It’s not so many weeks back that a shortage of trucks and containers, low water on the Rhine, meant that producers could not meet demand. More recently, the production of energy-intensive chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, VCM and so on has been slashed by 30% to 50% and more in some cases. As ICIS reported recent shutdowns and premature turnarounds are everywhere.
As you say, the European petchem sector is readying for some tough quarters ahead as industrial activity and consumer demand turns down. It’s a different picture in the US where demand remains strong and low-priced product is finding its way to Europe.
So is this the best time ever to find a new role in the chemical industry – if you are in Europe, you would expect me to say probably not. But actually, it depends. So let me give you four answers to this question:
By Andrew Kris, Borderless
Source: linkedin.com
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF) today announced that it has closed its acquisition of Incitec Pivot Limited’s (“IPL”) ammonia production complex located in Waggaman, Louisiana. Under the terms of the agreement, CF Industries purchased the Waggaman ammonia plant and related assets for $1.675 billion, subject to adjustments.
The Virgin Atlantic flight was powered entirely by SAF, that was a drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel, but made solely from sustainable feedstocks. This was enabled through the inclusion of a new bio-based aromatic jet fuel blending component.
Cepsa SA (Madrid) has agreed a deal with C2X, an independent firm owned by AP Moller Holding with AP Moller-Maersk as minority owner, to develop a 300,000 metric tons per year renewable methanol plant at Huelva, Spain.