(Petroleum Economist, 18.Jul.2019) — Latin America’s economically troubled oil giant faces the difficult task of significantly raising Asian crude grades. Venezuela’s upgraders have been forced to stop upgrading extra-heavy crude and instead focus on blending light and heavy grades, as US sanctions limit exports of the South American country’s most […]
Category: USA
Qatar Petroleum And Chevron Ink Deal For Mega US Petrochemical Plant
(Qatar Petroleum, 10.Jul.2019) — Qatar Petroleum has signed an agreement with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC to develop a new world-scale petrochemical project in the Gulf Coast region of the United States of America. The signing took place at the White House, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim […]
Venezuela’s CRP Shuts Down After Blackout
(Oilprice.com, Irina Slav, 8.Jul.2019) — Venezuela’s refining complex CRP has been shut down after a blackout that occurred on Sunday, Argus Media reports, citing union officials from the complex as saying the blackout was caused by a “catastrophic failure” in a turbine at the power plant that supplies electricity to […]
Sempra On Cameron LNG With McDermott, Chiyoda
(McDermott, 5.Jul.2019) — McDermott International (McDermott) and Chiyoda International (Chiyoda) announced today they have reached an agreement with Cameron LNG for performance-based commercial considerations related to the construction and commissioning schedule that further aligns the interests of all parties around safe, timely completion of Phase 1 of Cameron LNG, a […]
Bechtel Delivers 1st Cargo To Corpus Christi’s Train 2
(Bechtel, 3.Jul.2019) — Bechtel and customer Cheniere Energy announced the completion of the first commissioning cargo with liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Train 2 at the Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) export terminal in Corpus Christi, Texas. Through its partnership with Cheniere, Bechtel has now delivered seven LNG trains at two […]
Chevron Seeks Relief From Trump’s Venezuela Oil Sanctions
(Bloomberg, Fabiola Zerpa, Peter Millard and Kevin Crowley, 2.Jul.2019) — Chevron Corp. is lobbying the U.S. for sanctions relief so it can continue doing business in oil-rich Venezuela where President Donald Trump has been pushing for regime change. Chevron executives have been telling local staff that the company expects waivers […]
Building LNG-powered Ships Along U.S./Mexico Border
(Chron.com, Sergio Chapa, 1.Jul.2019) — Keppel AmFELS has built offshore drilling rigs and platforms here for decades. But the last few years have not been particulary kind to the offshore energy companies, which in the face of low oil prices and competition from shale, has delayed, canceled and scaled back […]
Venezuela Reshifts Oil Output
(Reuters, Marianna Parraga and Luc Cohen, 28.Jun.2019) — Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA is revamping one of its major processing operations geared to supplying U.S. buyers to produce instead a crude grade favored by Asian refiners, according to internal documents seen by Reuters. Sweeping U.S. sanctions on the government of […]
Glencore To Import 1,890,000 Barrels Of Cutter Stock
(Energy Analytics Institute, Piero Stewart, 27.Jun.2019) — EP Petroecuador awarded Glencore Ltda. a deal to import 1,890,000 barrels ± 2% of cutter stock, a diluent used in the preparation of fuel oil. Glencore offered the cutter stock diluent with a $3.32 per barrel differential, EP PetroEcuador announced 27 June in […]
Enel Américas Launches Preemptive Rights Offerings
(Enel, 27.Jun.2019) — ENEL AMÉRICAS S.A. announced the launch of the preemptive rights offering in connection with the capital increase approved by the company’s shareholders on April 30, 2019. Pursuant to the capital increase, the company is authorized to issue 18,729,788,686 new shares, which are subject to the preemptive rights […]
NASA To Livestream South America Total Solar Eclipse
(NASA, 27.Jun.2019) — NASA has partnered with the Exploratorium in San Francisco to bring live views to people across the world of a total solar eclipse, occurring Tuesday, July 2, over South America. The eclipse will only be visible directly to observers within the path of totality, which stretches across […]
Court To Decide Fight For Control Of US Refiner Citgo
(Reuters, 26.Jun.2019) — A U.S. court will decide whether a board of directors appointed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro or one backed by his rival, opposition leader Juan Guaido, runs the eighth-largest U.S. refiner, Citgo Petroleum Corp. A lawsuit filed by Maduro’s representatives on Tuesday in Delaware Chancery Court seeks […]
YPF Nationalization Trial To Continue In The U.S.
(Energy Analytics Institute, Aaron Simonsky, 24.Jun.2019) — The U.S. Supreme Court of Justice dealt another blow to the strategy of the government of Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri when it deactivated the multi million-dollar demand from Burford Capital for the nationalization of YPF; thus, giving a definite green light for the […]
ReneSola And X-Elio To Develop Solar Projects
(ReneSola, 24.Jun.2019) — ReneSola Ltd entered into a development service agreement with X-Elio North America, a subsidiary of X-Elio, a Madrid, Spain-based company specialized in the development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar plants. Under the agreement, the Company’s North American development team will originate and develop large utility scale […]
BPs’s Statistical Review Of World Energy, Edition 2019
(BP, 21.Jun.2019) — BP released its Statistical Review of World Energy, edition 2019, which provides a timely and objective insight into those developments and how that change can begin to be achieved. A link to the document can be found here. ***
TPHL Announces Extension Of Expiration Date
(TPHL, 20.Jun.2019) — Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) announced that the expiration date has been extended until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 21, 2019, unless extended or earlier terminated (such time and date with respect to the Exchange Offers, as the same may be extended, the “Extended […]
US Seeks Info From Guaido’s Ad-hoc Citgo Board
(Reuters, 19.Jun.2019) — An ad-hoc board of directors for U.S. oil refiner Citgo, named by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, said on Wednesday it has received a request for information from U.S. officials, who are probing its parent company PDVSA for alleged corruption. The board was named by Guaido, also […]
Canada’s Gulf Coast Exports Up As Venezuela Gap Filled
(Reuters, Collin Eaton, 18.Jun.2019) — Heavy crudes have poured into the United States this spring, offsetting the loss of Venezuelan oil and producing a mini-surplus, with Canadian heavy crude this month being exported from the U.S. Gulf Coast. U.S. refiners have lined up larger supplies from Canada, Iraq and Colombia […]
Matamoros Turbine Plant To Supply U.S., LatAm Projects
(Chron.com, Sergio Chapa, 17.Jun.2019) — Wind turbine blades that are now being made in the Mexican border town of Matamoros will soon find themselves installed in projects throughout the United States and Latin America. German wind turbine maker and wind farm developer Nordex Acciona recently began production at the company’s […]
Schneider Electric Launches 1st U.S. Smart Factory
(Schneider, 13.Jun.2019) — Schneider Electric launched the first Smart Factory in the U.S. to demonstrate in real time how its EcoStruxure architecture and related suite of offerings can help increase operational efficiency and reduce costs for its customers. Embracing cutting edge technology and the benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things […]
Renewables Can Benefit The Upstream Business: WoodMac
(WoodMac, 12.Jun.2019) — One of the hottest topics at APPEA was how to use renewables to benefit an upstream business, rather than replace it. At APPEA, Darwin LNG operator ConocoPhillips said it would be the first LNG facility globally to use batteries to run plant turbines. Similarly, Woodside is installing […]
Poland’s PGNiG And Venture Global LNG To Acquire 1.5 MTPA Of LNG
(Venture Global, 12.Jun.2019) — In connection with the state visit of The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda to Washington D.C., the Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) has signed, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House, an agreement with Venture Global LNG to purchase an additional 1.5 […]
NYSE Issues Continued Listing Standard Notice To Pioneer Energy Services
(Pioneer, 12.Jun.2019) — Pioneer Energy Services announced that it has been notified by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that its common stock does not satisfy one of the NYSE’s standards for continued listing. The NYSE requires that the average closing price per share of a listed company’s stock be […]
IEnova Reports Mechanical Completion Of Sur de Texas-Tuxpan Pipeline
(IENova, 11.Jun.2019) — Infraestructura Marina del Golfo, a joint venture between TC Energy Corporation and Infraestructura EnergĂ©tica Nova (IEnova), announced its Sur de Texas-Tuxpan Pipeline project in northeastern Mexico has achieved mechanical completion. Sur de Texas-Tuxpan will provide capacity to transport 2.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. […]
FMC Corp. Realigns Leadership Structure In The Americas
(FMC, 11.Jun.2019) — FMC Corporation announced that it is realigning the leadership structure for its North America and Latin America regions. Ronaldo Pereira, president, FMC Latin America, has been appointed president of the company’s new Americas Region, which encompasses the U.S., Canada, Central America and South America. Pereira will continue […]
Comstock Resources Takes Haynesville Lead With $2.2 Billion Covey Park deal
(WoodMac, 10.Jun.2019) — Comstock Resources today tightened its grip on the Haynesville basin with a US$2.2 billion cash-and-stock deal to buy privately-held Covey Park. Greig Aitken, director, corporate analysis, at global natural resources consultancy Wood Mackenzie, said: “The deal creates a Haynesville leader with the pro-forma company having access to […]
Millions To Collaborate Worldwide For World Oceans Day This June 8
(World Oceans Day, 7.Jun.2019) — The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council will help steer the way this week leading up to World Oceans Day on June 8. With increasing awareness of plastic pollution entering waterways around the globe, millions of people will take action for a better future by […]
U.S. Tightens Venezuela Oil Sanctions, Indicates More Actions To Come
(Reuters, Roberta Rampton, 6.Jun.2019) — The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday tightened its pressure on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company by making clear that exports of diluents by international shippers could be subject to U.S. sanctions. The change, announced on the Treasury Department’s website, is the latest U.S. measure aimed at […]
Citgo’s Search For CEO Moves Forward, Includes Former PDVSA Executives
(Reuters, Marianna Parraga, 6.Jun.2019) — Citgo Petroleum Corp, the U.S. arm of Venezuela’s state-run oil firm PDVSA, is moving toward appointing a new chief executive, with candidate names including former executives from PDVSA and other companies soon to be submitted to the board. In February, former CEO Asdrubal Chavez and […]
McDermott Reveals Contract Deal For Mozambique LNG Development
(McDermott, 5.Jun.2019) — McDermott International, Inc. announced that CCS JV, a joint venture between McDermott, Saipem and Chiyoda, has reached full agreement for a contract with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation for the Mozambique Area 1 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Development. CCS JV’s project scope includes the onshore engineering, procurement and construction […]
US’ Refineries Need Mexican Crude Oil
(CNN, Matt Egan, 5.Jun.2019) — The Trump administration’s threatened tariffs on Mexico couldn’t come at a worse time for America’s oil refineries. Mexico is the No. 2 foreign source of oil to the United States, supplying an average of 658,000 barrels of crude a day in March to ExxonMobil, Valero […]
Southern Power Completes Expansion Of Mankato Energy Center Unit
(Southern Power, 4.Jun.2019) — Southern Power announced the second combined cycle unit of the Mankato Energy Center expansion in Mankato, Minn., is complete. The expansion created 250 jobs during construction and was completed on time and under budget. Mankato Energy Center, the natural gas power plant, now includes two natural […]
Exploring The Innovative Evolution Of Hydraulic Fracturing
(JPT, Matt Zborowski, 3.Jun.2019) — Fueled by a culture of innovation, hydraulic fracturing has transformed the energy landscape from inside North America out. But achieving that paradigm shift took years of improving subsurface understanding, technology development, and fine tuning the completions practice through trial and error. Authors from Liberty Oilfield […]
Cheniere Makes Positive FID On Train 6 At Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project
(Cheniere, 3.Jun.2019) — Cheniere Energy, Inc. announced its Board of Directors has approved a comprehensive capital allocation framework for the Company that prioritizes reinvestment of cash flows to grow Cheniere’s world-class LNG platform, achievement of improved credit metrics for the Company’s liquefaction project entities and on a consolidated basis, and […]
YPF Prepares First Shipment Of Liquefied Natural Gas From Argentina
(Reuters, 2.Jun.2019) — Argentine oil company YPF SA said on Sunday that it began loading the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export from Argentina. The shipment includes 30,000 cubic metres of LNG from the Vaca Muerta shale play, YPF said in a statement. “This is the first […]
Mexico Is Our Most Important Natural Gas Export Market
(Forbes, Robert Rapier, 2.Jun.2019) — Last week the Trump Administration announced plans to impose a 5% tax on all goods imported from Mexico unless “the illegal migration crisis is alleviated.” These tariffs would potentially rise to 25% by October. Many business groups immediately came out against the idea. Neil Bradley, […]
Hydraulic Fracturing
(JPT, Zillur Rahim, Saudi Aramco, 1.Jun.2019) — As gas development focuses more on tight and ultratight formations, the challenges to produce economically become diverse and more intense. One main challenge faced while fracturing a well is a high fracture gradient. This can be caused by near-wellbore tortuosity, drill-in-fluid-induced damage, high […]
Cameron LNG Ships Out First Commissioning Cargo From LNG Plant
(Sempra, 31.May.2019) — Sempra LNG, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, announced that Cameron LNG has shipped the first commissioning cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the first liquefaction train of the export project in Hackberry, La. “This achievement brings Cameron LNG, one of Sempra’s five strategically located LNG infrastructure […]
Bristow Inks Five Year Deal With BP
(Energy Analytics Institute, Jared Yamin, 31.May.2019) — Bristow Group Inc. signed a new deal with BP plc to support its North Sea operations. The contract, with a five year primary term, commenced on 13 May, Bristow announced in an official statement. “This award further builds on Bristow’s success in the […]
Canadian Solar Signs 1,800 MW Supply Deal With EDF Renewables North America
(Canadian Solar, 29.May.2019) — Canadian Solar Inc. announced that it has signed a multi-year module supply agreement with EDF Renewables North America to deliver 1,800 MW of high efficiency poly solar modules for projects in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Utilizing unique multi-year contractual terms, Canadian Solar will supply its […]
CNR Snaps Up Devon’s Canada Assets In US$2.8 Billion Deal
(WoodMac, 29.May.2019) — Canadian Natural Resources today announced a C$3.8 billion (US$2.8 billion) acquisition of Devon Energy’s Canadian assets, marking the company’s seventh major acquisition since 2014. Taking into account the subsequent corporate effects of the deal, Wood Mackenzie has valued the assets at US$3.7 billion. The assets include the […]
Scoot Awarded Permit To Operate Ebikes In Santiago, Chile
(Scoot, 28.May.2019) — Scoot, the original shared electric vehicle company, is launching their new shared ebike in the Las Condes district of Santiago, Chile. At a joint press event this weekend, Mayor Joaquin Lavin announced that Scoot had been awarded 650 permits to operate shared ebikes, making it the first […]
Energy Exports Help Laredo To Become Top U.S. Trade Hub
(Chron.com, Sergio Chapa, 28.May.2019) — Booming energy exports and shifting patterns in international commerce have made the Port of Laredo the nation’s top center for trade, supplanting the longtime leader, the Port of Los Angeles. In March, $20.1 billion of combined imports and exports moved through the Texas border city, […]
LatAmNRG Q&A With ANH Colombia: Exploratory Drilling To Start In 2H:20
(Energy Analytics Institute, Piero Stewart, 24.May.2019) — As part of Energy Analytics Institute’s ongoing coverage of the Latin America and Caribbean energy sectors from conventionals, unconventionals to renewables, Colombia’s Hydrocarbons National Agency (ANH) weighs in on some of our Colombia-related questions. What follows are excerpts from our series: LatAmNRG Q&A […]
Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited Announces Extension Of Expiration Date
(TPHL, 24.May.2019) — Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited announced the expiration date has been extended until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 14, 2019, unless extended or earlier terminated (such time and date with respect to the Exchange Offers, as the same may be extended, the “Extended Expiration Date”), […]
First Small-Scale Waterside LNG Production Facility In The U.S. Is Operational
(JAX LNG, 23.May.2019) — JAX LNG, a liquefied natural gas facility located at Dames Point in Jacksonville, Florida, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 16 to signify the official start-up of the newly constructed plant. JAX LNG is the first small-scale LNG facility in the United States with both marine and […]
McDermott Says Freeport LNG Production to Start in 1Q:20
(Energy Analytics Institute, Jared Yamin, 23.May.2019) — McDermott International, Inc. reiterated its earlier notified schedule for the Freeport LNG project in Freeport, Texas. As disclosed on 29 April, the company still forecasts initial production of LNG for the third and final train to happen in the first quarter of 2020 […]
US Tells Foreign Cos To Stop Jet Fuel Trading With Venezuela
(Reuters, Julia Payne and Dmitry Zhdannikov, 23.May.2019) — The United States told some large foreign firms this week they should stop trading jet fuel with Venezuela or face sanctions, according to two industry sources, ratcheting up pressure intended at removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. U.S. State Department officials […]
Shell Commences Production At Appomattox Field In U.S. Gulf Of Mexico
(Shell, 23.May.2019) — Royal Dutch Shell plc, through its subsidiary Shell Offshore Inc (Shell) announces today that production has started at the Shell-operated Appomattox floating production system months ahead of schedule, opening a new frontier in the deep-water US Gulf of Mexico. Appomattox, which currently has an expected production of […]
CNOOC Limited Announces Appomattox Field Commences Production
(CNOOC, 23.May.2019) — CNOOC Limited announced the Appomattox Field in the US Gulf of Mexico has safely commenced production ahead of schedule. Appomattox Field is located approximately 128 kilometers southeast of Louisiana in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, with water depth of approximately 2,255 meters. Appomattox is the first commercial discovery […]