Global downstream news update: 28th January 2014

USA

LA

Brinderson, a subsidiary of Aegion, has received a long term contract extension for work at the Los Angeles refinery, operated by Tesoro Refining & Marketing.

Brinderson will provide routine maintenance and repair services as well as small capital construction projects and three refinery locations, over a term of contracts.

Texas

Alon USA Partners have announced that a planned turnaround at the Big Spring refinery is to be postponed.

The turnaround was originally scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2014, but will now not commence until the second quarter.

The delay will allow Alon Partners to better integrate the implementation of the vacuum tower project within the turnaround, reducing the downtime require to complete the project.

Washington

The US Chemical Safety Board has delayed finalizing its investigative report into the April 2010 explosion at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes.

Last week, it cancelled a vote on the final report and announced that it will instead hold a community listening session and then take public comment for a 45 day period.

This has prompted criticism from the Boards own members and others. US Rep. Rick Larson said he was exasperated by the board’s actions and called on the federal agency to quickly issue its report.

Brunei

Zheijang Hengyi Petrochemicals is to construct an integrated refinery and aromatics complex at Pulau Muara Besar.

Approval for the complex was granted in February 2013. Construction works for the project will include the installation of an atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit, a hydrocracking unit and an aromatic complex unit, a diesel hydrogenation unit, a power station and a sea water desalination facility.

Construction is expected to require an investment of US$ 4.32 billion. Zheijiang Hengyi will spend US$ 1.5 billion from its own fund sources. The remainder will be obtained through bank loans.

South Korea

LG Chem announced on Monday that it plans to boost 2014 capital expenditures by 41% year on year to Won 1.95 trillion (US$ 1.8 billion), via plant upgrades and a planned petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan.

The company aims to increase 2014 revenues by 3.6% to Won 23.92 trillion, from Won 23.14 trillion in 2013.

Kazakhstan

All three of Kazakhstan’s refineries processed approximately 14.3 million t of crude in 2013, according to a recent report.

The 2013 crude and condensed gas production totalled 81.8 million t. 

Edited from various sources by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/29012014/global_downstream_news_119/