Petrochemicals
Mitsubishi, Celanese to expand polyacetal complex in South Korea
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. (MGC) says it is expanding polyacetal (POM) production at its joint-venture facility in South Korea, increasing its production by 35,000 tpy. The construction of the new facility will start in the first quarter of 2012 and will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Momentive to close German formaldehyde plant on lower European demand
Momentive Specialty Chemicals says it has commenced consultations with the German Works Council to cease production of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-based resins at its Leuna site in Germany. Momentive intends to cease production at the Leuna plant by June 30, 2012, it said.
Oryx starts up lube oil blending plant in West Africa
Oryx Oil & Gas has started up a new lube oil blending plant (LOBP) in Togo, West Africa, the contractor involved with the project said this week. The plant has an output capacity of 18,000 tpy and is expected to serve all segments and markets in West Africa, especially the minerals and mining industry.
Bayer to acquire Arkema polycarbonate sheet unit
Bayer MaterialScience has agreed to acquire the polycarbonate sheet business of Arkema, which includes the company’s Tuffak line of products used in such markets as aerospace, transportation and heavy equipment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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.
Fluor named North America engineering partner for BASF chemical projects
BASF has chosen Fluor as its engineering partner for chemicals capital projects across North America. The deal includes include conceptual and front-end engineering and design (FEED), detailed engineering, procurement, project management and construction management services.
INEOS taps KBR to build Texas ethylene furnace
The furnace design will add 465 million lb/year of furnace production capacity to the Chocolate Bayou olefins site in Alvin.
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.
Williams picks CB&I for engineering on Louisiana petrochemical expansion
CB&I was awarded a $300 million contract by Williams for a petrochemicals expansion project in Geismar, Louisiana. Plant capacity is expected to be increased from 1.35 to 1.95 billion lb/year. Ethylene, mainly produced via steam cracking, is the world’s largest volume hydrocarbon.
Phillips 66 to focus on chemical, pipeline units, less on fuels - CEO
The ConocoPhillips downstream spinoff will focus on growing its chemical and midstream segments at the expense of refining due to the weak outlook for fuel demand.
- 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
