Europe
Hammer could fall on Europe's vulnerable refineries from 2018
ANTWERP (Reuters) -- Strong residual demand for oil products and the emergence of only a handful of new refineries will protect the profits of Europe's long struggling operations this year, but experts expect the hammer to fall on the weakest from 2018.
Trading giant Glencore extends major Libyan oil deal
LONDON (Reuters) -- Swiss-based commodities giant Glencore has extended a deal with Libya's state oil firm to be the sole marketer of one third of the country's current crude oil production, sources familiar with the matter said.
US reversal on transparency could sting Canadian, European oil companies
HOUSTON/CALGARY (Reuters) -- A reversal of US transparency requirements for the natural resources industry could give American oil companies an edge over Canadian and European rivals who face some of the toughest rules in the world, according to company executives, legal experts and trade groups.
Axens wins takover bid on Heurtey Petrochem
Following the reopening of an offer on Heurtey Petrochem from Jan. 16-27, Axens now holds 4,354,286 shares and 4,428,786 voting rights of Heurtey Petrochem in concert with IFP Investments. This represents 88.6% of the share capital and 88.3% of the voting rights. The settlement date of the Offer will take place on Feb. 6.
Oil prices fall after sharp rise in US stockpiles
SINGAPORE/TOKYO (Reuters) -- Oil prices fell on Thursday after official data showed US crude and gasoline stockpiles rose sharply, although signs that OPEC and other producers are holding the line on output cuts helped support prices.
Industry Metrics
European refinery margins weakened due to slower gasoline export opportunities, despite the colder weather.
Global Project Data
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, new project announcements have averaged 11 per month since mid-2016.
Business Trends: Anticipated market and pricing impacts from new marine fuel regulations
In October 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that it will implement a new regulation that calls for the sulfur content in marine fuels to be reduced from 3.5% to 0.5%. The new regulation will go into effect in January 2020. This action by the IMO will have a profound impact on the maritime and refining industries worldwide, as well as on the environment. This month’s Business Trends section provides an overview on the anticipated impacts of the IMO’s decision on petroleum product markets.
Industry Perspectives: Global desulfurization capacity to skyrocket over the long term
According to OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2016, desulfurization capacity additions represent the largest capacity increases among all process units to 2040. This trend is due to increased regulations on the amount of sulfur allowed in transportation fuels.
Refining: Europe’s refineries: Walking dead or happy valley?
Unloved and increasingly unneeded, Europe’s oil refining sector has been under duress for an astonishing four decades.
- World-first type approval and factory acceptance testing for ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine 2/25
- Samsung C&T and Axens partner to accelerate global deployment of CCUS projects with advanced DMX™ technology 2/24
- Yokogawa and CMC Solutions sign global sales and service agreement for predictive emission monitoring systems for industry 2/24
- Update on Asian refinery maintenance/turnarounds and outages 2/24
- NOVA Chemicals commercializes two new recycled polyethylene grades 2/24
- Verso Energy to use Honeywell UOP tech for seven eSAF projects 2/24

