Industry: Midstream & NGLs

Chemical industry summary US and global commodity chemical companies generally reported favorable financial results in the Q2 earnings season, with several companies reporting record results. Commodity chemical prices proved to be relatively stable despite ongoing feedstock price erosion. Demand for polyolefins in all regions was relatively firm and producers’ inventories at the end of Q2 […]

Chemical industry summary  Heading into Q2 earnings season, chemical margins generally look positive for most chemical sectors with olefins/polyolefins leading and the chlor-alkali chain less profitable.  Macroeconomics and geopolitics The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports Q1 global GDP growth at 2.2%, 0.8% below the April forecast. The year 2015 now looks to be at 3.3% […]

Increased U.S. shale gas production has spurred numerous LNG export projects. While off-take agreements are crucial, robust gas sourcing strategies for these liquefaction plants are equally vital, especially as operations commence.

Despite its reduced environmental impact relative to other disposal methods, flaring represents a dissipation of economically viable energy resources.

CNG offers the advantages of lower cost and a more established fueling infrastructure in the US. Conversely, LNG provides higher energy density and greater portability due to its independence from pipelines, allowing access to remote areas.

Driven by new LNG exports, the global carrier fleet, 400+ in 2014, will exceed 500 within five years, prompting shipbuilder expansion.

Floating LNG technology offers potentially faster and more economical deployment compared to onshore facilities, which, if cost efficiencies are realized, could enhance LNG market competitiveness and affordability.

AMERICAS  Borealis to consolidate plastics compounding operations in Brazil  Borealis is planning to restructure its operations in Brazil, by transferring production from its plant at Triunfo to the recently upgraded facility at Itatibain in early 2015. Borealis invested about USD 57.3 million to expand the Itatiba facility with the construction of an additional production building, […]

Multiple companies have ventures aiming to utilize FLNG for North American natural gas exports.

U.S. natural gas surplus fosters niche LNG supply to Caribbean/Latin America via novel logistics, reflecting broader market impacts.

AMERICAS  Westlake to place ethylene assets in limited partnership  Westlake Chemical plans to place its ethylene assets into a separately traded limited partnership. Westlake Chemical Partners LP, will own two ethylene facilities at Lake Charles, LA, one ethylene unit at Calvert City, KY and an ethylene pipeline that runs from Mont Belvieu, TX to Westlake’s […]

ADI Analytics presented this report at MENA Shale in 2013. It highlights how the North American shale gas revolution profoundly and sustainably shifts the energy landscape. Unconventional resources exist globally. However, their development outside North America will likely be more challenging. It will also proceed at a slower pace. Innovation enabled North American shale gas […]