Economics
Fewer tankers transit the Red Sea in 2024
The amount of crude oil and oil products flowing through the Bab el-Mandeb, the southern chokepoint at the mouth of the Red Sea, decreased by more than 50% in the first eight months of 2024.
Nextchem (Maire) awarded licensing/process design package for H2 unit in Vietnam
Nextchem (Maire) awarded licensing and process design package to upgrade BSR's hydrogen production unit in Vietnam, based on its proprietary NX Reform technology.
TotalEnergies expands global LNG bunkering footprint
TotalEnergies has signed a charter contract with Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal for a new LNG bunker vessel of 18,600 m3 capacity. This new vessel will expand the Company’s global presence in bunkering hubs.
QatarEnergy signs 20-yr naphtha supply deal with Shell
QatarEnergy has entered into a long-term naphtha supply agreement with Shell, supplying up to 18 MMt of naphtha over 20 years from April 2025.
Aspen Technology launches microgrid management system to address power reliability and meet net-zero goals
Aspen Technology introduced the AspenTech Microgrid Management System™, a solution for customers with heavy electrical power requirements in refining, chemicals, mining and other asset-intensive industries that manage their own on-site conventional and renewable power generation in orchestration with active load management and energy storage.
Digital Feature: Refiner improves operational technology risk measurement and management: A Case Study on addressing the cyber risks in the oil and gas industry
This case study details how a U.S.-based Fortune 50 petroleum refiner used proprietary technology to improve operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. By automating asset inventory and vulnerability assessments, the company reduced manual processes, enhanced visibility into cyber risks and improved safety, ultimately saving millions of dollars in program costs.
Russia considers diesel export ban for non-producers
Russian oil companies have held talks with the government on whether firms that do not produce diesel should be banned from exporting it because of concern the refiners may be losing subsidies.
Turkey, Brazil are main buyers of Russian seaborne diesel after EU embargo
Turkey and Brazil have been the main importers of Russian seaborne diesel and gasoil since the European Union banned the import of Russian oil products.
Consortium to purchase CB&I from McDermott
A consortium led by Mason Capital Management announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the CB&I storage solutions business from McDermott International, Ltd.
BASF, Evonik agree on deliveries of biomass-based ammonia with reduced carbon footprint
BASF and Evonik have agreed on the first delivery of BASF’s ammonia BMBcert grade. Thereby, both chemical companies demonstrate their commitment to offer products with a reduced product carbon footprint. With its ammonia BMBcert, BASF delivers to Evonik a product whose PCF is at least 65% lower than the standard product.

- Vioneo awards Lummus polypropylene contract for world's first industrial scale fossil-free plastics from green methanol facility 8/19
- Research: Developing an energy-saving, carbon-capturing method for making ethylene glycol 8/19
- Emerson announced the release of its new Rosemount 3144S temperature transmitter 8/19
- Chinese refiners sweep up Russian oil after Indian demand falls 8/19
- Indonesia plans quick-to-build oil refineries for U.S. crude 8/19
- Russia's ultra low-sulfur diesel exports from Primorsk scheduled to rise in August 8/19