Mid October: EMEA downstream update

Iran

The Isfahan refinery has boosted gasoline production to 20 million ltrs/d. The plat as a whole now supplies 23% of oil products demanded in the country. Production is going to be boosted further at all Iranian refineries with a nation wide optimisation project.

Iraq

Satarem of Switzerland and Iraq have signed a US$ 6 billion contract to build a refinery in the southern province of Maysan. The 150 000 bpd facility will help contribute to bridging the gap between supply and demand in the country. The plant is one of four planned in the country to increase refining capacity by 740 000 bpd.

Italy

The world’s first refinery to produce bioethanol from agricultural residues and energy crops has opened. This facility is located in northern Italy and when running at full capacity will process 75 million ltrs/y of bioethanol for the European market. The plant is the product of a joint venture between Beta Renewables, Italy and Novozymes, Denmark.

Kenya

Essar Group has announced that it is going to sell its 50% stake in the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited refinery, as it no longer sees the investment as tenable. The Kenyan government owns the other 50% of the plant which apparently needs large capital investments to continue sustainable operations.

Qatar

Kentz Corporation Limited’s Qatar Kentz WLL will carryout a Manpower Services contract at the Qatargas Laffan Refinery Phase 2 Project. The contract continues the existing work between the two companies and will be executed through the TSS business unit. Once complete the expansion project will allow the plant to process 146 000 bpd of condensate.

Scotland

Ahead of a strike at the Grangemouth refinery, shutdown work has begun. The strike is due to begin on Sunday and continue until Tuesday when talks between Unite and Ineos will resume. 

Edited from various sources by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/15102013/mid_oct_emea_news750/