Petrochemicals
Aramco, Sumitomo approve second phase of Saudi petrochemicals expansion
Sumitomo Chemical and Saudi Aramco are moving ahead with phase two of their Petro Rabigh integrated refinery and petrochemicals expansion in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Each new plant will be brought on stream as it becomes available for operation, beginning the first half of 2016, the companies said.
Dow wins $2bn in damages from failed Kuwait JV
The International Court of Arbitration awarded damages to Dow of $2.16 billion, not including interest and costs. Kuwait ruled in December 2008, at the peak of the global recession, that the Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait (PIC) should withdraw from the planned olefins and polyethylene venture.
US chemical production continues monthly decline
The US Chemical Production Regional Index (CPRI) slipped by 0.3% in April following a downwardly-revised 0.4% decline in March. Output slipped in several key segments including pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, plastic resins and synthetic rubber. Production fell across all US regions
Technip to buy Shaw energy, chemicals business
Shaw is selling the segment to Technip for $300 million in cash, adding that further collaborations between the two companies are possible for Shaw’s core business units. The companies further agreed to work toward developing future business relationships involving Shaw’s core business units.
WR Grace eyes new China refining catalysts plant
W. R. Grace has signed an agreement with the Qingdao Bureau of Commerce for an investment in China to manufacture fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and other related products for the refining industry. Construction dates and financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Georgia Gulf, Segetis to collaborate on bio-based polyvinyl chloride in US
Georgia Gulf has agreed to collaborate with Segetis to offer a new flexible vinyl compound based on Javelin technology bio-plasticizers from Segetis. This is the second collaboration to develop bio-based flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds announced in 2012 by Georgia Gulf, the company noted.
Cytec aims to sell coating resins business this year
Cytec Industries has begun a formal sale process for its coating resins business, the US-based specialty materials company said on Monday. Cytec does not intend to give further updates on the sale process until a transaction is announced, which is estimated to occur later in 2012.
Fluor finishes China polysilicon plant for LDK Solar
Fluor Corp. has completed construction for LDK Solar’s polysilicon plant in Xinyu City, China, one of the largest such production facility in the world. Fluor said it continues to provide debottlenecking services at the plant and is implementing new technologies to increase production.
Albemarle to shutter phosphorous product lines
Albemarle said Thursday that it plans to exit its existing phosphorous flame retardants business, citing a need to restructure its business portfolio and address underperforming assets. Production at both facilities will cease upon completion of customer contracts, according to the company.
SABIC chief seeks more collaboration for US, Saudi business leaders
Mohamed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC, is calling for “more productive engagement” between US companies and the Saudi private sector to further enhance business relations.
- ABB Ethernet-APL flowmeters to support digitalization at a large petrochemical complex in China 7/2
- Axens acquires Methanol-to-Propylene technology, expanding its SAF portfolio 7/2
- Lighthouse Green Fuels completes FEED for UK SAF project 7/2
- Höegh Evi and Nord Gas Solutions validate ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology for floating hydrogen terminals 7/2
- Metacon develops advanced catalytic testing unit for European research customer 7/2
- Yara to acquire Gulf Coast Ammonia Texas (U.S.) facility for $1.3 B 7/2
