Americas
US shale boom drives oilfield chem demand - study
The oilfield specialty chemicals market grew to nearly $16 billion in 2010, driven in large part by the rapid expansion of shale oil and gas drilling and production in North America, according to a new study. World demand for these chemicals is expected to grow at an average rate of 3.5% during the next five years.
Rockwood to build $140mn lithium plant in Chile
Rockwood will invest $140 million in a new lithium carbonate production plant in Chile. Under the new investment program, Rockwood will build a 20,000 tpy lithium carbonate plant at the sight at LeNegra, near the port of Antofagasta in northern Chile, the company said.
Sunoco to swap CEOs amid transition to logistics
Sunoco’s Lynn Elsenhans will step down as CEO and be replaced by Brian MacDonald in March, as the US-based company continues its exit from the manufacturing industry and transition to a logistics and retail focus. MacDonald, 46, joined Sunoco in 2009 as senior vice president and chief financial officer.
CB&I inks Houston Ship Channel storage tank deal
CB&I said Friday it awarded a $60 million, by BOSTCO for the engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction of storage tanks for its grassroots black oil storage terminal on the Houston Ship Channel.
Petrobras mulls LNG regasification, fertilizer plants in Rio Grande do Sul
Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras said Friday that it had signed a letter of intent to study the feasibility of building fertilizer and liquefied-natural-gas, or LNG, regasification plants in Rio Grande do Sul state. The letter was signed by Petrobras, Samsung's machinery and ships division and Hyundai's bulk-carrier division.
ExxonMobil's natural gas emphasis may hurt small US producers
ExxonMobil’s decision to leave US natural gas output untouched despite low commodity prices may push smaller producers out of the business, force industry consolidation and make Exxon an even more powerful force. The company said drilling for natural gas in some areas is still profitable, even at current prices.
Shell looking at ways to improve US gas profits
The company says it may seek land for potential liquefaction and export terminals. After heavy investment in US shale assets, low gas prices are driving up project costs.
PetroChina buys 20% stake in Canada shale gas project from Shell
Shell confirmed it agreed to sell a 20% stake in a Canadian shale gas project to state-controlled PetroChina, saying that the move was the latest example of its strategic co-operation with parent China National Petroleum Corp. The natural gas output of the Groundbirch project is 125 million cubic feet/day.
Capstone wins Eagle Ford shale microturbine order
Capstone Turbine Corp. said Thursday that it received a follow-on order for 31 C65 microturbines from a large oil and gas producer in the Eagle Ford shale play already operating a fleet of 71 C65 units. The latest order for 31 low-emission C65 microturbines brings the customer's total to 102 units.
Brazil sets domestic record for crude, natural gas production in 2011
Brazil set a record for crude oil and natural gas production in 2011 as ongoing tests at recently discovered oil fields continue to boost the country's output. Average daily output was 2.52 million BOE in 2011, up from 2.45 million BOE per day in 2010, according to the ANP.
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