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Americas

Shell plans world-scale US ethylene cracker near Marcellus shale region

Shell is planning to build a world-scale ethylene cracker with integrated derivative units in the Appalachian region of the US, company officials said on Monday. The cracker would process ethane from Marcellus natural gas to produce ethylene, one of the primary building blocks for petrochemicals, officials said.

Chemtura to construct new China plant to serve petroleum additives, urethanes

US-based specialty chemicals firm Chemtura is planning to build a new multi-purpose manufacturing facility in Nantong, China, to serve its petroleum additives and urethanes businesses.

Dow to form carbon fiber JV with Turkey's Aksa

Dow Chemical, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Dow Europe GmbH, said it plans to form a joint venture to manufacture and globally commercialize carbon fiber and derivatives with Turkey’s Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.Ş. (Aksa).

Air Products to supply Valero US Gulf refineries with hydrogen, plans new facility

Air Products will supply US refiner Valero with more than 200 million standard cubic feet/day of additional hydrogen for its refineries in St. Charles, Louisiana and Port Arthur, Texas, officials said on Monday.

NOx control market to hit record level in 2011 – consultants

The market for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and replacement catalysts will reach a record $7.6 billion in 2011, according to the latest forecast from US-based consultancy McIlvaine Co.

Oil, gas production rates climb for Texas field amid new discoveries

Universal Bioenergy said Friday that joint venture partner Progas Energy Services continues to drill in the Premont Northwest oil and gas field in Jim Wells County, Texas, where it recently discovered more oil and gas and increased well production rates in several new zones.

Velan buys 70% stake in Italian valve company ABV

Canada-based industrial valve company Velan has acquired a 70% ownership stake in Italy’s ABV Energy S.p.A., a manufacturer of engineered valves, actuators and control systems supplied to energy markets.

Shell, Cosan launch sugarcane ethanol JV in Brazil

Shell and Cosan on Thursday officially launched their $12 billion joint venture that they say will become a leading producer of ethanol made from sugarcane. Named Raizen, the retail and commercial fuels company will operate in Brazil.

Navy climbers arrest environmentalists as drilling set to begin at Arctic oil rig

An occupation team from environmental activist group Greenpeace that scaled an Arctic oil rig to prevent deepwater drilling was arrested by climbers believed to be from the Danish navy.

Vopak, Enagas to acquire LNG terminal in Mexico

Global tank storage firm Vopak has partnered with Spain-based Enagas to acquire 100% of shares in the LNG import and re-gasification terminal in Altamira, Mexico.