Communicator

SASREF Refinery in Jubail, Saudi Arabia © Saudi Aramco Media Gallery

Saudi Aramco is preparing to initiate the main tendering phase for a major expansion of its Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (Sasref) in Jubail Industrial City, with the solicitation of interest (SoI) round expected in the second quarter of 2025. This project is a key component of Aramco’s $100 billion liquids-to-chemicals program, designed to transform the Sasref refinery into an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex through the addition of a mixed-feed and of an ethane cracker, that will draw ethane from an adjacent refinery.

South Korea’s Samsung E&A is currently executing pre-FEED and FEED work under an 18-month contract awarded by Aramco in March 2024 and the project is expected to move into the EPC tendering phase following completion of the engineering studies.

Strategic international collaboration is central to the expansion. In November 2024, Aramco signed a development framework agreement in Beijing with China’s Rongsheng Petrochemical, outlining joint planning and cooperation for the Sasref project. This builds on earlier agreements from April and September 2024, which set the stage for a potential joint venture, with Rongsheng considering the acquisition of a 50% stake in Sasref and Aramco potentially taking a 50% stake in Rongsheng’s Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical Company (ZJPC)

Aramco has been the sole owner of Sasref since acquiring Shell’s 50% stake in 2019. The Sasref expansion is part of Aramco’s broader strategy to maximize value from its crude production, expand its downstream footprint, and foster international partnerships in both Saudi Arabia and China.

#aramco  #rongsheng  #steamcracker  #sasref  #jubail  #saudiarabia  #refinery  #petrochemicals  #refineryexpansion 

Description of the Toa Oil Keihin Refinery has been updated.

#toaoil #japan  #keihin  #refinery  #keihinrefinery  #oilrefinery 

The description of the Idemitsu Chiba complex has been updated.

#idemitsu #chiba  ##refining #petrochemicals  #steamcracking  #naphthacracker  #refinery  #oilrefinery  #japan 

The description of the Hokkaido refinery has been updated.

#idemitsu  #hokkaido  #japan  #refinery  #oilrefinery 

The description of the Idemitsu Aichi Complex has been updated.

#idemitsu #aichi  #aichicomplex  #refinery  #oilrefinery  #japan 

Description of ENEOS Chiba Refinery description has been updated.


#eneos  #japan  #osaka  #refinery  #chiba 

The description of Sonangol (SOCIEDADE NACIONAL DE COMBUSTÍVEIS DE ANGOLA, E.P.) has been updated.


#sonangol  #angola  #refining  #refinery 

The SONAREF Lobito Oil Refinery project has been created.

#sonaref #sonangol  #oilrefinery  #refinery  #angola 

The Energy Year, 17th Dec 2024

Angola’s refining sector has historically relied on imported refined petroleum products, but the country has been taking steps to reduce its dependence on imports and increase its self-sufficiency. Plans for new refinery projects and expansions to existing plants aim to increase national refining capacity by at least 360,000 bpd in the coming years.

Cabinda Refinery

• Nominal capacity: 60,000 bpd
• Type: Partial conversion/modular
• Status: Under construction
• Developers: Sonangol, Gemcorp
• Project details: Upon completion, phase one output will include a 30,000 bpd crude unit that produces naphtha, jet fuel, diesel and heavy fuel. Phase one is expected to be completed in mid-2024 with a total investment of USD 473 million.

Malongo Topping Plant

• Nominal capacity: 15,000 bpd
• Type: Topping
• Status: Operational
• Developer: Cabinda Gulf Oil Company

Soyo Refinery

• Projected nominal capacity: 150,000 bpd
• Type: Full conversion
• Status: Under development
• Developer: Quanten Consortium Angola
• Project details: As a part of Quanten Consortium’s build, own and operate contract for the facility, the company is planning construction of associated infrastructure as well as a tank farm and marine terminal. The refinery’s expected completion date is in 2025.

Luanda Refinery

• Nominal capacity: 65,000 bpd
• Type: Hydroskimming refinery
• Status: Operational
• Developer: Sonangol
• Project details: The refinery has undergone modernisation and capacity expansion works. A new platforming unit was inaugurated in July 2022 and petrol production capacity was expanded to 450,000 tpy at an estimated investment of USD 253 million.

Lobito Refinery

• Nominal capacity: 200,000 bpd
• Type: Full conversion
• Status: Under construction
• Developer: Sonangol, KBR
• Project details: The refinery is expected to increase Angola’s fuel products production capabilities by 200% upon completion. FEED works were completed in 2023 and the facility is slated for completion in 2027.

#sonangol  #sonaref  #lobito  #luanda  #soyo  #malongo  #cabinda  #Refinery  #angola  #crudeoil 

Pavlodar Oil Chemistry Refinery (Company), a fully owned subsidiary of JSC NC KazMunayGas, has been created.


#kmg  #pavlodar  #refinery  #kazmunaygas  #kazhagstan 

Photo: Petrochina Dalian Refinery

7 Nov 2024

PetroChina, one of China’s major oil companies, plans to close its Dalian refinery in northeastern China by mid-2025, marking the first complete shutdown of a state-operated refinery in the country. The Dalian refinery, which dates back to 1993, has a crude processing capacity of 410,000 barrels per day (bpd) and a Nelson complexity index of approximately 6.1, reflecting its ability to handle various crude oil types and produce a range of refined products. It contributes around 3% of China’s total refining capacity and has been a significant part of PetroChina’s refinery network for decades.

The refinery plays a vital role in supplying refined products to the Chinese domestic market, including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. While its primary focus has been on meeting local demand, the Dalian refinery has also engaged in exports, supplying refined products to other regions in Asia, particularly  Japan and  South Korea. The facility primarily processes  Russian ESPO (East Siberia Pacific Ocean) crude, which is delivered via pipelines from Siberian fields through China’s northeastern region.

PetroChina’s decision to close the Dalian refinery stems from multiple factors, including overcapacity, weakened domestic fuel demand due to slower economic growth, and an increase in vehicle electrification across China. Environmental concerns have also played a role, as the refinery has been situated in a densely populated area, with incidents such as an oil spill in 2010 and fires in 2013 and 2017 highlighting the risks of operating a large facility in close proximity to urban areas.

The phased shutdown began in October 2023, with PetroChina closing a 210,000-bpd unit within the refinery. The remaining capacity is scheduled to be taken offline by 2025. Once the shutdown is complete, PetroChina intends to redirect crude oil supply to other refineries in northern China, including the WEPEC (West Pacific Petrochemical Company) refinery in Dalian and another facility in nearby Jinzhou.

In a bid to offset the reduction in refining capacity, PetroChina’s parent company, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), announced plans to develop a new, smaller refinery and chemical complex on Changxing Island, approximately two hours from Dalian. This project, valued at CNY70 billion (USD 9.6 billion), is expected to process around 200,000 bpd of crude oil and produce 1.2 million tonnes of ethylene annually. However, the new complex is still in the pre-feasibility stage, and a final investment decision has yet to be made.

The closure of the Dalian refinery underscores PetroChina’s efforts to modernise its infrastructure, reduce environmental risks, and adapt to changing energy demands. With China moving towards greener energy solutions and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, PetroChina’s shift reflects the country’s broader strategic push towards sustainability.

Source

#dalian  #refinery  #cnpc  #petrochina  #crudeoil  #espo

SINGAPORE, March 19 (Reuters) - - In a significant development in China's refining sector, state-run Sinochem Group has agreed to sell one of its bankrupt oil refineries to Hongrun Petrochemical, an independent refiner based in Eastern China. This sale marks a notable shift in the landscape of China's petrochemical industry and highlights the ongoing consolidation in the country's refining sector.

Hongrun Petrochemical, a private refiner located in Weifang city, Shandong province, has emerged as the successful bidder for the Changyi Petrochemical facility. The auction, which concluded on March 14, 2025, saw a winning bid of approximately 2.98 billion yuan ($411.82 million) for the refinery.

The Changyi Petrochemical plant, situated in Shandong's key refining area, boasts a processing capacity of about 160,000 barrels per day. However, the facility has been inactive since 2024, making it one of three Sinochem plants in Shandong declared bankrupt by local courts last year due to outstanding debts and taxes.

Sinochem acquired the struggling Shandong refineries, including Changyi Petrochemical, in a state-coordinated merger with ChemChina in 2021. However, the refineries have faced financial difficulties, leading to their bankruptcy declarations in 2024. Hongrun secured the refinery at a significantly discounted price, reflecting current market conditions.

The acquisition of Changyi Petrochemical by Hongrun Petrochemical has several key implications for the company. Hongrun is expected to inherit Changyi's crude oil import quota, enhancing its ability to secure feedstock. The deal may also include forgiveness of Changyi's outstanding tax obligations, reducing financial liabilities. Most notably, the acquisition will substantially boost Hongrun's crude processing capacity to nearly 20 million tons per year, or approximately 400,000 barrels per day, positioning the company for growth in China's competitive refining sector.

Sources reveal that Sinochem is currently in negotiations with two other private refiners in Shandong regarding the potential sale of its remaining two bankrupt facilities: Huaxing Petrochemical and Zhenghe Petrochemical.

#sinochem  #hongrun  #changyi  #refinery 

The description of the Repsol Tarragona refining and petrochemical site has been updated with all details about existing plants and units. This now needs to be converted into a mass balance model of the site.

#repsol  #tarragona  #spain  #refinery  #petrochemicals .

Daxie refinery, Nov 4, 2024 / Ningo Petrochemical Association

China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) announced plans to commission its upgraded refinery and petrochemical complex on Daxie Island, Ningbo, later this year, following a major investment totaling approximately $2.74 billion.

Recent updates from CNOOC's refining division provide detailed insights into the expansion project, including the capacities of key processing units. The upgraded facility will feature:

• A new crude processing unit with a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), doubling the site's total crude processing capability to 240,000 bpd (12 million tonnes per year).
   
• A catalytic cracker capable of producing 1.4 million tonnes per year (tpy).
   
• A hydrocracker with an annual production capacity of 2.2 million tpy. 
   
• A continuous reformer designed to process up to 1 million tpy.
   
• Two polypropylene units, each with an annual production capacity of 225,000 tpy, for a combined output of 450,000 tpy.

The project has achieved several key milestones. As of October 30, 2024, the utility engineering project for the integrated refinery complex—comprising 14 units—successfully passed intermediate handover inspections. Despite challenges such as tight construction schedules and overlapping interfaces, the project team implemented innovative solutions to streamline processes and ensure timely progress.

#ningbo  #china  #daxie  #cnooc  #refinery  #refineryexpansion 

Ruehr Oel GmbH - BP Gelsenkirschen has been created as the legal entity operating the integrated Gelsenkirschen refineries, owned by BP Europe SE.


#gellsenkirschen  #refinery  #bp  #britishpetroleum  #ruhroel 
 

A detailed description of the TC2C crude oil to chemical conversion process has been added.


#lummus  #aramco  #clg  #chevronlummusglobal  #crudeoiltochemicals  #oiltochemicals  #refineryintegration  #steamcracking  #lpg  #naphtha  #olefins  #aromatics  #ctc  #cotc  #coc  #tc2c  #c2c 

Refinery Off-Gas (ROG) has been added.

#refinery #offgas  #refineryoffgas  #rog  #hydrogen 

The definition of Refinery Fuel Gas (RFG) has been updated.


#rfg  #refinery  #fuelgas  #refineryfuelgas 

The description of Holborn refinery has been updated, which includes a Process Flow Diagram.

#holborn  #refinery  #germany #hamburg  #sustainability  #co2emissions  #carbonemissions  

Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) in Sénégal has been added added.
 

#senegal #dakar  #sar  #societeafricainederaffinage  #refinery 

The description of the Holborn refinery has been updated.


#holborn  #refinery  #germany 

Motiva Port Arthur Is Now the Largest US Refinery (Source: The Railroad Commission of Texas, Infographic credit: Bloomberg)

February 11, 2025 | Port Arthur, Texas, USA (Bloomberg)

Motiva Enterprises, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, has successfully expanded its refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, solidifying its position as the largest fuel-making facility in the United States. The refinery's capacity has grown to 654,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d), surpassing other major refineries in the country.

The Port Arthur refinery has been a key asset for Motiva since Saudi Aramco became its sole owner in 2017. This expansion aligns with Aramco's strategic goals to strengthen its global refining and petrochemical footprint. The upgraded facility is expected to enhance fuel production capabilities while contributing significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and boosting industrial activity in the region.

This development marks a significant achievement for Saudi Aramco and underscores its commitment to expanding its influence in North America's energy sector.

#motiva  #aramco  #portarthur  #refinery  #crudeoil 

SP Chemical completed the first gas-based cracker in Taixing, China, in 2019, producing 780,000 tpa ethylene and 150,000 tpa propylene.

February 7, 2025 | SINGAPORE (Reuters)

Despite growing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, China's ethane imports from the United States are expected to rise significantly in 2025 as petrochemical producers seek cheaper feedstock alternatives. Major Chinese companies are investing over $16 billion in infrastructure improvements to accommodate this growth.

Industry analysts forecast China's ethane imports to reach between 6.3 million and 8.2 million metric tons in 2025, representing an increase of 9% to 34%. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects its net ethane exports to rise 6% to 520,000 barrels per day, with China expected to absorb most of this increase.

However, two main factors currently constrain this trade growth: limited U.S. export capacity and a shortage of specialized tankers. To address these limitations, U.S. pipeline operators Energy Transfer and Enterprise Products Partners are expanding their terminal capacities.

China has also demonstrated its commitment to increasing ethane imports by reducing its import tariff to 1% in 2025, down from 2% in 2024. Enterprise CEO Jim Teague remains optimistic about the trade relationship, noting that Chinese dependence on imported propane and ethane should protect this segment from broader trade tensions.

#ethane  #china  #imports  #usa  #feedstock  #refining  #refinery  #steamcracking  #gascracker  #propane  #ethyleneplant 

BP Gelsenkirchen Refinery

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany | February 6, 2025

BP has announced its intention to sell its Ruhr Oel GmbH operations in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, including the refinery and associated petrochemical assets19. The marketing process begins immediately, with BP targeting to complete the sale agreement within 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Gelsenkirchen facility, Germany's third-largest refinery, currently processes approximately 12 million tons of crude oil annually and employs around 2,000 workers and 160 apprentices. The sale package includes the BP refinery in Gelsenkirchen and DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH in Mülheim an der Ruhr.

The decision comes amid challenging conditions for European refiners, who face increasing competition from Middle Eastern and Asian facilities, along with pressure from vehicle electrification and high operating costs. BP had already planned to reduce the refinery's capacity from 260,000 barrels per day of crude oil to 155,000 barrels per day in 2025.

Emma Delaney, BP's Executive Vice President for customers and products, explained that the decision aligns with BP's strategy to become a simpler, more focused, higher-value company. The company has recently modernized the facility's infrastructure, including power grid renewal and establishing independent steam supply, making it attractive for potential buyers.

The Gelsenkirchen site plays a crucial role in North Rhine-Westphalia's chemical industry, producing not only conventional fuels but also having the potential to manufacture biofuels and process recycled plastics. The refinery will continue normal operations throughout the sales process.

This move is part of a broader trend in Germany's refining sector, with other major players like Shell and ExxonMobil also seeking to divest their refining assets in the country. Industry analysts expect German crude refining capacity to decrease from 2.1 million barrels per day in 2020 to 1.8 million barrels per day by 2026.

#crudeoil  #refining  #refinery  #bp  #shell  #exxon  #germany  #gelsenkirchen 

Polyolefin technologies, glycol process and their capacities have been identified.


#lyondellbasell  #novachemicals  #scientific  design #spheripol  #hostalen  #sclairtech  #india  #panipat  #refinery  #iocl 

IOCL Paradip refinery

News provided by: Univation Technologies, LLC, Sep 16, 2024

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), India's largest oil refiner, has selected Univation Technologies' UNIPOL™ PE Process Technology for a new world-scale polyethylene (PE) production line at its Paradip Petrochemical Complex in Odisha, India.

This significant expansion will add a nameplate production capacity of 650,000 tons per annum of PE, significantly boosting IOCL's ability to meet the growing demand for polyethylene in the Indian market. The new line will have the flexibility to produce both linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), covering a wide range of applications.

IOCL has chosen a combination of Univation's advanced catalysts to achieve this versatility, including:

    UCAT™ J Unimodal HDPE/LLDPE Technology
    PRODIGY™ Bimodal HDPE Technology
    ACCLAIM™ Unimodal HDPE Technology

This strategic selection allows IOCL to cater to both unimodal and bimodal PE market segments, ensuring they can meet stringent performance standards for critical applications like flexible and rigid packaging, high-pressure pipes, and durable goods.

Recognizing the growing importance of metallocene polyethylene in India, IOCL will also utilize Univation's XCAT™ Metallocene Catalysts. This will enable them to produce advanced metallocene PE grades for high-end applications such as robust shipping packaging, high-performance films for food preservation, and sustainable agricultural films.

To ensure optimal operation and efficiency, IOCL will implement Univation's PREMIER™ APC+ 3.0 Advanced Process Control Platform. This platform is designed to enhance process control, optimize raw material yields, and 1 maintain consistent product quality across the entire PE resin grade portfolio.

#unipol  #polyethylene  #bimodal  #metallocene  #univation  #iocl  #india  #indianoilcompany  #paradip  #refinery 

IOCL chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney having a discussion with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on 24 Dec 2024 (Photo | Express)

Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), India's largest oil refiner, has announced a significant investment of approximately $7 billion (INR 61,000 crore) in a new naphtha cracker project in Paradip, Odisha. This project represents a major step in expanding India's petrochemical production capacity and boosting economic development in the region.

The naphtha cracker unit will be located at IOCL's existing refinery complex in Paradip. This strategic location offers synergies with the existing infrastructure and feedstock supply. The project is expected to create numerous jobs during construction and operation, contributing to local employment and economic growth. The investment proposals is part of Paradip refinery capacity expansion from 15 million tonne per annum (MTPA) to 25 MTPA.

This investment underscores IOCL's commitment to meeting the growing demand for petrochemicals in India. The naphtha cracker will produce key building blocks for various downstream products, serving industries ranging from plastics and packaging to textiles and automotive. This project will reduce India's reliance on imports for these crucial materials.

#iocl  #indianoilcompany  #steamcracker  #naphtha  #india  #paradip  #refinery 

The description of the IOCL Paradid Refinery has been updated.

#iocl  #indianoil  #paradip  #refinery 

BPCL Mumbai Refinery

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has unveiled plans for an ambitious $11 billion integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant expansion of India's refining capabilities. The announcement comes as India positions itself to become a major global refining hub amid Western companies' shift toward energy transition.

In a recent interview, BPCL Chairman G. Krishnakumar highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating, "We feel there is a big opportunity in the refining sector. India's primary energy demand itself is also going to increase three to four times as its economy expands." This expansion aligns with India's vision to become a developed nation by 2047, targeting a GDP growth from $3.8 trillion to $30 trillion.

The proposed facility in Andhra Pradesh will include a 9-million-metric-tons-per-year refinery and an ethylene cracker, with an estimated cost between 900-950 billion rupees ($10.56-11.14 billion). The complex will feature a 35% petrochemical intensity, and pre-project work, including land acquisition, has already begun.

The strategic location in South India is particularly significant, as approximately 80% of the complex's output will serve the southern region's petrochemical developers and automobile manufacturers. This new facility will complement BPCL's existing operations, which currently include three refineries with a combined capacity of 35.3 million metric tons per year, plus fuel purchases from the 3-million-metric-ton Numaligarh refinery in the northeast.

Beyond this major project, BPCL is diversifying its portfolio with renewable energy initiatives. The company aims to achieve 10 gigawatts of clean energy projects by 2035 and has formed a joint venture with Sembcorp to expand its current 300-megawatt renewable energy portfolio.

Additionally, Krishnakumar expressed optimism about the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, led by France's TotalEnergies, in which BPCL holds a stake alongside other Indian companies. Operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with gas monetization projected for 2028-2029.

The investment in the Andhra Pradesh complex will help BPCL reduce its dependence on external fuel purchases, which currently account for one-fifth of the 50 million metric tons of refined fuels sold through its retail stations.

#bpcl  #india  #refinery  #lng  #totalenergies  #grassrootrefinery  #steamcracker  #renewableenergy 

The description of the Pertamina RU VII Kasim Refinery has been updated.

#kasim #refinery  #pertamina  #indonesia 

The description of the Pertamina RU VI Balongan Refinery has been updated.

#balongan #refinery  #pertamina  #indonesia 

The description of the Pertamina RU III Plaju Refinery has been updated.

#plaju #refinery  #pertamina  #indonesia 

Pertamina RU II Dumai Refinery description updated.

The description of the Pertamina RU II Dumai Refinery has been updated.

#cilacap #refinery  #pertamina  #indonesia 

The description of the Pertamina RU IV Cilapac Refinery has been updated.

#cilacap #refinery  #pertamina  #indonesia 

PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan (PTPKB) has been added.

PT KPB was established to carry out the development of the Balikpapan & Lawe-Lawe Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) project and run the refinery processing business of Refinery Unit (RU) V Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

#pertamina #refinery  #balikpapan  #indonesia 

Starting 2025 with a Pre-Bid Meeting for GRR Tuban Procurement

Jakarta, January 16, 2025 – As a grass-root project built from the ground up, PT Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan dan Petrokimia (PRPP) recognizes the complexity of preparing for the construction of the integrated fuel refinery with a petrochemical industry, Grass Root Refinery (GRR) Tuban.

Dduring a pre-bid meeting for site development work held in Jakarta on 14 Jan 2025), Reizaldi Gustino, President Director of PRPP, highlighted that the quality of site development work will significantly impact the execution of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) stages of the GRR Tuban Project.

Echoing Reizaldi’s statements, Irwan Priyasa, PRPP Commissioner, representing the company’s Board of Commissioners, emphasized that the success of the site development work would impact the overall project timeline.

The pre-bid meeting for the site development work procurement is part of the procurement process, aimed at providing clarification to all bidders regarding documents, procedures, and requirements for the tender.

The scope of this work includes the preparation and conditioning of the GRR Tuban area before the construction of refinery facilities. Specific tasks include land elevation adjustments and the development of basic infrastructure across approximately 841 hectares.

The event was attended by all PRPP Board of Directors, representatives of PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional shareholders, including Albin Ginting, Vice President of Project Management, as well as representatives from 13 pre-qualified bidders, both domestic and international, eligible to participate in this procurement tender.

In addition to the site development work procurement, a pre-bid meeting was also held in 2024 for EPC work packages of the GRR Tuban Project, during which 25 pre-qualified bidders were registered for a total of seven EPC work packages.

Source: PT PRPP News Highlight.

#pertamina  #indonesia  #jakarta  #java  #rosneft  #prpp  #refinery 

PT Pertamina Rosneft has been added.

#pertamina  #rosneft  #jointventure  #refinery  #indonesia 

22^nd Jan 2025 | Hydrocarbon Processing

Lyondell Basell Industries has started the permanent closure of its 263,776-bpd Houston refinery during the penultimate  weekend of January, said people familiar with plant operations.

Layoffs of up to 400 employees at the refinery are scheduled to begin two months after the shutdown begins, the sources said.


#lyondellbasell   #houston  #usa  #refinery 

The description of the Yeosu plant of GS Caltex has been updated. 

 

#gscaltex #yeosu  #refinery  #southkorea 

eni's GELA refinery description has been updated.

#eni #refinery  #sicilia  #italy  #renewables  #saf  #sustainableaviationfuel 

Taiyo Oil Shikoku Refinery

Japanese oil refiner Taiyo Oil plans to shut down two crude distillation units (CDUs) at its 138,000-bpd Shikoku refinery in western Japan for scheduled maintenance.

The 106,000-bpd No.1 CDU was to be shut on Dec 27, 2024 and the 32,000-bpd No.2 CDU was to be closed on Dec 28, 2024, with both scheduled to be restarted around mid-March 2025.

Source: Hydrocarbon Processing

#taiyoil  #refinery  #shikoku  #japan 

Taiyo Oil Shikoku refinery has been added and mass balance intialized.


#refining #taiyooil  #japan  #shikoku  #refinery 

Japanese refiner Taiyo Oil Co., Ltd has been created.

#japan #taiyooil  #refining  #refinery  #crudeoil  #naphtha 

Arzew Crude Oil Refinery has been created and Mass Balance has been initialized with crude oil imports.


#arzew  #algeria  #refinery  #crudeoil  #saharancrude 

Hassi Messaoud Refinery

Hassi Messaoud Refinery: Técnicas Reunidas confirms relaunch of the $4 billion project

28^th Nov 2024, ALGERIE ECO

Sonatrach Group, Spanish company Técnicas Reunidas, and Chinese group Sinopec have agreed to relaunch the Hassi Messaoud refinery construction project in southern Algeria. This announcement was made on November 27 by Técnicas Reunidas in a communication to Spain's National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), as reported by Spanish newspaper Cinco Dias (El Pais).

Initially awarded by Sonatrach in late 2019 to a consortium including Técnicas Reunidas and Samsung Engineering (South Korea), the project has undergone a change in partners. Samsung Engineering has been replaced by Sinopec, a strategic partner of Técnicas Reunidas since their agreement signed in September 2023.

The project will be implemented through a joint venture. Técnicas Reunidas will hold 51% of the shares, while Sinopec will own 49%. The total contract amount is approximately $4 billion (3.8 billion euros). Of this budget, more than $2 billion (1.9 billion euros) will be allocated to Técnicas Reunidas.

This project is considered a strategic priority for Algeria. It aims to strengthen local production of energy products to meet growing domestic demand. The refinery, with a processing capacity of five million tons, is expected to be completed in 65 months, with the first refining units scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2027, according to details provided by Técnicas Reunidas to the CNMV.

This is the fourth major project carried out by Técnicas Reunidas and Sinopec since their strategic alliance. Additionally, in June, Sonatrach signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinopec. This agreement aims to expand their cooperation, particularly in exploration, renewable energy, petrochemicals, and petroleum engineering.

For its part, South Korean company Samsung Engineers & AHEAD (Samsung E&A) announced on Thursday that it had been notified of the cancellation of a 1.9 trillion won ($1.36 billion) order placed by Algeria in 2020, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap Agency. Samsung E&A indicated that it had failed to reach a compromise with Sonatrach on modifications to the contract terms, according to the same source. The Korean company emphasized that there were no financial losses resulting from the order cancellation.

In July, Sonatrach's Vice President of Refining and Petrochemicals, Slimane Slimani, indicated on Radio Channel 3 that the Hassi Messaoud refinery project had been relaunched. President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had also insisted on relaunching this project, which was on the agenda of two Council of Ministers meetings in December 2023 and January 2024.

#sonatrach  #algeria  #hassimessaoud  #refinery  #sinopec  #crudeoil   

Hassi Messaoud refinery has been created and its mass balance initialized.

#condensate #hassimessaoud  #sonotrach  #refinery  #algeria 

Crude oil imports have been updated.

#skikda  #sonatrach  #refinery  #saharancrude #crudeoil 

RAK2 Skikda condensate refinery has been added and its mass balance initialized with condensate import fed to the condensate splitter.


#sonatrach  #skikda  #algeria  #refinery  #condensate 

RA1G Algier Refinery has been added and its mass balance with crude oil import initialized.
 

#refinery #algier  #algeria  #crudeoil  #saharancrude  #sonatrach 

BPLC Bina Refinery

India's Bharat Petroleum Corp. (BPLC) plans to expand its refining capacity to 45 MMtpy by 2028 from the current 35.3 MMtpy, its head of refining, Sanjay Khanna, said on Dec 17, 2024 at an industry event, as reported by Hydrocarbon Processing.

As part of the plan, BPCL—the country's second-biggest fuel retailer—will increase the capacity of its 15.5-MMtpy Kochi refinery, situated in the southern state of Kerala, to 18 MMtpy.

It will also boost the capacity of its 12-MMtpy Mumbai refinery to 16 MM tpy, Khanna said.

The state-run company additionally expects to expand its 7.8-MMtpy Bina refinery in central India to 11.3 MMtpy by May 2028, he added.

The refiner, which is always on the scout for cheaper oil grades to maximize its profit margins, is also keen to test low-sulfur grades from South America including those from Argentina, Khanna said.

#crudeoil  #lowsulfur  #refining  #refinery  #bplc  #bharat  #bina  #kochi  #mumbai  #india  #capacityexpansion 

Details about Sriracha refinery updated. Refinery mass balance needs to be developed based on employed technologies and mass flows.

#thaioil  #sriracha  #thailand  #refinery  

 

IRPC integrated complex mass balance has been initialized.
 

#irpc #refinery  #rayong  #crudeoil  #olefins  #aromatics  #petrochemicals  #petroleum  #fuels  

PDH plant, technology and production have been added to Shandong Tianhong Chemical refinery. 

#shandong #tianhong  #petrochemical  #refinery #pdh  #oleflex  #uop  #propylene 

Shandong Tianhong Chemical has been added and its mass balance initialized.

#shandong #tianhong  #petrochemical  #refinery  #crudeoil  #wandaggroup 

Photo: Russian crude oil tanker. Credit: Defense.in

13^th Dec2024 | News aggregation
 
Russian state oil company Rosneft has signed a landmark 10-year agreement to supply 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day to India's Reliance Industries (RIL), marking the largest energy deal ever between the two countries. The agreement, valued at approximately $13 billion annually at current prices, represents 0.5% of global oil supply.

Under the terms of the deal, Rosneft will deliver 20-21 Aframax-sized cargoes of various Russian crude grades and three cargoes of fuel oil monthly to Reliance's Jamnagar refining complex, the world's largest, in Gujarat. The supplies are scheduled to begin in January, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional 10 years.

The pricing structure includes differentials to Dubai crude prices, with Russian Urals crude, which makes up the majority of the supply, to be priced at a $3 per barrel discount. Light sweet grades like ESPO, Sokol, and Siberian Light will carry premiums ranging from $1 to $2 per barrel.

This agreement significantly expands the existing relationship between the two companies. From January to October, Reliance had been importing an average of 405,000 barrels per day of Russian oil, an increase from 388,500 barrels per day during the same period last year. The new arrangement will account for approximately half of Rosneft's seaborne oil exports from Russian ports.

The deal was approved during Rosneft's board meeting in November and both companies will conduct annual reviews of pricing and volumes to account for market dynamics.

#russia  #india  #rosneft  #reliance  #jamnager  #refinery  #urals  #crudeoil  #espo  #sokol 

Picture: Chevron refining operations

Chevron newsroom, PASADENA, Texas (Dec. 10, 2024)

Chevron U.S.A., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, has completed a retrofit of its refinery in Pasadena, Texas. The upgrade aims to increase product flexibility and expand the processing capacity of lighter crudes by nearly 15% to 125,000 barrels per day.

Key Benefits

▪️Increased Capacity: The refinery’s processing capacity for lighter crudes has increased by 15%, allowing it to handle more equity crude from the Permian Basin.
▪️Enhanced Gulf Coast Supply: The upgrade enables Chevron to supply more refined products to customers in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.
▪️Synergies with Pascagoula Refinery: The retrofit enhances synergies with Chevron’s Pascagoula refinery, improving overall refining system efficiency.
▪️Light Tight Oil (LTO) Project: The upgrade is part of Chevron’s LTO Project, which focuses on improving facility reliability and safety, boosting domestic refined product supply, and introducing jet fuel production and gas oil exports.

Strategic Intent

Chevron acquired the Pasadena Refinery in 2019 as part of its strategy to expand its Gulf Coast refining system. This upgrade supports the company’s goal of increasing its refining capacity and improving its ability to meet growing demand for refined products in the region.

Timeline

The upgrade was completed in December 2024, with the refinery now fully operational with its enhanced capabilities.

#chevron  #refinery  #capacityincrease  #crudeoil  #lightcrude  #permian  #pasadena 

Several plants and productions added.


#anqing  #refinery  #sinopec  #massbalance 
 

Petrochemical Industry Going Global Alliance | November 9, 2024 10:50, via WeChat.

On July 6, 2023, with the 400,000 tons/year ethylbenzene-styrene unit producing qualified products, all units of the Anqing Petrochemical Refinery Conversion Plant Structural Adjustment Project were successfully started up safely and environmentally friendly at one time.

The project is led by a 3 million tons/year heavy oil catalytic cracking unit. By increasing the production of light olefins and aromatic raw materials to produce high-value-added chemical products, it effectively enhances the adaptability and flexibility of the company's production structure to changes in demand, and explores a development path for domestic refining companies to cope with overcapacity and achieve transformation and upgrading.

Among them, the 3 million tons/year heavy oil catalytic cracking unit is the world's first RTC process heavy oil catalytic cracking unit, and the 400,000 tons/year ethylbenzene-styrene unit is currently the largest dry gas-based ethylbenzene unit in China.

The heavy oil catalytic cracking unit of Anqing Petrochemical has been started-up

Seetao 2023-06-25 15:12

The heavy oil catalytic cracking unit of Anqing Petrochemical has a total of three main fan units, namely two main units K101A/B and one backup fan unit K102. After the backup fan is successfully started and the two units have completed the relevant air tightness and other related processes, the K102 unit will be shut down, and the two main fan units K101A/B will enter the ignition furnace heating stage. It is expected that the overall start-up process will continue for more than 10 days.

Anqing will stop operating its 1.4mn t/yr fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) and 700,000 t/yr deep catalytic cracking unit, which are located near a residential area, for environmental reasons. The project will involve adding a new 3mn t/yr DCC that will enable the refinery to process crude with a higher sulphur content of 1.5pc.

Anqing currently produces 30,000 t/yr of polypropylene, 100,000 t/yr of ethylbenzene and styrene and 210,000 t/yr of acrylonitrile, among other products. It will scale up output of these products through the upgrading project.

Sinopec's Anqing refinery shifts towards petrochemicals

PETROTHALIL Analytical Petrochemical News Agency | 2020/06/23 09:38:57

Work on the 11bn yuan ($1.5bn) project at Anqing in the central province of Anhui started in early May. A Yn6.6bn first phase aims to produce around 2mn t/yr of olefins and aromatics, including 150,000 t/yr of ethylene, 640,000 t/yr of propylene and 610,000 t/yr of aromatics products. Trial production is scheduled for late 2022. A second, Yn4.4bn phase will add another 650,000 t/yr of unspecified chemical output.

Refined product output will be cut by a third after the project is complete, with the gasoline yield rising at the expense of diesel. Anqing is also expanding its pipeline connections to replace fuel transportation by river. Sinopec opened an 88,000 b/d oil products pipeline linking Anqing to the cities of Hefei, Huainan, Bengbu and Fuyang in late 2016.

Anqing will stop operating its 1.4mn t/yr fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) and 700,000 t/yr deep catalytic cracking unit, which are located near a residential area, for environmental reasons. The project will involve adding a new 3mn t/yr DCC that will enable the refinery to process crude with a higher sulphur content of 1.5pc.

Anqing currently produces 30,000 t/yr of polypropylene, 100,000 t/yr of ethylbenzene and styrene and 210,000 t/yr of acrylonitrile, among other products. It will scale up output of these products through the upgrading project.

#dcc  #fcc  #styrene  #ethylbenzene  #alkylation  #dehydrogenation  #aromatics  #olefins  #btx  #resid  #cracking  #anqing  #petrochemical  #sinopec  #refinery  #china

Some technologies and productions have been added.


#changling  #refinery  #vdu  #adu  #hydrotreater  #vgo  #resid 

Changling Refinery information details have been updated and its crude oil processing capacity adjusted to 8 million tonnes per year.


#hunanpetrochemical  #sinopec  #hunan  #yueyang  #changling  #refinery  #china  #crudeoil  #refining  

Heilongjiang Haiguolongyou Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (formerly named Daqing Lianyi Petrochemical Co., Ltd.) and Daqing refinery have been added.
 

#daqing #lianyi  #longyou  #haiguo  #hayguolongyou  #heilongjiang  #refinery  #refining  #china  

Credit: Gunvor, Rotterdam refinery

By Jack Wittels and Alex Longley, November 22, 2024, Bloomberg

Gunvor Group is temporarily halting its Rotterdam oil refinery because it’s not making enough money, the latest sign that the continent’s plants are struggling to compete with upstarts in other parts of the world.

Effective Nov. 25, the so-called economic halt is due to a lack of prompt availability of commercially viable feedstock, the company said in a statement. Gunvor said it will “continue to monitor the situation and assess future resupply for the refinery in due course.”

With a processing capacity of 75,000 barrels a day, the plant is relatively tiny. Still, it joins a growing list of European refineries with plans to either halt or downsize, including the Wesseling and Gelsenkirchen plants in Germany and the Grangemouth facility in Scotland.

Europe’s refineries are under pressure from large, new plants, including in the Middle East and Africa, such as Nigeria’s giant new Dangote refinery. The rival fuelmakers can send what they make to Europe, and also compete for market share elsewhere in the world.

#gunvor  #refinery  #europe  #rotterdam  #wesseling  #gelsenkirchen  #grangemounth  #petroineos  #lyondellbasell  #ineos  #nigeria  #dangote  #crudeoil  #bp 

Picture: Indian subcontinent refineries, via ppPLUS

India’s dependence on imports to meet its requirements of basic petrochemicals, including polymers, is only expected to rise, despite projects – under implementation and on the drawing boards. This is partly because the historical baggage of poor capacity builds will take time to catch up with rising demand.

In the last few years, however, India’s public sector refiners have climbed on the petrochemicals bandwagon, seeking value-added outlets for refinery streams. They have invested in aromatics (for feeding the polyester value chain), propylene (for polypropylene, PP, and some other chemicals notably, oxo-alcohols and acrylate monomers), linear alkyl benzene (LAB), a key detergent raw material, and a few other projects. And more are to come in the near-term.

There are several commonalities amongst the firm projects. For one, the emphasis seems to be on building the C3 (propylene) value chain. This is not surprising as FCC propylene offers a simple, low-cost route to the olefin and one that can be conveniently retrofitted into existing refinery operations. There is also an overwhelming emphasis on PP production, which may not be wise, as it runs the risk of overbuild should demand growth not pan out as anticipated.

There are other propylene derivatives that can be considered, and these merit attention if not by the refiners themselves then by third party investors for whom it will be more worthwhile. Much will hinge on the commercials of the olefin supply arrangement, but such business models are widely followed, including here in India, let alone in other countries.

Importantly, the government needs to recognise that the chemical industry as a key enabler of modern living, and not a nuisance to be constrained through regulation and red-tape. The priority must be on developing well-developed clusters where not just the petrochemical industry, but also the broad chemical industry – including the fine and specialty chemical industries, wherein India’s competitiveness is well recognised – can locate and start operations in double-quick time. Clusters are efficient and safe locales where the industry can thrive, as several countries have amply shown.
 
India needs a much larger and more diversified chemical industry than it has now. The former it seems is happening. Not so sure of the latter. The herd mentality to investments needs to change. Those who have dared to do so – and there are a few examples – have been amply rewarded. More need to emulate, not imitate, them!

Ravi Raghavan, 12 Nov 2024, Linkedin post.

#india  #petrochemicals  #chemicals  #valuechains  #propylene  #fcc  #refinery  #polyester  #aromatics  #olefins  #polypropylene  #acrylics  #lab  #chemicalindustry  #indianchemicals  #IOCL  #BPCL  #HPCL  #RelianceIndustries  #investment  #specialitychemicals  #finechemicals  #oilrefining  #polymers  #ethylene  #competitiveness 

The description of alkylates (iso-paraffines) made by the alkylation unit in the refinery and used as fuel blending components has been updated. 
 

#fuelblending #alkylationunit  #isoparaffins  #alkylates  #alkylationunit  #alkylunit  #refinery  #fcc 

African Energy Week 2024 presents the vision of a diversified energy future

AFRICAN ENERGY WEEK: OIL & GAS DEMAND EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG THROUGH 2050

Global demand for oil and gas is expected to remain strong in the coming decades, according to Haitham al-Ghais, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Speaking at the  Africa Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town,  South Africa, on 6 November, Haitham al-Ghais explained that this increase in energy demand would be driven by global population growth and a doubling of global GDP by 2050. “OPEC sees the outlook for global oil and gas consumption as very positive. By 2050, energy demand will increase by 24%,” he said.

The world population, currently 8 billion, is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with a significant share of this growth concentrated in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Al-Ghais stressed that this population increase and the economic growth of emerging megacities and cities of several million inhabitants would amplify the demand for energy, requiring the mobilization of all available resources, including fossil fuels.

The leading role of oil and gas

According to OPEC projections, oil and natural gas will still account for 55% of global energy supply in 2050, with oil alone accounting for 30% of this share. “The world will need all kinds of energy resources in the coming decades,” the OPEC Secretary General said, adding that renewables, although growing, will not be enough to meet this increased demand. In order to meet the growing needs and stabilize markets, OPEC estimates that massive investments will be needed in the oil sector. “Until 2050, the oil sector will require investments of $17.4 trillion,” al-Ghais said, adding that this funding will be mainly directed towards production programs to ensure stable supplies and prevent sudden fluctuations in fuel prices.

A strategic event for the sector

The African Energy Week, which brings together over 1,000 participants, including officials from 22 African countries, industrialists, business people and analysts, continues until November 8. The event provides a platform to discuss energy challenges in Africa and how the continent can meet the growing global energy needs.

Source

#oilandgas #crudeoil #naturalgas #africa #refining #refinery #oildemand #energy #fossilfuels #fuelprices #oilsector

ExxonMobil’s Esso division has completed the sale of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery, one of France’s major refineries, and two other oil terminals to Rhone Energies, a consortium formed by Trafigura with Entara LLC. The deal was announced on Friday, November 1, 2024.

The Fos-sur-Mer refinery has a crude oil processing capacity of 140,000 barrels per day. The transaction includes the Toulouse and Villette-de-Vienne terminals, operated by Exxon’s local unit Esso.

This sale marks a significant reduction in Exxon’s refining capacity in Europe, with its total refining capacity in the region decreasing to approximately 1.1 million barrels per day. However, Exxon remains the second-largest refining capacity holder in northwestern Europe, after TotalEnergies.

The sale is part of Exxon’s efforts to divest non-core assets and focus on its core business. The company is also close to selling its 25% stake in a German refinery, MiRO Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein GmbH.

#crudeoil  #refining  #refinery  #exxonmobil  #totalenergies  #france  #miro  #rhoneenergies 

Some productions and consumptions have been added to site.

Corresponding technologies need to be identified.

#sinopec  #zhanjiang  #refinery  #petrochemicals  #zhongke  #steamcracker  #eva  #polyethylene  #polypropylene  #ethyleneglycol  #meg 

SINOPEC Zhanjiang Dongxing Petrochemical Company Limited

For the record, we reproduce here below the description page of the SINOPEC Zhanjiang Dongxing Petrochemical Co., Ltd. dated from Nov. 2016 on the Sinopec website as this description is not up-to-date and may disappear:

SINOPEC Zhanjiang Dongxing Petrochemical Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) is a large-scale oil refining and petrochemical enterprise, with a crude oil processing capacity of 5 million tons per year. The Company has 28 sets of production plants and matching utilities, such as atmospheric and vacuum distillation, catalytic cracking, reforming, hydrogenation, polypropylene, aromatics extraction, gas separation and sulfur recovery. The main products include gasoline and diesel, LPG, naphtha, benzene, xylems, polypropylene, heavy oil, etc. 

The Company is located at the southernmost tip of Chinese mainland Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, with an area of 1428 mu. The Company is only 4.2 kilometers away from Zhanjiang Port which is the biggest sea port in southern China, thus tankers can directly dock at the 300 thousand-ton-pier of the port. Relying on its geographic advantage as well as the convenience of sea, highway, railway and pipeline transportation, refined oil products can be sent to Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces and the Pearl River Delta regions in Guangdong province straightly. 

Since the acquisition, the Company firmly follows the overall arrangement of SINOPEC Group. On the basis of maintaining and carrying forward the fine traditions, the Company gives full play to the advantages of its institutions and mechanisms. Meanwhile, it pays close attention to “people-oriented” principle as well as “HSE” management, and vigorously promotes fine management. The Company has achieved security and stability of production for 10 years and also puts an end to security and environmental accidents and unplanned shutdown incidents which must be reported to the Group. The main technical indicators of the Company keep improving year by year, and some of them are keeping an advanced level of the industry. 

Sinopec merges two Guangdong-based refineries

In Aug. 2014, Reuters reports that Sinopec Corp has merged two subsidiary refineries in Guangdong combined the newly launched Zhongke refinery complex and a neighbouring old plant Dongxing Petrochemical, both based in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, and named the merged entity Zhongke Refining and Chemical Co.

ZhongKe (Guangdong) Refinery & Petrochemical Company Limited

In the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts of SINOPEC Corp., ZhongKe (Guangdong) Refinery & Petrochemical Company Limited is reported as a main subsidiary in which the Sinopec parent holds a 90.3% share in its subsidiary.

#sinopec  #zhanjiang  #dongxing  #petrochemical  #guangdong  #zhongke #refinery 

Nigerian upstream company Oanon has shown interest in refinery.

Punchg Nigeria:

Oando, two others shortlisted to purchase Trinidad’s refinery

#refining #Refinery 

African Energy Council

Refinery Bonanza in West-Africa?

Dangote Refinery coming up to capacity - New project in Ghana - now another 4 new refineries in Nigeria.

Who will be operating them?

#Refinery 

Odinaka, Ike 

Petroineos, a Joint Venture between INEOS and PetroChina, has announced its intention to cease refinery operations at Grangemouth and transition to a finished fuels import terminal and distribution hub during the second quarter of 2025, subject to consultation with employees.

Situated on the Firth of Forth on Scotland’s east coast, Grangemouth Refinery is the oldest of the six remaining refineries in the  UK and the only refinery in Scotland. Grangemouth refining capacity stands at 150,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

A spokesman for Petroineos said that in the last week, the refinery has lost around 500,000 US dollars (£381,000) per day, and absorbed total losses of 775 million US dollars (£590 million): “it is hard to conceive that any owner would be able or willing to sustain losses on this scale indefinitely and in the face of competitive pressure from newer, more modern facilities across Europe and elsewhere in the world” the spokesperson added.

Other INEOS businesses at Grangemouth, namely INEOS O&P UK and INEOS FPS (Forties Pipeline System), will continue as normal delivering high quality services and products to customers and are largely unaffected by this change, Ineos stated.

#ineos  #petroineos  #refinery  #grangemouth  #crudeoil 

Sources: INEOS announcement, 12 Sep 2024 | The Westmorland Gazette, 13 Sep 2024

Ineos confirms closure of the Refinery in Scotland, operated by their JV Petroineos. The site will be converted into an import and export terminal.

Petrochemicals activities on the site, part of the Ineos Olefins and Polymer Business continue.

“Business as usual” for INEOS businesses at Grangemouth

#refining #Refinery 

LAGOS, Sept 2 –  Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery has commenced gasoline processing after recent crude shortages caused delays, according to a company executive on Monday. The $20 billion facility, built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos, started operations in January, initially producing products like naphtha and jet fuel.

With a massive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery is Africa’s largest and aims to reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported oil products, a costly burden for the country despite being a major oil producer.

“We are currently testing gasoline, and soon it will begin flowing into our product tanks,” said Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited. Edwin did not specify when
 the gasoline would reach the local market but confirmed that state oil firm NNPC Ltd, Nigeria’s sole gasoline importer, would exclusively purchase the gasoline. “If there are no buyers locally, we will export it, as we have done with our jet fuel and diesel,” he added.

The introduction of gasoline from Dangote’s refinery could significantly ease NNPC’s ongoing struggles to meet local fuel demand. Since January, NNPC has accumulated $6 billion in debt to oil traders for supply, hampering its ability to adequately serve the Nigerian market, where long fuel queues have persisted since July. Fuel prices have surged by 45% from the official rate of 617 naira ($0.3942) following the removal of subsidies last year.

“The timing of Dangote’s gasoline production is critical, especially given NNPC’s current challenges in securing imported supply due to financial constraints,” noted Clementine Wallop, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Horizon Engage, a political risk consultancy. She emphasized the need for NNPC to demonstrate transparency in its financial dealings as it begins to purchase from Dangote.

Despite being Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria imports almost all of its fuel due to years of neglect and underinvestment in its national refineries.

naija247news

#diesel  #naphtha  #gasoline  #crude  #crudeoil  #refining  #Refinery #jetfuel  #kerosene  #africa  #nigeria 

Shenghong Refinery (Lianyungang) has been added.

#refinery  #shenghong  #lyanyungang 

Credit: Petro Rabigh, Rabigh Phase 1

Saudi Aramco, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire an additional stake of approximately 22.5% in Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. (“Petro Rabigh”), the refining and petrochemical complex located on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s west coast, from Sumitomo Chemical for $702 million.

Aramco and Tokyo-headquartered Sumitomo Chemical currently each own 37.5% of shares in Petro Rabigh, which was listed on the Saudi Exchange in 2008. Upon completion of the transaction, which is priced at SAR7 per share, Aramco will become Petro Rabigh’s largest shareholder with an equity stake of approximately 60%, while Sumitomo Chemical will retain an equity stake of 15%. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals and other third-party approvals, is part of a package of financial measures intended to reinforce Petro Rabigh’s financial position.

Under the terms of the share sale and purchase agreement, all proceeds received by Sumitomo Chemical from the sale will be injected into Petro Rabigh, through a mechanism to be agreed with Petro Rabigh. Aramco will also provide additional funds to Petro Rabigh, via a mechanism also to be agreed, matching the $702m from Sumitomo Chemical to improve Petro Rabigh’s financial position and support Petro Rabigh’s future strategy, bringing the aggregate injection amount to US$1.4 billion.

In addition, Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical have agreed to a phased waiver of shareholder loans of $750m each, which will result in a $1.5bn direct reduction in Petro Rabigh’s liabilities.

These measures are expected to improve Petro Rabigh’s balance sheet and cash liquidity as part of a remedial plan that Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical intend to explore with Petro Rabigh, which also includes initiatives to upgrade the refinery with the aim of helping improve the profitability of the business. The agreement also aligns with Aramco’s downstream expansion and Sumitomo Chemical’s move away from commodity chemicals toward specialty chemicals.

Source: Aramco news, 7^th Aug 2024

#refining  #refinery  #aramco  #sumitomo 

Sunset on a refinery

"Oil refineries across Europe will be forced to shut as the West abandons fossil fuels in the race to net zero," – said BP CEO Murray Okincloss, commenting on the company's financial statements, The Telegraph reports.

He believes that older and smaller refineries in the EU will close or switch to biofuels as conventional oil refining becomes unprofitable due to a combination of soaring fuel taxes and falling demand from drivers switching to electric cars.

“So I would expect the least efficient refineries, which are the smallest, oldest around the world, to gradually close down as the world transitions over the next 10 to 30 years.”

BP has four refineries in Europe, three of which are already planned for conversion to produce biofuels including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Grangemouth Refinery in Scotland, which is owned by Ineos, employs 500 people but is scheduled to shut early next year.

Data from Fuels Europe shows that refining capacity in the EU, as well as in the UK, Switzerland and Norway, is already declining. Capacity has fallen from 781 million tonnes a year in 2009 to 677 million tonnes now. This means that Europe accounts for about 15% of the world's refining capacity - well behind the US with 21% or  APAC with 36%.

Contradicting the statements reported above, BP said in June that it was scaling back this year’s plans for the development of new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel projects at its existing sites, pausing planning for two potential projects while continuing to assess three for progression, according to Oilprice.

“This is aligned with BP’s drive to simplify its portfolio, focusing on value and returns,” the UK-based supermajor said.

In June, BP declared to continue investing in deepwater fields in the Gulf of Mexico, and made a statement saying it was "scaling back" new biofuels projects.

The company has tempered its enthusiasm for its low-carbon program, and with it cut its climate commitments, adapting to an operating model that assumes continued high oil demand into the 2040s and beyond.

“Labour policy says oil and gas production in the North Sea will be with us for decades to come ... They launched a consultation process with the sector last night and we’ll be engaged deeply with them on that,” Okincloss said.

The oil giant's net profit for the second quarter of this year was higher than expected ($2.76 billion). The company's low-carbon and natural gas division, on the other hand, performed poorly, posting a loss of $0.1 billion.

#refining  #refinery  #crudeoil  #naturalgas  #oilandgas  #europe  #saf  #sustainableaviationfuel  #renewablediesel  #biofuels 

Credit: @ExxonMobil, Port-Jérôme (Gravenchon) refinery

ExxonMobil Chemical 🇫🇷 France (EMCF) announced on April 11 the definitive shutdown of the steam cracker and the polyethylene, polypropylene, adhesives and associated logistics facilities units at the Gravenchon site in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine (Seine-Maritime) in 2024. This will result in the loss of 677 jobs out of a workforce of 2,400 employees in France during 2025, the company said in a press release. In detail, 647 positions will disappear on site and 30 at the company's management in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine). The Port-Jérôme refinery activities are not affected. The site will continue to produce and supply fuels, lubricants, base oils and bitumens. Similarly, the activity of Infineum, the joint venture between ExxonMobil and Shell for the production of additives, is not part of the announcement. In 2020, 35 million euros were invested in these operations also located in Gravenchon.

#fuels  #lubricants  #bitumen  #polyethylene  #polypropylene  #steamcracking  #steamcracker  #refining  #refinery  #france  #exxonmobil 

Mass Balance of SOCAR Türkiye Refinery initialized with crude oil imports.

#crudeoil #massbalance  #Refinery #refining 

The furnace black plant has been added to the #Ruwais  #Refinery  West. 

#carbonblack

Al Zour refinery in 🇰🇼 Kuwait was officially commissionned on 29^th May 2024.

#crudeoil  #lng  #refining  #Refinery

As per Wood Mackenzie "Global data and analytics" they are not expecting further refinery closure in Europe, other than the already announced of PetroIneos in Grangemouth and the Shell CDU closure in Koeln.

For full overview of Refineries go to our Refinery-Module.

#Refinery #refining 

Operating performance at small private Chinese refineries has plummeted to a two-year nadir. This downturn, excluding factors like the Shanghai quarantine and the onset of the pandemic, marks the most significant decline since nearly 2016. Notably, diesel constitutes the primary output of these "underground" refineries.

The impetus behind the refinery cutbacks stems from dwindling demand in various sectors, notably the housing market, as reported by Bloomberg. Concurrently, Chinese production has been on a downward trajectory since September.

Diesel prices have cascaded to their lowest echelon since July. In a bid to uphold respectable profit margins—reportedly hovering around the 10-year average, according to Mysteel OilChem—these refineries are curtailing production, albeit at the expense of volume.

Mysteel OilChem underscores the dire lag in diesel demand for refining, spanning from mining to infrastructure development.

"Serving as a cornerstone of China's refining capacity, underground refineries currently grapple with diminished profits from bitumen—a key component in road paving—as well as escalating crude oil prices," reports Mysteel OilChem.

A semblance of reprieve may emerge with the onset of the farming season and the potential renewal of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, posits Energy Aspects Ltd., which could precipitate a dip in oil prices.

#china  #refinery  #refineries  #refining 

Recent discussions spotlight the potential sale of Lukoil Neftochim in Bulgaria, echoing a broader narrative of severing ties with Russia. Bloomberg's analysis underscores the significance for Bulgaria to distance itself from Russian influence, particularly by ousting Lukoil from the country, aligning with EU and NATO allies.

Amidst Bulgaria's evolution since the end of communist rule, divesting from Russian interests emerges as a crucial step. Contrasting Hungary and Serbia, severing ties would solidify Bulgaria's allegiance to Western alliances.

Critical to this transition, as per Bloomberg and Bulgarian officials, is the acquisition of Lukoil Neftochim by a reputable international entity from Europe, the US, or the Gulf states. This move aims to dismantle Lukoil's sway over Bulgaria's political and economic spheres.

Emphasizing the need for independence in critical supplies, the Bulgarian government aims to avoid reliance on unfriendly nations like Russia. Yet, sentiments within Lukoil Neftochim, employing approximately 1300 individuals, reflect a fondness for the Russian company, underscoring historical ties.

While Lukoil has not publicly announced intentions to sell the refinery, speculation persists, with the Bulgarian Finance Ministry suggesting active pursuit of potential buyers. Litasco SA, Lukoil's international marketing and trading arm, refrained from comment, further fueling speculation surrounding the refinery's fate.

#bulgaria #russia  #refining #Refinery 

On April 1^st, INEOS has completed the acquisition of TotalEnergies’ 50% share of Naphtachimie (720 ktpa steam cracker), Appryl (300 ktpa polypropylene business), Gexaro (270 ktpa aromatics business) and 3TC (naphtha storage, a 50/50 JV between Petroineos and TotalEnergies) announced on July 5^th. These businesses have until today been joint ventures between the two companies. A number of other infrastructure assets have also been acquired including part of TotalEnergies ethylene pipeline network in France.

INEOS will now fully integrate the Naphthachimie, Gexaro and Appryl petrochemical businesses, assets and infrastructure into INEOS Olefins & Polymers South at Lavera in Southern France. Gexaro, which is located on the Lavera refinery site will continue to be operated by Petroineos.

Source: INEOS Press Release, Apr 1^st, 2024

#steamcracker  #aromatics  #polypropylene  #naphtha  #naphtha  #pipeline  #ethylene  #olefins  #refinery 

While president Joe Biden himself is hampering the U.S. energy sector by suspending new LNG export permits, his Mexican counterpart says he regrets not buying more oil refineries for Mexico.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador admitted he regrets not authorizing the purchase of two more oil refineries similar to Deer Park in Texas.

At one time, AMLO admitted, he and others believed refineries were becoming obsolete due to the growing popularity of electric cars.

AMLO revealed that three years ago, about a dozen refineries in Houston were up for sale at significantly lower prices, and Shell had a few available. He said the decision not to purchase the refineries was influenced by the lack of confidence in the future of gasoline and the difficulty in obtaining U.S. approvals for the deal.

Lopez Obrador said he would encourage the next president to build and buy new refineries.

#mexico  #Refinery 

Assumed shareholding change from the 1st of January 2024

#refining #Refinery 

The Prax Group Signs An Agreement To Acquire Interest In PCK Schwedt Refinery From Shell Deutschland Gmbh - Prax Group

Shell has been interested to sell it's shares for almost 2 years. Initial talks with the Alcmene group were unsuccessful. Prax now entering into a challenging shareholder structure. The majority shareholder is Rosneft, whose shares under trusteeship by the German government.

#Refinery 

Thailand Refinery company, which together with the Srinacha Refinery (prev. Exxon) has a 300 k bd capacity

#Refinery 

From "The News International": 

KARACHI: Pakistan is losing out on the opportunity to pass on the benefits of discounted crude oil from Russia due to the old processing technology of its current refineries, industry officials said.

[...] 

Pakistan imported discounted Russian crude oil last month; however the benefits of the cheap oil could not be passed to the end consumers as the old technology at Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) processed more furnace oil than diesel and petrol.

“Other refineries would do the same if they import the crude oil from Russia as all refineries have old technology,” people in the sector revealed.

Pakistan needed to approve the refining policy to upgrade the refining sector if it wanted to benefit from URAL, they said. [...]

#Refinery 

Pakistan needs refinery upgrade to benefit from Russian oil discount (thenews.com.pk)

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