Middle East
OQ, Royal Vopak partner to accelerate development of Duqm as an integrated industrial hub
OQ, spearheading the development of Duqm in Oman as a premier integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products, and Royal Vopak entered into an exclusive partnership framework agreement in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This is a significant step for a strategic alliance that aims to unlock future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure and sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD.
Samsung E&A awarded contract for polylactic acid plant in the UAE
SAMSUNG E&A has announced that it is the contractor for its upcoming polylactic acid (PLA) production plant in the United Arab Emirates. The strategic project, officially named Falcon PLA Project, will deliver a cutting-edge facility producing a biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic alternative and solidifies Emirates Biotech commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.
Kuwait commences merger of state oil firms KNPC and KIPIC
Kuwait has begun taking executive steps to merge two of its state-owned oil firms, news agency Kuna reported on Tuesday, as the OPEC producer seeks to restructure its energy industry.
Axens completes site expansion to produce hydrogenation tail gas treatment catalysts in Saudi Arabia
The expansion of Axens Catalyst Arabia Limited comprises an additional capacity for Axens to manufacture tail gas treatment catalysts on site.
U.S. targets China oil storage terminal in new Iran-related sanctions
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iranian oil trading networks on Thursday, including on a China-based crude oil storage terminal linked via a pipeline to an independent refinery, just days before talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Saudi Aramco, Sinopec to expand Yasref petrochemicals complex
Saudi Aramco has signed a deal with China's Sinopec to expand a petrochemicals complex operated by their Yasref joint venture on the kingdom's western coast.
Burckhardt Compression awarded digital monitoring services contract for a chemical plant in Saudi Arabia
Burckhardt Compression has won a significant order for digital monitoring services in Saudi Arabia. This solution includes state-of-the-art PROGNOST® NT system to upgrade and digitalize a major customer’s reciprocating compressor installation in the Middle East.
Carbon Clean announces successful completion of world’s first industrial deployment of CycloneCC
Carbon Clean announced the successful completion of the world’s first industrial deployment of CycloneCC. The modular unit has achieved the major milestone of around 4,000 operating hours over a six-month period, delivering a high-purity CO2 product
Refractory lining reliability challenges in hydrogen-fueled process fired heaters
This article provides an overview of the potential impact of H2-rich fuel firing on refractory integrity and suggests safeguards to mitigate challenges. While this article discusses refractory issues in process fired heaters, the information presented can be broadly applicable to fired equipment where a flame is present.
Shell unveils market strategy during Capital Markets Day
During Shell’s Capital Markets Day 2025, it unveiled the next steps in the execution of its strategy. Shell is strengthening its commitment to value creation and maintaining its focus on performance, discipline and simplification.

- China’s Sinopec begins Xinjiang refining and chemical upgrading project 9/22
- bp abandons plans to build Rotterdam biofuels plant 9/22
- Kisuma Chemical boosts plastics recycling with suite of additive solutions 9/22
- VDMA: Industrial valves market grows by 8% in 1H of 2025 9/22
- Methanol Reformer, McAlpha and Ekora sign MoU to advance methanol-based hydrogen and power solutions in Turkey 9/22
- Lummus and Synthomer announce partnership to license acrylic acid esters technology 9/22