Petrochemicals
Germany pegged for slight 2013 improvement in chemical production, sales
Domestic sales are likely to be stable, but exports to other European countries, particularly in southern Europe, are likely to decline further in 2013. But there is no reason to be overly pessimistic, and there is no sign of a recession in Germany, according to VCI president Karl-Ludwig Kley.
Mitsubishi to invest in methanol-to-petrochemicals complex in Trinidad
The project will use 100 million standard cubic feet/day of natural gas to produce among other products di- methyl ether (DME), which can be used in Trinidad as a replacement or blending stock for diesel and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The target date for the first stage of the project is early 2014.
Dow disputes US findings in LNG export study
Dow Chemical says the recently-released report showing a positive economic impact is flawed, misleading, and based on outdated, inaccurate and incomplete data.
Pertamina, Mitsubishi agree to develop Indonesia petrochemical facility
Pertamina said earlier this week that domestic petrochemical production isn't keeping up with over $5 billion worth of annual demand, making related industries heavily dependent on imports.
INEOS licenses technology to NKNH for new Russia polyethylene projects
The 300,000 tpy Innovene G and 300,000 tpy Innovene S polyethylene plants will be part of a larger expansion at the complex, according to NYNH officials. The planned commissioning is in 2015 or 2016.
PPG licenses TiO2 production technology to China group Henan Billions
Henan Billions is currently a supplier of sulfate-grade TiO2 to PPG. In June 2012, both companies announced a memorandum of understanding regarding PPG’s licensing of certain chloride-based technologies to Henan Billions for use at Henan Billions’ titanium dioxide refinement facilities in China.
BASF North American CEO predicts weak global demand for 2013
The CEO said that low US natural gas prices were, on margin, a reason to consider more investment in chemical manufacture. The possibility of exporting lower-cost chemicals to foreign markets was less feasible because there was insufficient infrastructure to transport chemicals for shipping.
Reliance taps Jacobs to build West India MEG plant
Jacobs was awarded the engineering and procurement assistance services contract for the construction of a mono ethylene glycol (MEG) plant in Gujarat on India's west coast. The new MEG plant is part of Reliance's massive expansion project for its refining and petrochemical facilities.
US ethylene costs fall to lowest level since August
US ethylene prices ended November at 50.375 cents/lb, down from 54.5 cents/lb at the end of October and close to the previous low on August 9 of 50.125 cents/lb. Ethane and propane, two of the raw materials used to make ethylene, also saw price decreases in November.
Innospec withdraws bid for petrochemical firm TPC
Innospec said it spent a great deal of time and effort studying the business of US-based TPC and, while still believing that it is a good fit with Innospec, parties were unable to conclude a deal structure in a manner with satisfactory value creation for Innospec shareholders.
- BASF’s Intermediates division produces entire portfolio of acid chlorides and chloroformates at its Ludwigshafen site using renewable electricity credits 3/23
- ANDRITZ to supply refining technology for cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in the U.S. 3/22
- Brazilian city trials new biofuel aimed at replacing diesel entirely 3/22
- South Korea to review restructuring plan for largest petrochemical complex 3/22
- Shell says Pearl GTL facility's train two in Qatar requires around a year for full repair 3/22
- Iran attacks wipe out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity for up to five years 3/22

