Middle East
Innovative approach to accelerating the startup of a gasoline block and associated units at Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery complex
This article elaborates on the startup of a refinery’s heavy naphtha reforming unit with an alternative approach to the initial unit design, including an evaluation of several startup techniques to ensure the adequacy and practicality of the selected option.
Global Project Data
Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure (GEI) database is tracking nearly 1,100 active projects in the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI).
Two diverted oil tankers enter Red Sea but disruptions continue
Two oil tankers that had diverted away from the Red Sea have turned back and passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, ship-tracking data shows, though tensions in the region continued to disrupt global shipping and trade.
Proman and Bahri Chemicals to time-charter two methanol-powered ships
Proman and Bahri have announced a five-year agreement for Bahri Chemicals, a Bahri business unit, to time-charter two methanol-powered ships, Stena Provident and Stena Progressive, to transport various products globally.
Naphtha markets brace for margin squeeze amid supply glut in 2024
Global naphtha markets will likely suffer from lower profit margins in 2024 as refining and petrochemical capacity expansions in China and the Middle East outpace plastics demand growth globally.
Marine fuel sales fall at UAE's Fujairah in 2023, third largest bunker hub
Sales of marine fuel at the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah dropped by 7.1% in 2023, data showed, though the port retained its position as the world's third largest bunker hub.
LYB enters into agreement to acquire 35% of Saudi Arabia-based NATPET; expands core PP business
LyondellBasell announced it entered into an agreement to acquire a 35% interest in Saudi Arabia–based National Petrochemical Industrial Company from Alujain Corporation for approximately $500 MM.
Drawn by low prices, Chinese refiners hunt for oil to replenish stocks
Chinese refiners are actively booking crude oil cargoes for delivery in March and April to replenish stocks, locking-in relatively low prices and in anticipation of stronger demand in the second half of 2024.
Bayegan Group unveils $1.9-B petrochemical plant project in Turkey
Turkish petrochemicals company Bayegan Group is set to enhance domestic polypropylene production with a planned $1.9-B plant in Hatay province.
Borouge launches new infrastructure and advanced packaging solutions
Borouge Plc launched five new grades to meet the growing demand in the infrastructure and advanced packaging industries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
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- Australian researchers testing SAF production from landfill gases 5/1
- ACC responds to U.S. EPA's final risk management rule for methylene chloride 5/1
- Topsoe awarded contract to support FEED study for new low-carbon ammonia plant in Louisiana (U.S.) 5/1
- ClearSign Technologies receives burner contract for California (U.S.) refinery 5/1
- Traders scramble for U.S. storage as distillates demand disappoints 5/1
