China’s crude oil imports rebound as state refiners return from overhauls

China’s crude oil imports rebounded in July from a six-month low as state-backed refiners ramped up output after returning from maintenance, though independent refineries slowed restocking amid probes by Beijing into trading and taxes. China brought in 41.24 million tonnes of crude oil last month, equivalent to 9.71 million barrels per day (bpd), data from

How fossil fuels can help decarbonize the economy

Researchers at Rice University’s Carbon Hub are proposing the idea of actually using hydrocarbons to slash carbon dioxide emissions. In an opinion paper published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, carbon materials expert Matteo Pasquali and Carl Mesters, retired chief scientist for chemistry and catalysis at Shell, propose splitting hydrocarbon molecules

Port of Galveston, Stabilis sign MOU on LNG bunkers

Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston and energy transition services firm Stabilis Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to enable LNG bunkering at that Texas port, the companies have said. Under the terms of the MOU, the port and Stabilis will provide LNG fueling solutions to vessels calling there, including identifying suitable dock

‘Cleaner’ catalytic converter to be developed in partnership with industry

A new synthetic material that accelerates the removal of harmful nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide from engine fumes is to be tested in a prototype catalytic converter. Scientists at Leeds who developed the material have announced a research collaboration with Cats and Pipes, an automotive company in North Wales that designs and manufacturers catalytic converters

Shell files TRO motion on petroleum additive tax

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the government from collecting excise tax on fuel blending additives. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Thursday, Shell confirmed that it received a copy of the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision on August 4 affirming the power

Biden’s clean cars plan doesn’t mention biofuels

President Joe Biden outlined a new national target for the adoption of electric vehicles in an announcement Thursday, calling for them to represent half of all new vehicle sales by 2030. However, biofuels groups continued to remind the administration the role that low carbon fuels such as ethanol can play in the remaining transportation fleet.

Natgasoline methanol facility in Beaumont, Texas goes offline

The Natgasoline methanol production facility in Beaumont, Texas, is currently offline, several market sources said. The facility, which is a joint venture of Proman and OCI, has a total production capacity of 1.75 million mt/year. The Beaumont facility was heard to have experienced an operational issue related to the gas feed, one of the sources

Ennore – Ramanathapuram LNG pipeline to be ready by Feb 2022

The Ennore – Ramanathapuram liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline is expected to be completed by February 2022, P. Jayadevan, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) said here on Saturday. Addressing presspersons at the company’s LNG terminal, which was commissioned in March 2019, he said that around 85% of the work to lay the ₹6,000

Mammoet completes first project using HVO fuel

Mammoet, the global market leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport, has executed its first operation using low-carbon HVO fuel. The operation, to transport two topsides, is another step towards more sustainable operations for the world’s leading heavy lifting and transportation company.  In the past, Mammoet’s worldwide fleet has run on conventional diesel. With new

HSFO cash premiums surge to 9-month highs, VLSFO firms

Cash premiums for cargoes of Asia’s high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) extended gains on Friday, ending the week at multi-month highs amid limited supply and firm demand from utilities and refiners. Cash premiums 180-cst HSFO hit a more than nine-month high of $5.30 a tonne to Singapore quotes, while premiums for cargoes of 380-cst HSFO climbed