Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Americas

Williams, Boardwalk unveil plan to transport NGLs from US shale plays

By combining new construction with an existing pipeline, Williams and Boardwalk believe that the Bluegrass Pipeline could be placed into service and begin serving customers sooner than other options. The companies expect that the planned project could be placed into service in late 2015.

Cheniere adds two more Sabine Pass LNG trains

Cheniere issued contractor Bechtel a full notice to proceed with construction of Trains 3 and 4, according to company CEO Charif Souki. Construction work began last August on the first two trains, which are about 30% complete. Initial LNG deliveries are expected to begin in late 2015.

Air Products plans new Chile industrial gases plant

Antofagasta's new plant will produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Its construction and the Graneros expansion will mean an investment of more than $15 million. The new capacity follows the opening of a new plant in Puerto Varas in 2012 to support local industries, including the growing aquaculture market.

EU slaps anti-dumping duties on biodiesel imported from Argentina, Indonesia

EU biodiesel makers have long complained that subsidies and incentives for biodiesel makers in Argentina and Indonesia give them an unfair advantage. Argentina's Foreign Ministry denounced the duties as an attempt to shield EU companies from more competitive Argentine producers.

Iran launches cyberattacks on US energy firms

HP Editorial Staff: HP News Services

In the latest operations, the Iranian hackers were able to gain access to control-system software that could potentially allow them to manipulate US oil or natural gas pipelines.

US monthly oil demand inches higher despite sharp decline in gasoline use

Gains in demand for distillate fuel [diesel/heating oil] and catch-all other oils, which include feedstocks for petrochemical plants, offset the fall in gasoline use to nudge total demand higher.

Valero targets more North American crude supply for Quebec refinery

Valero plans to invest between $106 million and $192 million to overhaul its handling capacity at the Quebec refinery, including increased tankage and new crude carrying ships, in order to increase access to North American crude. That will provide it with a competitive advantage.

Total mulls new ethane steam cracker in Texas

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

Total says it is considering a project to build a new ethane steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas, to capitalize on cheap, shale-derived feedstocks from North America.

US energy chief urges caution on gas exports

HP Editorial Staff: HP News Services

The new US energy secretary could delay further approvals for US companies seeking to export LNG, saying he wants to review whether studies of the issue are adequate. Some 19 export facilities have pending applications with the department, taking advantage of rising domestic production.

Petronas, Japex pick engineering contractors for Canada LNG export project

The contractors are Bechtel, a joint venture comprised of KBR and JGC Corp., and the Technip/Samsung Engineering/China Huanqiu joint venture. The awards represent an important step towards Pacific NorthWest LNG designing and constructing a world-class LNG export facility in British Columbia.