Americas
Oiltanking to raise crude storage at Texas terminal
Oiltanking announced a $104 million expansion project to construct 3.2 million bbl of new crude oil storage capacity at its Houston terminal facility. All environmental and internal approvals are in place, and the additional capacity is expected to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Enterprise, Enbridge speed up Seaway oil pipeline reversal in US
The Seaway pipeline reversal designed to help ease the glut in Cushing, Okla., will begin delivering crude oil to Gulf Coast refineries earlier than expected, a spokesman for the project said. The reversal had been expected to start up by June 1, but now could begin around May 17.
Delta reportedly approves Conoco refinery deal
The Delta Air board is said to have signed off on the Trainer refinery purchase in Pennsylvania, and Delta hopes the deal with ConocoPhillips can be completed this week.
Global refinery runs to improve in months ahead
Growth in demand could give European refiners, struggling from lackluster regional demand, export opportunities - in particular, gasoline to the US Northeast, the IEA says.
Airgas wins fleet safety award from US gas group
Airgas received a fleet safety award from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the US industrial and medical gas industry’s standard-setting organization for the promotion of safety standards and safe practices. It was the third straight year Airgas was presented with the award.
White House forms oversight panel for gas policy
The White House announced the formation of a high-level working group designed to coordinate the government's oversight of natural gas drilling and the much-scrutinized drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing. A recent boom in production has provided ample cheap natural gas in the US.
Enterprise forms partnership to build NGL pipeline from Colorado to Texas
Enterprise Products, Anadarko Petroleum and DCP Midstream agreed to build a new NGL pipeline that will start in the Denver-Julesburg Basin in Weld County, Colorado, and extend 435 miles to Skellytown, Texas. Enterprise will build and operate the pipeline, which begins service in the 2013 fourth quarter.
Bayer to acquire Arkema polycarbonate sheet unit
Bayer MaterialScience has agreed to acquire the polycarbonate sheet business of Arkema, which includes the company’s Tuffak line of products used in such markets as aerospace, transportation and heavy equipment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Fluor named North America engineering partner for BASF chemical projects
BASF has chosen Fluor as its engineering partner for chemicals capital projects across North America. The deal includes include conceptual and front-end engineering and design (FEED), detailed engineering, procurement, project management and construction management services.
Trends in the downstream market
Hydrocarbon Processing recently sat down with Dick Heusinkveld, Vice President of New Equipment at Dresser-Rand to discuss emerging trends in the downstream market, and the approach Dresser-Rand is taking in response.

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- U.S. Gulf refiners seek Middle East, S. American oil to offset Venezuela, Mexico losses 7/25
- CEO of Russia-backed Indian refiner Nayara resigns after EU sanctions 7/25
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