Europe
Akzo Nobel sells North American paints unit to PPG
U.S. Deco, as the Akzo Nobel unit is known, was hit hard by the slump in the US construction and housing market, struggling to compete with bigger US rivals, such as PPG and Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams. Akzo Nobel originally acquired the business as part of its 2008 acquisition of UK chemicals group ICI.
KBR licenses ammonia technology to Indorama for grassroots Nigeria project
KBR will license its ammonia technology to Indorama to operate a 2,300 tpd ammonia plant. Indorama’s selection of KBR's technology was based on several factors, including the highest demonstrated plant run lengths and the lowest energy consumption, according to project officials.
Shell to collaborate in FLNG with Technip, Samsung
The agreement between the firms builds on the existing relationship, formed in 2009, to ensure the companies can capitalize on insights gleaned from the design and construction of Shell's Prelude FLNG facility in Australia and expand their technology offerings to the global energy market.
UK government lifts ban on shale gas fracking
Exploratory hydraulic fracturing can go ahead, subject to new controls to mitigate the risks of seismic activity, the government said Thursday. The technique has helped unlock gas reserves trapped in underground shale rock, but critics say the technique risks damage to the environment.
Foster Wheeler wins Norway FEED work for Statoil gas processing plants
The frame agreement includes an option for Statoil to extend the agreement for a further two years and for Foster Wheeler to execute concept studies as well as FEEDs. The value of the agreement was not disclosed, as bookings will be recorded as work is released by Statoil.
IEA sees global crude refining volumes on rise
In its monthly report on the oil sector, the IEA said that the projected daily average for refinery runs was up year-on-year by 950,000 bbl, to 75.3 million bbl. Growth is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2013, when refinery throughput is forecast to be 75.8 million bpd.
Germany pegged for slight 2013 improvement in chemical production, sales
Domestic sales are likely to be stable, but exports to other European countries, particularly in southern Europe, are likely to decline further in 2013. But there is no reason to be overly pessimistic, and there is no sign of a recession in Germany, according to VCI president Karl-Ludwig Kley.
Praxair starts up first Russia air separation plant
The plant has a capacity of 350 tpd and will reduce Kaustik’s electricity consumption at the site by approximately 30%, according to Praxair officials. The plant will also supply merchant products to local markets such as metals, metal fabrication, glass, automotive, food, electronics and healthcare.
Foster Wheeler wins top UK management awards for safety, environment
The winners of the Sword of Honour were recognized by the British Safety Council as having exemplary health and safety systems that are among the best in the world. Meanwhile, The Globe of Honour award scheme was launched to recognize exemplary environmental management.
Russia's Gazprom to increase gas exports in 2013
Deputy chief executive Alexander Medvedev said the Russian company would export more gas next year than this year. A minimum of a quarter of the gas will be supplied via new contracts, he said at the launch of the South Stream pipeline project in southern Russia that will bring Russian gas to Europe.
- Evonik inaugurates its 100,000-tpy alkoxides plant in Singapore 8/27
- Borouge collaborates with Yokogawa on autonomous AI control room 8/27
- Vietnam to make switch to ethanol-blended fuel in move to boost U.S. imports 8/27
- Sherwin-Williams launches single-coat high-performance Acrolon 680 for industrial and marine assets 8/27
- Trump tariffs force much-needed petrochemicals contraction 8/27
- First of five pyrolysis reactors delivered to the tire recycling plant in Uddevalla 8/27
