Americas
US paints, coatings demand to grow 8%/yr - study
US demand for paints and coatings is forecast to increase 7.8 percent annually to $26.2 billion in 2015, according to a new study from US-based market research firm The Freedonia Group. The US paints and coatings market will continue to be impacted by the trend toward sustainability, the study says.
Shell sees strong interest in proposed reversal of Louisiana-to-Houston pipeline
Shell Pipeline said on Thursday that it has received a “very encouraging response” to its non-binding solicitation of interest period for capacity on its proposed Houma-to-Houston pipeline system reversal project (Ho-Ho Reversal). Subject to customer commitments and regulatory approval, the Ho-Ho Reversal is expected to begin service by early 2013.
Conoco names downstream spinoff Phillips 66, picks Houston for headquarters
ConocoPhillips announced Thursday that its downstream spinoff company will be named Phillips 66 and be headquartered in Houston. ConocoPhillips, which will be a pure-play exploration and production company after the repositioning, will continue to be headquartered in Houston at the existing ConocoPhillips facility.
Colfax launches Total Lubrication Management unit
US-based fluid-handling products and technology firm Colfax launched a new business titled Total Lubrication Management, which it says will provide oil, gas and chemical processing facilities with a holistic approach to lubrication of rotating machinery. Based in Houston, the company said it designs and establishes lubrication programs through a three-step program.
US delays Keystone XL pipeline until after 2012
President Barack Obama called Thursday for further study of the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, putting off a final decision until after the 2012 elections and triggering both praise and criticism on Capitol Hill. TransCanada Chief Executive Russ Girling said the company remains confident the pipeline will be approved.
Oiltanking plans two new Houston crude pipelines
The board of directors for Oiltanking Partners has approved expansion projects to build two new crude oil pipelines in the Houston Ship Channel, bringing approximately 1 million bbl of new crude oil storage capacity to the company’s Houston terminal facility. In addition, the company is poised to construct additional crude storage tankage to support the rising customer demand at Oiltanking Houston, it said.
API launches new US advertising campaign against higher oil, gas taxes
American Petroleum Institute (API) chief executive Jack Gerard unveiled a new advertising campaign this week, which he says is to encourage lawmakers on the US Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to focus on job creation and revenues through economic growth rather than what the API calls “punitive tax increases” on industry. The new advertisements are available online for viewing.
Rhodia completes silica expansion at Illinois plant
Rhodia on Wednesday inaugurated its expansion of highly-dispersible silica production at its Chicago Heights site in Illinois, furthering its commitment to support the future growth of its customers. The expansion increases Rhodia’s North American capacity by 33%.
GTC inks process technology deal with RATE for gas processing, sulfur recovery
GTC Technology announced a global agreement with Rameshni & Associates Technology and Engineering (RATE) for gas processing and sulfur recovery solutions. GTC expects this agreement to expand its offering to greater than 2,500 tons/day of sulfur and 4,000 MMSCFD (4,000,000 NM3/H).
BioAmber, Mitsui plot Canada biosuccinic acid plant
BioAmber and Mitsui & Co. have officially partnered in Canada to build and operate their previously-announced biosuccinic acid manufacturing facility in Sarnia, Ontario. BioAmber will be the majority shareholder in the plants.
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