. from its offices in Baton Rouge, with support for the disassembly from its office in Santiago, Chile. The plant is expected to be operational the second half of 2014.
Calumet to buy gasoline, middle distillates producer Montana Refining
The deal should close in the 2012 fourth quarter. Montana Refining owns and operates a 9,800 bpd refinery in Great Falls, Montana. The refinery has a complexity rating of 9.3, with crude oil feedstocks sourced primarily from Canada. It produces gasoline, middle distillates and asphalt.
Invista, LanzaTech to jointly develop bio-butadiene
According to the deal, INVISTA and LanzaTech will collaborate on projects to develop one-step and two-step technologies to convert industrial waste gas carbon monoxide into butadiene, the companies said. Initial commercialization is expected in 2016. Investment terms were not disclosed.
Tesoro buys BP refinery, logistics in California for $2.5 billion
Upon regulatory approval, Tesoro will acquire the 266,000 bpd Carson refinery near Los Angeles along with a related logistics network of pipelines and storage terminals.
US safety board launches full investigation into Chevron refinery fire
A CSB team with seven investigators arrived at the refinery last Wednesday and has since been conducting witness interviews and reviewing documents at the site. Important issues include understanding why the pipe that later failed was kept in service during a late 2011 maintenance turnaround.
Chevron crude unit at fire-hit California refinery may be out six months
Investigators reportedly found serious damage in the cooling towers, pipe racks and heater tower. Some of the refinery’s secondary units are continuing to operate using feedstock stored at the site, but no decision has been made on whether Chevron will buy additional feed or shut the units during repairs.
Global refinery runs poised to rise amid growth in developing countries
The IEA forecast shows that despite concerns about growth in emerging economies, such as China, demand from there is still growing and refining margins still have room to improve. China's crude intake is likely to increase in the coming months, just at a slower pace than previously expected.
Celanese wins US lawsuit over Southern Chemical methanol supply dispute
The jury said the contract, under which Celanese has paid Southern Chemical about $130 million/year, should continue until its expiration, adding that Celanese did not violate the terms of the agreement. The contract, which expires in 2015, is valid for Celanese operations in the US and Mexico.
- Indonesia expects EU to adjust palm oil biofuel stance after EU ruling 1/17
- First-ever ammonia and propane co-loaded vessel completes voyage from U.S. to Europe 1/17
- China's vast refining sector faces shakeout as fuel demand peaks 1/17
- Oman Oil Marketing Co. and TFG Marine establish bunker fuel supply JV 1/17
- Beware Egypt's smokestack onshoring as cement exports surge 1/17
- Petrobras reports record high refinery output in 2024 1/17
