Americas
Russia joining World Trade Organization will create export opportunities – Dow CEO
Dow Chemical said on Monday that it applauded the work of the Russian and US governments as well as all members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in finalizing the technical details of Russia’s joining of the WTO. “This is a tremendous step forward in creating more export opportunities, access to the latest goods, technologies and services, and most importantly, partnerships with foreign investors in the further growth of Russia’s thriving business community,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow CEO.
BHP Billiton to spend $4.5bn on US shale this year
BHP Billiton Ltd. plans to invest roughly $4.5 billion developing the shale oil and gas assets it bought in the US this financial year as it ramps up production, the head of the mining company's petroleum division said Monday. BHP is targeting US shale production of 90 million barrels of oil equivalent in the year through June or about 250,000 BOE/day.
Tyco opens valve maintenance, repair facility on Texas Gulf coast
Tyco Valves & Controls, a unit of Tyco Flow Control, has opened a new service facility for valve maintenance and repair in Port Arthur, Texas, offering easier access for oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico region. In addition to Tyco products, the center will also repair other manufacturers’ products, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Keystone delay causing tremors among big oil, benefiting small refiners
The US State Department's decision to delay TransCanada Corp.'s expansion of its Keystone pipeline system sparked quick concern in the North American energy industry. The move would delay completion of the project by a year and a half, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Sinopec confirms deal with Galp Energia to buy 30% of Brazil assets
China Petrochemical Corp. said Friday that it has signed an agreement to buy a 30% stake in the Brazilian unit of Portuguese oil company Galp Energia SA for $3.54 billion. Galp's assets in Brazil include four deep-water blocks in the Santos Basin, it said.
US shale study finds no clear link between fracking, water contamination
Initial findings from a study on hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development suggest no direct link to reports of groundwater contamination. The project leader offered early observations from the study at a briefing in Fort Worth, attended by local government officials, regulators and energy company executives.
Celanese to buy polyvinyl acetate lines of Ashland
US-based specialty chemicals firm Celanese has agreed to acquire polyvinyl acetate assets from Ashland, including its Vinac and Flexbond product lines, to support strategic growth of Celanese’s emulsion polymers business. Revenues of Vinac and Flexbond were approximately $45 million in 2010.
US paints, coatings demand to grow 8%/yr - study
US demand for paints and coatings is forecast to increase 7.8 percent annually to $26.2 billion in 2015, according to a new study from US-based market research firm The Freedonia Group. The US paints and coatings market will continue to be impacted by the trend toward sustainability, the study says.
Shell sees strong interest in proposed reversal of Louisiana-to-Houston pipeline
Shell Pipeline said on Thursday that it has received a “very encouraging response” to its non-binding solicitation of interest period for capacity on its proposed Houma-to-Houston pipeline system reversal project (Ho-Ho Reversal). Subject to customer commitments and regulatory approval, the Ho-Ho Reversal is expected to begin service by early 2013.
Conoco names downstream spinoff Phillips 66, picks Houston for headquarters
ConocoPhillips announced Thursday that its downstream spinoff company will be named Phillips 66 and be headquartered in Houston. ConocoPhillips, which will be a pure-play exploration and production company after the repositioning, will continue to be headquartered in Houston at the existing ConocoPhillips facility.
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