Europe
Shell to collaborate in FLNG with Technip, Samsung
The agreement between the firms builds on the existing relationship, formed in 2009, to ensure the companies can capitalize on insights gleaned from the design and construction of Shell's Prelude FLNG facility in Australia and expand their technology offerings to the global energy market.
UK government lifts ban on shale gas fracking
Exploratory hydraulic fracturing can go ahead, subject to new controls to mitigate the risks of seismic activity, the government said Thursday. The technique has helped unlock gas reserves trapped in underground shale rock, but critics say the technique risks damage to the environment.
Foster Wheeler wins Norway FEED work for Statoil gas processing plants
The frame agreement includes an option for Statoil to extend the agreement for a further two years and for Foster Wheeler to execute concept studies as well as FEEDs. The value of the agreement was not disclosed, as bookings will be recorded as work is released by Statoil.
IEA sees global crude refining volumes on rise
In its monthly report on the oil sector, the IEA said that the projected daily average for refinery runs was up year-on-year by 950,000 bbl, to 75.3 million bbl. Growth is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2013, when refinery throughput is forecast to be 75.8 million bpd.
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.
Praxair starts up first Russia air separation plant
The plant has a capacity of 350 tpd and will reduce Kaustik’s electricity consumption at the site by approximately 30%, according to Praxair officials. The plant will also supply merchant products to local markets such as metals, metal fabrication, glass, automotive, food, electronics and healthcare.
Foster Wheeler wins top UK management awards for safety, environment
The winners of the Sword of Honour were recognized by the British Safety Council as having exemplary health and safety systems that are among the best in the world. Meanwhile, The Globe of Honour award scheme was launched to recognize exemplary environmental management.
Russia's Gazprom to increase gas exports in 2013
Deputy chief executive Alexander Medvedev said the Russian company would export more gas next year than this year. A minimum of a quarter of the gas will be supplied via new contracts, he said at the launch of the South Stream pipeline project in southern Russia that will bring Russian gas to Europe.
China calls on West to reduce GHG emissions
Poorer countries argue the West should lead from the front in cutting greenhouse gases because it is largely responsible for the heating of the planet since industrial times. China, the world's top polluter, says it aims to cut its emissions by between 40% and 45% by 2020.
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.
- UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product 12/19
- Stamicarbon awarded technology licensing contract for new urea plant in Eastern China 12/19
- Ford takes $19.5-B writedown on EV business 12/19
- Babcock & Wilcox awarded $40-MM contract for advanced wet gas scrubbing technology at Canadian petroleum refinery 12/19
- Aarti Industries secures methanol and toluene feedstock supply through multiple long-term contracts 12/19
- bp picks first outsider CEO Meg O'Neill after abrupt Auchincloss exit 12/19
