Europe
Shell, ORTEC form alliance on technical consulting
Shell and ORTEC formed a global cooperation alliance, focusing on the optimization of supply chain processes and strategic decision making in up - and downstream engineering disciplines like planning & scheduling, gas field production capacity optimization, spare parts management, and cost estimating.
ERG sells 20% stake in Italian ISAB refinery venture to partner Lukoil
Italian refiner ERG will sell a 20% stake in its ISAB refinery joint venture to Russia-based partner Lukoil. The companies agreed to the ISAB venture in 2008, under which the Sicily-based refinery has a capacity of roughly 320,000 bpd. ERG will own 20% of the refinery, with Lukoil owning the other 80%.
OPEC sees no shortage of oil in any region
OPEC's secretary general said Monday that there is currently no shortage of oil anywhere, despite current supply concerns. Oil markets have been jittery by interruption of supply from countries such as Sudan and fears Iran may preempt a planned European embargo on its oil exports.
Samsung, Total plan $1.8 billon expansion on South Korea petrochemical venture
Construction at the Daesan complex will include a second aromatics1 unit and an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer unit.
EU sees no need for new shale gas regulations
There is no need for new legislation to regulate shale gas exploration in the European Union, according to a study that proposed the bloc adopt a low profile on what is a controversial issue among its member countries. Exploratory drilling is taking place at more than 20 sites in the EU, half of which are in Poland.
Europe, Iran have coping plans for EU oil embargo
The European Union and Iran both say they have plans to make up for the bloc's planned embargo on Iranian oil, as the EU added it was seeking a coordinated import cut with some Asian nations. The sanctions were agreed upon Monday by foreign ministers in response to Tehran's nuclear program.
Total not interested in buying Europe refineries of Petroplus
France's Total says it isn't interested in buying Petroplus' refineries. Petroplus shut down three in January after it ran out of cash and was unable to buy crude supply.
European Union imposes ban on Iran crude imports
The 27-nation European Union agreed on Monday to block all crude-oil imports from Iran, as it steps up pressure on the Gulf nation to scale back its nuclear-enrichment program. The Council also agreed to freeze assets of the Iranian central bank within the EU.
Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.
Poland opens new natural gas pipeline, sees more imports from Germany
A new natural gas pipeline in southwestern Poland will allow the country to import gas from Germany more cheaply than from Russia. Poland will want to boost the capacity of the link with Germany in the future and plans to eventually use the pipeline to export Polish gas.
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- 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
