Refining
Shell sells Stanlow refinery to Essar Oil (UK)
Shell has signed a sales and purchase agreement for its 270,000 bpd Stanlow refinery in the UK and certain associated local marketing businesses with Essar Oil (UK) Ltd. for a total expected consideration of some $1.3 billion. Today’s announcement follows a formal offer Essar made for Stanlow in mid-February.
Alternative energy research park to be built in Colorado
On March 16, the Weld County Commissioners in Colorado unanimously approved Harrison Resource Corp.’s plans for development of Niobrara Energy Park, a 640-acre project that will integrate natural gas and renewable energy generation facilities, including solar and wind energy, with data centers and energy research. With zoning approvals in place, the greenfield project is now process-shovel-ready.
ExxonMobil increases fuel supply to Tohoku region of Japan
In an ongoing effort to quickly and safely supply much needed fuel to the areas in Japan hardest hit by the earthquake, ExxonMobil Group Japan has increased fuel supply into its Tohoku region dealer service station network by 140% above pre-earthquake levels.
Foster Wheeler sending a steam reformer to Bashkortostan
Foster Wheeler AG’s Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract by JSC Novo-Ufimsky refinery, a subsidiary of Russian oil company Bashneft, for the engineering and material supply of a new Terrace Wall steam reformer heater and air preheating system for the Ufa refinery in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia.
ASTM International offers training course on diesel fuels
Diesel Fuels: Specifications and Test Methods, a technical and professional training course sponsored by ASTM International, covers a wide range of diesel fuel issues including specifications, test methods, sampling and quality control, distribution, current issues and alternate fuels like biodiesel.
Sibur and Lukoil sign agreement for the supply of associated petroleum gas
The petrochemical holding company Sibur and the Lukoil Oil Co. have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of associated petroleum gas (APG).
OriginOil announces innovation to increase algae yield
OriginOil, Inc. (OOIL), the developer of a technology to transform algae into a competitor to petroleum, has unveiled Algae Screen, a process that keeps algae healthy and productive by selectively eliminating microscopic predators without the use of chemicals. The technology employs an electromagnetic pulse.
ExxonMobil opens Shiogama terminal in area affected by earthquake, tsunami
ExxonMobil Japan Group has reopened its Shiogama terminal, enabling delivery of increased fuel supplies into the Tohoku area of Northeast Japan, which was affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
PetroAlgae partners with Haldor Topsoe for renewable fuels based on biomass
PetroAlgae Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement with Haldor Topsoe and its US subsidiary, Haldor Topsoe, Inc., to provide technology and catalysts to upgrade oils produced from Petroalgae’s biomass through refinery coking processes and pyrolysis into drop-in renewable fuels, including diesel and jet fuels.
Colonial announces pipeline expansions
Colonial Pipeline has announced recent pipeline system improvements have netted an additional capacity of 24,000 bpd.

- AFPM response to U.S. EPA actions on RFS small refinery waiver backlog 8/25
- Indonesia urges EU to remove biodiesel import curbs after WTO ruling 8/25
- Canada's Alberta eyes investment in Japan's refining to boost oil exports 8/25
- U.S. EPA approves biofuel waivers for small refiners, stirring concerns over demand 8/25
- Update: Russian oil supplies to Slovakia may resume as soon as today 8/25
- Liquid Sun launches eSAF production pilot with ABB, Finnair, Fortum and Finavia 8/25