Middle East
Update on valves used in hydrogen service
Recommended practices can better scrutinize performance issues such as design, packing and metallurgy to mitigate failures.
Jacobs to study Saudi Ma'aden phosphate project
Jacobs was awarded a contract by Saudi Arabian Mining Company to provide a bankable feasibility study and front-end engineering design (FEED) for its Umm Wu'al phosphate project in the Sirhan-Turaif region of Saudi Arabia. The project will add 1.5 million tpy to Ma'aden's planned phosphate capacity.
Aramco, Sumitomo approve second phase of Saudi petrochemicals expansion
Sumitomo Chemical and Saudi Aramco are moving ahead with phase two of their Petro Rabigh integrated refinery and petrochemicals expansion in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Each new plant will be brought on stream as it becomes available for operation, beginning the first half of 2016, the companies said.
Dow wins $2bn in damages from failed Kuwait JV
The International Court of Arbitration awarded damages to Dow of $2.16 billion, not including interest and costs. Kuwait ruled in December 2008, at the peak of the global recession, that the Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait (PIC) should withdraw from the planned olefins and polyethylene venture.
Technip to buy Shaw energy, chemicals business
Shaw is selling the segment to Technip for $300 million in cash, adding that further collaborations between the two companies are possible for Shaw’s core business units. The companies further agreed to work toward developing future business relationships involving Shaw’s core business units.
European refiners under pressure from Middle East refining boom - Eni
Eni said a refining boom in the Middle East is putting pressure on European refiners because the Middle East producers, who have lower costs, are now entering the market in Europe - especially the Mediterranean. The official said output at Eni's Sicilian refinery of Gela had already fallen sharply.
Refinery upkeep costs poised to rise, says Tyco
Refinery maintenance will likely become more expensive in the next few years as operators have to make costly changes to comply with new environmental regulations.
SABIC chief seeks more collaboration for US, Saudi business leaders
Mohamed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC, is calling for “more productive engagement” between US companies and the Saudi private sector to further enhance business relations.
IEA predicts sharp rise in global refining production
Refiners are poised to ramp up production after seasonal spring maintenance and expected stronger demand for oil products through the summer, the IEA says. Fuel demand traditionally picks up in the northern hemisphere summer but especially in the US, the world's largest oil consumer.
Qatar looks to buy stakes in oil giants Shell, Eni
Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, continuing its recent splurge on overseas assets, is eyeing stakes in Anglo-Dutch energy group Royal Dutch Shell and Italy's Eni. Qatar is in "very advanced talks" to buy 3-5% of Shell, a major investor in Qatar, and a 3% stake in Italian oil giant Eni.
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- Russian oil refineries' peak maintenance expected in January and September 1/30
- U.S. lifts some Venezuela sanctions to ease oil sales 1/30
- Keppel, Aster plan sustainable aviation fuel project in Singapore 1/30
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