Asia/Pacific
Global refinery runs to improve in months ahead
Growth in demand could give European refiners, struggling from lackluster regional demand, export opportunities - in particular, gasoline to the US Northeast, the IEA says.
Technip lands flexible pipe supply deal for Ichthys LNG project in Australia
Technip was awarded a lump sum contract to supply flexible pipe for the Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Australia. The Ichthys LNG project is expected to produce 8.4 million tpy of LNG and 1.6 million tpy of liquefied petroleum gas, along with approximately 100,000 bpd of condensate at peak.
Singapore to study LNG bunkering amid search for cleaner marine fuels
Singapore maritime officials are studying the feasibility of LNG bunkering in Singapore in collaboration with DNV and 21 industry partners. The industry is looking to LNG as a cleaner marine fuel to meet international regulations as LNG has lower emissions compared with conventional marine diesel oil.
BASF to build new India polyurethane site by 2014
BASF will invest €150 million to set up a new chemical production site at Dahej, located on the west coast of India in Gujarat. The start of production is planned for 2014. The project will be financed by BASF India Ltd. through internal accruals and loans.
Chevron sees downstream margins up in refining, down in marketing
US energy major Chevron says its downstream earnings in the first quarter are expected to be higher, reflecting improved refining and chemicals margins, lower operating expenses, and gains on asset sales. International refinery crude-input volumes were up slightly compared to the fourth quarter.
China adjusts fee for foreign JV energy projects
Foreign joint ventures involved in oil and gas production in China will now be charged a compensation fee calculated on production value rather than volume. China first levied a fee on foreign joint ventures based on production volume in 1990. However, it suspended the fee in November 2011.
Korea's Kepco signs $3.4bn LNG deal with Vitol
Korea Midland Power said Monday that it has struck a $3.4 billion deal with Switzerland's Vitol SA to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) under a long-term contract. The power-generating unit of Korea Electric Power Corp., known as Komipo, will buy 400,000 tpy of LNG from Vitol from 2015 to 2024.
Praxair to supply gases to Trina Solar plant in China
Praxair China has won a new contract with Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. to supply silane, ammonia, argon, nitrogen and oxygen to Trina Solar’s new production facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. Praxair will deliver silane in tube trailers, contributing reliability, safety and flexibility in product supply.
Crane launches Chinese website for energy flow solutions business
CRANE Energy Flow Solutions, a global provider of highly-engineered fluid handling solutions, this week launched its Chinese website module. “The introduction of our website content in Chinese represents CRANE’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction,” said Pines Wang with CRANE China.
PetroChina in talks with Shell, Hess about shale oil joint venture
PetroChina, China's largest energy producer, is in talks with Royal Dutch Shell and Hess Corp. about forming a joint venture to develop shale oil in the Santanghu Basin in northwestern Xinjiang province. China had an estimated 354 billion bbl of shale oil resources as of 2008, the World Energy Council said.
- U.S. labor board judge rules Exxon's Texas refinery union lockout was legal 11/28
- U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 11/28
- Maersk could use 15%–20% alternative fuels for its fleet in 2030 11/28
- Germany's BSW pushes to restore Russian oil to Schwedt refinery, seeks regional legitimacy 11/28
- Asia likely to benefit from cheaper Canadian, Mexican oil if Trump imposes tariffs 11/28
- Singapore distillates stocks tick up for fifth week 11/28
