Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd

Top Oil and Gas Leaders from Russia & CIS Revealing their Strategies and Future Plans for Project Developments in the Region

2012-02-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

16 & 17 February 2012, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

For second successful year the Russia & CIS Executive gathered together in Dubai the highest level executives in the downstream oil & gas industry, to reveal their future plans for development, discuss the challenges and opportunities that the industry in this region is facing today. The unconventional format of the forum encouraged interesting discussions among the participants and let them share their points of view on the pressing issues brought up by senior representatives of leading consultants, financiers, investors, technology and service providers during the presentations and panel discussions.

Sponsors of the conference included UOP, Axens, Foster Wheeler, Exxon Mobil, Aveva, Accenture, Dinaz.

During the first day of the conference Mr. Jean Sentenac, Chairman and CEO of Axens, brought up the main challenges in the refining and petrochemical industry in the Russia&CIS region. According to Mr. Sentenac that would be the on-specification fuels production, the bottom of the barrel conversion technologies and the improvement of the assets profitability. In his presentation he explained the importance of developing new technologies and additional processes and services to answer the needs of this market.

Another presentation that raised the attention of the participants was delivered by Mr. Anil Chanramani – Chief Investment Officer and Global Sector Lead of the International Financial Corporation (World Bank). He spoke about managing risks and delivering growth in the chemical industry, explaining the specific approach of the International Financial Corporation when it comes to emerging markets like the Russia&CIS.

The delegates and speakers had the pleasure to enjoy a spectacular evening with an exclusive view of the famous Dubai dancing fountains and Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world). The Gala dinner was sponsored by UOP, whose President and CEO – Mr. Rajeev Gautam opened the second day of the conference with a presentation on the world challenges in the technology sector and especially those faced by the Russia & CIS due to rapid market changes in this region.

Mr Colin Chapman, president of Euro Petroleum Consultants presented his vision on a new approach that can be implemented for EPC projects in the Russia & CIS region.

An exclusive special presentation was delivered by the Vice President Strategy Development of the Azeri company SOCAR – Mr Tofig Gakhramanov, who revealed their ambitious plans for developing a large scale refining, gas and petrochemicals complex in Baku, Azerbaijan. His presentation provoked a lot of discussions, questions and comments among delegates and undoubtedly raised the attention of all supplier companies attending the conference.

This high-level event was organised by Euro Petroleum Consultants [EPC] – an independent organisation providing technical services to oil, gas and petrochemicals companies as well specialized oil and gas conferences and training seminars. The conference was held in conjunction of another conference organized by Euro Petroleum Consultants – The Middle East Technology Forum (ME-TECH) that gathered more than 250 delegates and more than 20 exhibitors.

EPC plans to hold the Russian & CIS Executive Summit and the Middle East Technology Forum annually. Keep up-to-date with EPC’s activities at www.europetro.com

Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas 2011 Video

2012-01-21T05:02:00.000-08:00

View below a flashback from the Russia&CIS Executive Summit in Dubai 2011. Looking forward to meet you all at the 2012 event - its less than a month to go.

ME-TECH 2012 to Focus on Improving Operational Efficiency Through Technology Innovations

2011-12-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Middle East downstream sector is facing numerous challenges including low margins, overcapacity and increasingly stringent quality environmental regulations, and the role of technology companies is now more important than ever to look for ways to improve efficiency and process heavier, sourer crudes.

“The demand for cleaner fuels and increasingly strict regulations on refined petroleum products requires refiners to adapt to new operating environments. In addition to these pressures, greater use of heavy crude requires innovative technologies, explains Colin Chapman, Founder and President of Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC).

Innovation is key to realizing greater downstream potential”

Technology will help plant operators to improve margins and get ahead of the competition in this ever-changing market environment.

Following a highly successful inaugural event in January 2011 that attracted 300 attendees including the major regional operating companies, the 2nd Middle East Technology Forum (ME-TECH 2012) will run 14-15 February in Dubai, bringing together all the key players across the gas processing, oil refining, residue upgrading and petrochemical sectors.

Over two days of parallel sessions delegates will hear first hand presentations from leading NOCs and IOCs on their latest projects and strategies.

Fareed Mohamed Al-Jaberi, Business Development Manager with TAKREER will be speaking on TAKREER’s world-class refining strategies, Fuad Mohammed Mosa, Manager, Chemicals Technology Development at SABIC will present on optimum plant operations and Sreeramachandran Kartha, General Manager, Refining Business at Reliance will address delegates on the important topic of refining and petrochemical integration principles and how they have employed them in Jamnagar. SIPCHEM and SAMREF will also be presenting on their recent projects and experiences.

Consultants from Purvin & Gertz, Wood McKenzie and CMAI will be evaluating the market trends across all the downstream sectors, best investment opportunities and examining the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Leading specialists from Shell Global Solutions, UOP, Axens, Foster Wheeler, KBR , ExxonMobil and over twenty other technology, catalyst and equipment providers will be sharing their knowledge and offering their best solutions to meet operating challenges.

An exhibition will run alongside the event in the networking area, allowing delegates to maximize their attendance by visiting up to 40 stands where suppliers will be holding demonstrations and displaying their latest products.

“ME-TECH gives innovators and end-users a platform to exchange views on cutting-edge downstream oil and gas technology solutions to improve margins and achieve operational excellence” said Suzanne Costello, Head of Events at Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC).

Prior to the main conference on 13 February Criterion Catalysts and Foster Wheeler will host concurrent complimentary half day seminars on their latest technologies and solutions.

ME-TECH will be followed directly by EPC’s high level strategy event, Russia & CIS Executive Summit on 16 & 17 February.

For more information contact conferences@europetro.com / Tel +44 20 7357 8394

www.europetro.com

2012 Outlook on the Oil&Gas Market in the Middle East

2011-12-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Special contribution of Mr. Colin Chapman, President, Euro Petroleum Consultants for the Q1 issue of PTQ Magazine

In the Refining and Petrochemical Industry it is true to say that “ the only constant in the Industry is Change”
Over the past decades Refiners and Petrochemical companies have had to meet Challenges posed by legislation such as

Refiners:to continuously improve product qualities for transportation fuels

Petrochemical producers: to produce higher valued products to differentiate from Competitors

In the Gas sector the introduction of Shale Gas on the global horizon is having a major impact on the future Global Gas Markets and in particular in the Middle East and Russia.

To meet these challenges Technology improvements have played a key role. We have seen very significant improvements in Catalysts, Plant designs and Equipment.

This overview will focus on the Middle East Gas and Petrochemicals markets and impact on the global markets

This overview will focus on the Petroc37%

As the Middle East region looks to produce and export more refined products, predominantly ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) that meet the latest environmental specifications, radical changes are taking place in the established refining infrastructure and also produce more higher valued speciality products in the Petrochemical Sector. Instead of commodity products.

Investment for new Refineries and Petrochemical facilities and new process technologies are being extensively reconsidered as the economic climate has changed drastically in the last few years and Middle East producers are taking a fresh look at their existing assets and the options open to them in order to meet the increased production and product quality demands for the future. Projects are being scaled back to meet the new global situation.

However we have recently seen the announcement about the project for the largest integrated Refinery Petrochemical Complex in the world “SADARA” the Complex will benefit from the low cost Ethane and Propane feedstock from the adjacent Satcorp Complex and also from economy of Scale. The Complex will produce a variety of Propylene based products and Aromatics. Project is estimated to cost 20 bln usd. About 45% of the products are destined for the Asian markets and 25% for other countries in the Middle East.

Sadara is the reincarnation of the $28 billion Dow/Aramco Ras Tanura Integrated

Project (RTIP). The project was abandoned in 2010 due to escalating costs and a lack of agreement between the parties. Nearer term, Petro Rabigh’s $10 billion expansion on the Red Sea is being reconfigured from its original plan to produce 17 products in a $6.7 billion investment. Major quantities of speciality liquid chemicals will still feature. And in the immediate future, the $10 billion Saudi Kayan complex. Kayan has been producing major quantities of liquids and polymers for some time and will eventually manufacture 18 products.

These projects are based on low cost feedstock and benefit from economies of scale Middle East prices are usually fixed at favourable rates . The Saudi price for natural gas, by far the dominant feedstock for the petrochemical industry in the Middle East, is $0.75/million British thermal unit (Btu). This compares with much higher prices in other regions where prices can vary from 3-10 $/million BTU.

The objective of the low Saudi price level was to guarantee very attractive Internal Rates of Return for the potential international partners whose technology was required to develop the petrochemical sector. The price level has been fixed for decades however the price is due to be revised at the end of 2011 and is the subject of much debate in the region and beyond.

Saudi Arabia is in the leader of the move towards differentiated, higher valued specialty liquid chemicals. Other countries in the region are also moving into speciality, liquid chemicals. The move to downstream specialty liquids is a strategy to stimulate economic diversification in the ccountry leading to greater employment prospects by creating locally available chemical and polymer ‘building blocks’ for local conversion industries. This enables addedvalue to be captured in the region. Eg Why ship acetone from the Middle East to China, where it is converted into acrylic glass and then ship it all the way back to the Middle East for use in signs and windows?

GAS MARKETS: The Global gas markets are expected to change over the next decades with the production of non conventional gas such as Shale Gas in USA and other regions. This will mean that major Gas producers such as those in the Middle East and Russia will be looking to alternate options for use of the natural Gas eg for production of Chemicals and Petrochemicals and also liquid fuels and for Power Production. Recent developments in the unconventional gas sector are having an important impact on the global gas market – and the LNG market in particular – and are likely to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

The emergence of Shale Gas production in the USAs is helping to transform the Gas and Petrochemical sectors in the USA. The processing of Shale gas has turned around the decline of US gas reserves and significantly changed the gas supply outlook for the United States. According to recent reports estimated US reserves of natural gas were 35% higher than those estimated two years ago.

As a result the US has reduced its LNG demand and this has affected the global LNG markets.This low cost feedstock compared with previous feedstocks such as Naphtha is allowing to now produce Petrochemicals more efficiently hence reducing the need to close the previously considered inefficient plants. The USA is now looking to become a LNG exporter. This of course impacts other regions such as Russia which was planning large LNG plants targeting such regions as the USA. Such projects have now to be reevaluated.

A sign of its growing importance is the support that these Shale Gas developments are getting from many of the major oil companies, with the likes of ExxonMobil, BP, Total & Petronas already involved in these unconventional hydrocarbon opportunities.

In Europe, Shale and other unconventional gas resources have been identified in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

The long-term growth in Shale Gas production is expected to play an important role in shaping North American, European and Asian natural gas demand.

Australia’s intention of developing its CBM resources is likely to have a significant impact on the Pacific Basin LNG market. These exports would predominantly head towards Asia and therefore directly compete with Qatar’s main export routes.

Both Shale Gas and CBM are susceptible to add considerably more volume to domestic and regional gas supply and as a result could potentially create opportunities for LNG export by the US and Australia.

So more Changes are on the horizon in Refining Petrochemicals and Gas Sectors in the Middle East

Many of these topics will be presented and debated at our upcoming ME-TECH 2012 to be held in Dubai on February 13^th and 14^th

This overview was prepared with assistance from Leslie McCune Managing Director of Chemical management Resources Ltd

Challenges facing the European Refining Industry

2011-12-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Stefan Cahpman, Vice President, Euro Petroleum Consultants for Hydrocarbon Engineering November 2011

Not so long ago, oil refining was considered a profitable business in Europe, companies were competing with each other to take ownership of plants or to invest heavily in existing refineries. Today the situation has changed as the economic recession and resulting fall in demand has put pressure on the European refining sector.

We are now seeing oil companies redefining their refining strategies by selling refining assets across Europe or in some cases, considering closing refineries altogether due to rapidly decreasing profit margins and heavy losses.

These new strategies coupled with weak margins and surplus capacity has meant that the following European refineries have already been shut down or have been tagged for possible closure in the near future:

COUNTRY	COMPANY	REFINERY	CAPACITY (B/D)
UK	Petroplus	Teeside	117 000
Germany	Shell	Hamburg	110 000
Italy	Tamoil	Cremona	80 000
France	Total	Dunkirk	135 000
France	Petroplus	Reichstett	85 000

(SOURCE: REUTERS)

In addition to the plants listed above, there are also a number of refineries that have been put up for sale due to the difficult climate and shift in company directives:

COUNTRY	COMPANY	REFINERY	CAPACITY (B/D)
Romania	OMV	Arpechim	70 000
UK	Total	Lindsey	221 000
UK	Murphy	Milford Haven	105 000
UK	Chevron	Pembroke	220 000
Lithuania	PKN Orlen	Mazeikiu	190 000

(SOURCE: REUTERS)

This year’s summer period has seen European refiners leave a fifth of their capacity offline as high oil prices and a general feeling of economic pessimism affected demand.

However, looking at the released figures by Euroilstocks data for July, we have seen refining margins on the up slightly due to an increase in Gasoline demand notably from Middle East & North Africa as well as continued support from Middle Distillates.

In Germany, early buying for the winter season also meant an increase in Heating Oil demand.

Overall, production in Europe reached 82 percent of running capacity, but remained considerably lower than the 86 percent seen during the same period last year.

There is also the worry caused by the faltering demand from the United States, the world's largest gasoline consumer. Average U.S. gasoline demand fell sharply at the end of July and this has meant an increase in motor fuel inventories at the peak of the northern hemisphere's summer driving season.

Another contributing factor to the downturn is that the Euro Zone business confidence is currently low with even Germany, the strongest economy in the Union, experiencing a slowdown in economic activity.

Add to that, high oil price having a negative effect on the global economic activity, problems due to the loss of Libya’s light sweet crude – traditionally an important regional provider meaning that we are facing an uncertain market and ultimately less optimistic forecasts for the business.

*

The European Refining sector also needs to contend with certain specifics of their market. These include having to invest to comply with new emissions legislations, with the first mandated reductions in CO2 emissions under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme due to come into effect from 2013.

Another important point that should not be underestimated is the additional competition – these refineries have been built primarily to meet the forecasted demand of their internal markets, but in the meantime those that are already online in India & China are presently geared to exporting products to other markets. As the cost of freight and transportation are relatively cheap in comparison with additional costs incurred by European refiners then these producers represent serious competition.

So, in light of the current challenging times what are the options open to the European refining industry?

As mentioned previously, one trend we have seen in recent months is that a number of oil companies have sold European refining assets to Asian, Indian and Russian buyers.

New Strategies by a number of oil majors such as Total SA, Shell and BP PLC have taken the decision to downsize their European refining portfolios and turn their attentions to investing in emerging markets and higher-margin areas.

A combination of factors has led to relatively low prices for these assets and this has attracted interest from a diverse range of buyers, including new emerging-market refinery owners, sovereign wealth funds and fuel-marketing companies.

The primary interest for emerging-market refinery owners is to gain a foothold into the European market. Recent examples of this strategy include:

US major ConocoPhillips has sold the Wilhelmshaven refinery (260,000 BPD) in Germany to private Dutch company Hestya Energy.

Shell's Stanlow oil refinery, the U.K's second-biggest, was bought for $350 million by Essar Energy, a subsidiary of the giant India-based Essar conglomerate.

The arrival of Essar into the European market comes at a time when many in the industry feel that the business of refining is unlikely to improve in Europe for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, over the next few years, Essar plans to invest in the region of $100 million a year. This investment is to be used for necessary upgrades to meet environmental regulations but also to increase throughput and flexibility by processing heavier crudes. These modifications aim to increase efficiency, flexibility and result with improving profit margins.

An added incentive for Essar to purchase Stanlow is the plant’s refinery's storage capacity and market access which can be utilized to good export effect.

What we can see is that these new owners are from diverse backgrounds and they are looking at available assets which best suit their specific needs and type of business.

The International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) - Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund purchased from Total a controlling stake in Spain's CEPSA. The total cost of the operation is thought to be around €4 billion and includes marketing and some production assets.
PetroChina invested into refineries via a JV (joint-venture) with major chemical producer INEOS (Switzerland) at Grangemouth in Scotland and at Lavera in France,
Lukoil has bought assets in both Italy and the Netherlands

Another possible option that is being looked at by some owners is to convert existing refineries into strategically placed storage terminals.

Earlier this year, Shell announced that they had decided to close their Hamburg refinery in northern Germany and convert it to a storage terminal in 2012. This decision was taken following failure to find a suitable buyer for the plant.

So what do all these different challenges mean for the future of the European refining industry?
Firstly, let us not forget that refined products will continue to be a key part of the European energy makeup for the foreseeable future – This means that having a viable and efficient refining industry will be important to support the European economy and its competitiveness.

As the European sector comes out of the downturn some recovery in demand is expected –but any significant growth will concern primarily jet fuel and diesel only.

Difficult times lie ahead due to lower gasoline demand from Europe’s major client; the US – combine this factor with the following;

new important refinery capacities coming on stream in Asia and the Middle East
improved car efficiency
EU environmental legislation

Subsequently pressure on the European refining industry is to be expected.

Looking at the positives, refining margins for more complex refineries could be given a helping hand by the changes to marine bunker fuel specifications – these will concern mainly Northern Europe in 2015.

The change in legislation is expected to mean an increase in demand for marine diesel and this at the expense of heavy fuel oil – the result would mean strengthened prices for middle distillates and refinery profitability.

To conclude, it will be important that the EU commission continues to develop a strategy that takes into account the important role of refining and supports the sector to face the key challenges that lie ahead.

Author:

Stefan Chapman
Vice President
Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd.

Russian Refiners needs to be proactive in order to sustain fuels supplies

2011-12-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Interview Colin Chapman for Oil Market Magazine - September 2011

This year’s Russia’s Refining Technology Conference (RRTC) organized by Euro Petroleum Consultants brought together in Moscow unprecedented amount of participants. Ever growing interest is the best evidence of the very high conference level and the agenda appealing to both Russian and CIS companies as well as international technology and engineering providers. OILMARKET enjoyed an opportunity to ask several questions to Mr. Colin Chapman – a professional with over 40 years of experience in Refining & Petrochemicals, president and founder of Euro Petroleum Consultants.

OILMARKET: As the EPC’s Russia and CIS Oil and Gas Refining and Petrochemical technology week in Russia entered the final stage, could you please outline major trends in the industry?

Colin Chapman: We see that the gas industry is facing, let’s say, new challenges with the development of quite big reserves of shale Gas in the United States. This is replacing quite big imports from Russia of LNG and Russia is now looking for the new markets for the natural gas and LNG. This was one of the topics discussed at the conference as a lot of people in the business were interested in what will follow as a result of this trend. It is clear that if Shale Gas starts to be developed in Europe, Russia’s gas sector will be strongly impacted. This may be the required incentive to focus on other directions for monetization of Russian Natural Gas

OILMARKET: With the Russian natural gas industry likely to be affected by the Shale Gas development in the US and possibly in Europe, what impact will it have on the development of the natural gas refining and petrochemical industry in Russia?

Colin Chapman:Russia has great opportunity and need to develop gas to liquid (GTL) and gas to petrochemical (GTP) and Gas to Chemicals technology projects. This was again a topic brought up at the conference. Taking into account what happens in the Middle East where there are many GTL, GTP and Gas to chemicals projects, the future looks bright for the Russian and CIS petrochemical developments.

OILMARKET: As far as I know the GTL technology development in Russia is lagging behind the global development trends?

Colin Chapman: Yes, it’s trying with some small units, but generally it is not in a rapidly developing stage, as there are no big projects at the moment compared to say in the Middle East.

OILMARKET: But still ,the potential to benefit from it is in place?

Colin Chapman: Definitely, depending on where the markets are it can be developed in the future. Also, Russia is well behind in developing modern petrochemical complexes. It has to be done at some point. This inexpensive feedstock should be capitalized to provide the basis for a modern Petrochemicals Industry.

OILMARKET: Would it significantly raise the value generated by the oil and gas industry for the state budget, if Russia invests in the petrochemical technology and gas processing?

Colin Chapman: What it would do, it would help the development of the downstream industries and manufacturing industries, so that would release the need to import the finished goods. It would also significantly improve the situation with the employment in many remote regions of Russian Federation.

OILMARKET: What about the oil refining segment? The refining conference was probably, the busiest part of the Moscow Refining & Petrochemicals week organized by the EPC?

Colin Chapman: The refining sector is undergoing important changes and faces new challenges. The taxation, new export duties levels for crude oil and fuel oil and other products – all it will have impact on the development of the oil refining industry. Hopefully, it will stimulate people to achieve higher conversion {at the refineries – OM}. That’s what is being discussed.

OILMARKET: So, what is the voice of Russia’s refining industry now, are they urged to achieve more conversion now or are they in confusion that causes lack of incentive?

Colin Chapman: I think, if the tax situation stays as it is they will have to increase conversion, because there will be less outlets for fuel oil. It depends on the regions and on the companies. Some companies, like Lukoil, have long term development plans, they are investing in the refineries, while others are moving very slowly and don’t have a clear vision on the way to increase conversion.

OILMARKET: would it be fair to say, that regardless of how strong the incentives were, Lukoil was the most conscious about the need to invest in the refining segment, possibly doing it more than any other vertically integrated company in Russia?

Colin Chapman: I think they have an easier decision making process. They decide on the long term plans, what the investment will be, and they are doing it both, inside and outside Russia, as well as in Europe, and now they have more flexibility because of the favorable market conditions, be it in West Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria. This means that if the margins are changing in one region, they have the possibility to process crude oil in another.

OILMARKET: Getting back to the conference agenda, these recent changes in Russia’s technical regulations on motor fuels opened a lot of discussions. What do you think is going to happen, what do people in the business say about it?

Colin Chapman: Yes, it’s been discussed a lot. Some companies are proceeding with their investment plans, others at some refineries are relying on further delays in the deadline to meet the changing specifications.

OILMARKET: Russia suffered in recent years from diesel and gasoline shortages. Is Russia still prone to such troubles?

Colin Chapman: I think, in some regions - yes, there may be shortages. Predicted growth of gasoline demand is very large. So, where is it going to come from? It needs to be produced in the regions where there is consumption growth. Lukoil, for example, is now focusing on increasing production in Nizhny Novgorod, at the expense, of say other regions. If there is an incident in one of the large refineries in the Central region this could impact short-term supplies.

OILMARKET: This still requires very careful attention of both the government and the business. They have to focus on stabilizing the domestic market. I could see some analysis on wires, making parallels of motorfuel shortages in Russia and motor fuel troubles in other BRIC countries like China and India. Those countries have to invest heavily in the development of their refining sectors - billions of dollars, like for instance, India does.

Colin Chapman: Yes, Russia definitely has to be careful, as we could see in several cases as I said one accident at one large refinery may trigger shortages. If, say, Ryazan refinery goes down, it will be difficult for Yaroslavl, Norsi and Moscow refineries to satisfy growing market demands.

OILMARKET:Is it fair to say that the situation with the Ron92 (Ai92) blend in Russia makes it a very specific market? Will this blend be a major factor in the years to come and will it help to solve the motor fuels shortages in Russia? We heard some corporate top executives saying that they had no plans to stop Ron92 production at least until 2020, while Russia plans to have Euro-5 gasoline standard in place in 2015?

Colin Chapman: I think many companies do not have plans to eliminate Ron92, as they experience difficulties in meeting modernization deadlines. So, ultimately, gearing up to Ron95 production has to be flexible. There is a possibility that the Ron 92 grade will persist as long as all the other requirements are met eg Sulphur content and aromatics content.

OILMARKET: Now back to the events. It shows that more and more people in the industry are willing to attend the EPC conferences - both Russian & CIS companies as well as Western European and American suppliers interested in these markets. What are the next events that you are planning to hold and which topics will be discussed there?

Colin Chapman: The Moscow Refining & Petrochemicals weeks this year gathered more than 450 delegates in total for the 3 conferences, so it will for sure continue to be one of our annual events held each September.

We can see that this Forum is ideal for exchange of ideas between all participants and this always gives us new ideas for future events. This is also very important for our Consulting activities. It is important that EPC understand fully the specific challenges of this region.

Before that we will be having the Russia & CIS Executive Summit in Dubai in mid February for the second year. This event will be focused more on strategic topics rather than technical ones and will gather top-level executives of major producers and suppliers in the business. After that we’re going back to Moscow in April for The Projects Forum, which will focus on the challenges and accomplishments of actual ongoing and recently completed projects in this rapidly developing region. This conference will be directly followed by the Russia & CIS Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference & Exhibition that we will be holding for the 6^th year in row covering the latest technology developments for upgrading crude oil residues.

Arabian Oil & Gas publication, Refining & Petrochemicals Middle East offer a preview into Euro Petroleum Consultants' ME-TECH 2011 event

2011-01-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

EXCERPT: Please click here to read the full press release at our website. Details of the conference & exhibition and instructions on registration can be found by clicking the banner at the bottom of the page.

The ultimate technology forum for gas processing, refining, residue upgrading and petrochemicals lands in the Middle East for the first time this month. Get ahead of the pack with the exclusive ME-TECH 2011 preview by Refining & Petrochemicals Middle East.

The rapidly expanding downstream sector in the Middle East has led technology providers to continuously look at ways to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities, and in many cases processing heavier feedstock. This has driven the innovation and smart application of improved catalysts and process configurations which help meet these requirements. In fast paced market, keeping abreast of such advances is challenging, but the Middle East Technology Forum this month in Dubai will help end-users and technology providers alike exchange views on the technology at the cutting edge of the industry.

Innovation Set to Dominate Discussions at ME-TECH 2011

2011-01-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Major Downstream Technology Conference and Exhibition Nears Sell-Out

To read the Arabic translation of this article please click here.

Technological innovation to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities in the Middle East’s rapidly expanding downstream sector looks set to dominate the agenda at ME-TECH 2011, the region’s first technology focussed conference and exhibition for the entire downstream oil and gas sector. To date ME-TECH 2011, being held in Dubai, UAE on 24th to 26th January 2011, has reserved 83 percent of its exhibition space and sold 60 percent of delegate places. Supported by the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA), ME-TECH 2011 is on target to sell-out by mid-January according to organisers EPC. Click here for more details on the event and to register.

“We’ve been inundated by companies wishing to present papers at Middle East Technology
Forum (ME-TECH) 2011 and are very pleased at the response from both technology providers
and the downstream oil and gas sector to the event,” said Colin Chapman, founder and
president of European Petroleum Consultants (EPC).

“The challenge for technology companies today is innovation in solutions that help gas
processors, refiners and petrochemical companies improve margins and operational excellence and ME-TECH gives innovators and end-users the opportunity to exchange views on cutting edge downstream oil and gas technology solutions.

“Finding ways to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities, and in many cases
processing heavier feedstock has driven innovation and smart application of improved
catalysts and process configurations which help meet these requirements.”

The event is attracting some of the major players in technology innovation and the downstream
sector to both the exhibition and conference sessions. Regional heavyweights such as SABIC,
Dolphin Energy and Takreer have committed to the event alongside international players such
as UOP, Axens and Shell Global Solutions.

Many view the event as timely due to the Middle East downstream sector’s growing stature in
the eyes of technology suppliers, contractors and equipment manufacturers. The region’s rise in
prominence for downstream sectors has seen a shift in focus by technology providers aiming to
tailor product offerings to suit local clients’ needs. Software developers and information
management specialists will also be hoping to court local producers with exciting innovations.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, GPCA Secretary General and keynote speaker at ME-TECH 2011
said of the event; ”The Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association [GPCA] is pleased to
support the first ME-TECH conference as it recognises the importance of presenting up-to-date
developments in technologies for the downstream process industries in this region.

“We are seeing a rapid increase in the growth of the Middle East downstream sector and as
such, the role of ME-TECH is an important one in providing a platform and meeting place for
local oil & gas operators to become updated on the key developments in their field as well as
meeting the major vendors and technology providers.

Downstream service providers and manufacturers expressed confidence about the future of
their operations in the region, and have strong belief that the near future will be one of dynamic
activity. At the recent 2010 GPCA forum, Khalid al Falih, the chief executive of Saudi Aramco
called for significant changes in the GCC's petrochemical industry to usher in a "golden age" of
regional economic development and that developing the region's petrochemicals sector "far
beyond" the production of basic chemicals was vital.

“The demand for cleaner fuels and increasingly strict regulations on refined petroleum
products are requiring refiners to adapt to new operating environments. In addition to these
pressures, greater use of heavy crude requires innovative technologies,” said ME-TECH director Tamimah Dhaher. “Solutions from technology innovations are key to realising greater
downstream potential.”

ME-TECH 2011 is being held in the Johara Conference Suite at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai,
UAE on the 24th to 26th January. For further information on the conference and exhibition, log
onto the ME-TECH website at www.me-tech.biz. Alternatively please click the web banner below to be taken to the event web page.

-Ends-

About EPC:
EPC Ltd is an independent consulting company and has extensive experience in providing project management services on downstream oil & gas projects through all stages of project implementation in various regions of the world. EPC was formed in 1996 and has been very active in supplying consulting services to different oil & gas operators in the Former Soviet Union and also to other clients in Western Europe and Africa. Please visit www.europetro.com for full details.

For more information, please contact:
Preeti Chhatbar / Shaden Abdellatif
Hill & Knowlton
+9714 33 44 930
preeti.chhatbar@hillandknowlton.com
shaden.abdellatif@hillandknowlton.com

Challenges to the Russian Oil Industry

2011-01-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

In this article published by Hydrocarbon World (Vol. 5 Issue 1) Colin Chapman, President of Euro Petroleum Consultants, discusses the future challenges to the Russian Oil Industry. View Press Release.

The article comes at a perfect time before The Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas, which is to be held in Dubai on January 27 & 28. The Leading Executives involved in the Russia & CIS Downstream Oil & Gas Sectors will gather with their regional and international partners and peers to discuss best adapted strategies and development programmes in addition to real investment opportunities for both companies and the industry.

To view the full programme for this event, which gives details on the high level industry representatives who are attending, please click here.

The Gulf Downstream Oil & Gas Industry in 2011

2011-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Colin Chapman, President of Euro Petroleum Consultants, expresses his expert opinion on developments in 2011 within the Downstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemical sectors of the Middle East region with Arabian Business.com.

The report comes just in time for the Middle East Technology Forum for Gas Processing, Oil Refining, Residue Upgrading and Petrochemicals (ME-TECH 2011), which is being hosted by Euro Petroleum Consultants, with the support of The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, between 24-26 January 2011 in the Madinat Jumeirah Resort of Dubai.

To read the full report please click here to be directed to the Arabian Business website. To view the ME-TECH 2011 Conference Programme please click here.

Defining Green Refining

2010-12-30T05:04:00.000-08:00

To view the below article in typical magazine format please click here to read on at Issuu.

This article comes ahead of the 2nd Green Refining and Petrochemicals Forum, hosted by EPC Ltd in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Many of the following challenges and solutions will be discussed by industry experts from leading regional and international oil, gas and petrochemicals companies. Click here for more details.

INTRODUCTION

The environmental issues surrounding the Oil & Gas Industry are becoming increasingly important, with governmental pressure leading to ever stricter legislation on the reduction of CO2 emissions and the production and use of alternative fuels.

The Oil & Gas Industry is being encouraged by governments, action groups and by the media to go GREEN but what does that exactly mean?

How can we define Green Refining?

Green Refining is a general term and can cover a variety of areas – In the Oil & Gas industry the term Green refining can be associated to a number of sectors but all with a common goal --- reducing emissions (GHG, CO2, wastes) and as a result minimizing the industry’s negative impact on the environment.

Green refining touches a number of subjects, such as;

ENERGY EFFICIENCY - TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATIONS

- Technologies for CO² Reduction
- Improving Energy Efficiency

- Cogeneration in Refineries
- Low-Carbon Fuels

EMISSIONS - CO2, GAS, LIQUID & SOLID

          - Strategies for Reduction of Emissions in Refining and Petrochemicals
          - Sources and Factors Affecting Refinery CO2 Emissions
          - Reduction of Other Types of Emissions (Gas, Liquid and Solid)

CO² CAPTURE & SEQUESTRATION

          - Meeting the GHG Reduction Goals by Carbon Capture and Sequestration-CCS
          - Carbon-Capture Methods - Pre-Combustion, Oxycombustion &
            Post-Combustion
          - Captured CO2 Injection & Uses - Depleted Oil and Natural Gas Fields

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES including BIOFUELS

          - Bio-Fuels & Alternate Fuels - Development, their Future and Competitiveness
          - Electricity from Renewable Resources - Status, Prospects, and Impediments
          - Promoting Growth of Renewable Energy

When adressing Green refining one subject is at the forefront of all discussions – Green House Gas emissions and CO2 emissions in particular.

Green House Gas (GHG) & CO2 emissions have been one of the hottest topics so far in this millennium’s energy debate. The reason for the growing interest is obvious – the ever-increasing concern about the CO2 release to the atmosphere and its impact on global warming and climate change.

CO2 emissions account for over 70% of the global GHG emissions --- so the questions is what is being done by the Oil, Gas & Energy sectors to reduce these emissions and the different available options, including in term of:

CO2 REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

CO2 CAPTURE

CO2 SEQUESTRATION

CO2 EMISSIONS – TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, CAPTURE & SEQUESTRATION

Everyone is aware of the growing concern regarding the possible climate change due to increasing CO2 emissions and Green House Gases (GHG) as a whole.

CO2 emissions account for over 70% of the global GHG emissions.

Global GHG & CO2 emissions come from a variety of different sources; of which the global power generation and processing industries are major contributors.

As the above figures show; the energy & power industries contribute significantly to these emissions; so what steps are being taken to reduce these emissions and why?

There are a several prominent drivers for the process industry to manage and reduce its CO2 emissions, and these are often attached to concern over climate change.

Looking specifically at Refineries, the management of CO2 emissions is rapidly becoming an important aspect in all stages of project implementation.

So what are the tools available to manage & reduce these CO2 emissions?

Technology Solutions: Making the right choice

In the current climate there is an increasing number of projects whose aim is to minimise or reduce the carbon footprint of a new or existing facility --- for these types of projects it is vitally important to select the best technology solution to reduce CO2 emissions.

Independently of how far reaching the emission reductions aims may be, applying an appropriate roadmap tool ensures that the most appropriate project to achieve the those goals is developed.

CO2 Management Technology Options

A well-planned design, processing the optimal feedstocks, with energy integrated flow schemes and a high value product slate is more likely to result in an efficient plant, whilst minimising energy demand and waste streams.

However, there are without fail always some unavoidable energy demands and carbon emissions. The following section introduces some of the key options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2) since it is the largest single contributor to the greenhouse effect, emitted from most operations in the process industry.

In other industries; other types of GHG are considered, notably carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide and CFC emissions.

Grassroot (New) development projects have the advantage of being able to design their units for reduced CO2 emissions through both careful process selection and by also choosing the most appropriate primary source of energy.

However, both new and existing plant developments are able to look at the following options:

Energy Efficiency

Feedstock replacement

Carbon capture and storage

1. Energy Efficiency

The most cost-effective solution to carbon abatement is improving site energy efficiency which can be applied to both existing and in-design plants.

By maximizing efficiency the overall carbon emissions and plant energy requirements will be minimised.

To evaluate and quantify the possible gains in energy two types of studies need to be performed:

Process Efficiency Study

Energy Efficiency Study

Process & Energy Efficiency

The 1st study focuses on emissions which are generated by the process itself, such as CO2 emissions resulting from reactions within said process.

The energy efficiency section will focus on the minimising of the process heat & electrical energy requirements so that emissions from utility supplies may also be minimised.

Energy integration across any site can reduce the need for energy input to the plant – if we consider the addition of a new process unit, this may provide a source of waste heat which can be utilized elsewhere in the refinery and as a result eliminate the need for continuous use of a process heater elsewhere.

It is important to note that the process plants must maintain good operability -- able to start up independently and maintain availability.

However, if the plant in question is able to operate with fewer process heaters in operation, then clearly the energy demand of the plant will be reduced.

2. Feedstock Replacement

In certain applications it may be possible to consider replacing (totally or partially) high carbon content feedstock with feedstocks which are closer to being carbon neutral.

For example: Gasification of coal / petcoke to produce a syngas.

Partial or full replacement with an appropriate biomass may be feasible in order to reduce overall carbon footprint, or increase production without increasing CO2 emissions.

3. Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) is one of the most talked about issues in the industry’s drive for a greener outlook - CCS is the process of removing or reducing the CO2 content of streams normally released to the atmosphere and transporting that captured CO2 to a location for permanent storage.

Carbon capture and storage has the advantage of being applicable to almost all processes in some form or another.

Taking a closer look at the options for carbon capture and storage for CO2 emissions management: CCS can be applied to a wide range of large single-point sources, such as process streams, heater / boiler exhausts and vents from a range of high CO2 footprint industries including;

power generation

refining

natural gas treating

chemicals & cement production

There are three main types of technologies employed:

Pre-combustion capture

Post-combustion capture

Oxyfuel combustion capture

Once captured the CO2 is compressed, dried and transported to a suitable storage location such as saline aquifer, depleted oil field (where enhanced oil recovery could be employed) and depleted gas fields.

Each CCS route described below is really a group of technologies based on similar process circumstances.

A. Pre-Combustion CO2 Capture

Brief Process Description

The feedstock (solid or gaseous) is fed to an oxygen (or air-blown) pressurised gasifier where it is converted to syngas. The syngas is then passed through a shift reactor which increases the hydrogen and CO2 content of the syngas. This high-pressure, high-temperature syngas is cooled, before being solvent washed to absorb the CO2 -- leaving a relatively pure hydrogen stream. The CO2 rich solvent stream is regenerated to release a CO2 stream which can be dried and compressed for export.

Advantages

This process offers an interesting integration potential as it generates a pure high-pressure hydrogen stream and the syngas cooling train produces significant quantities of steam (HP, MP, LP).

Applications

Possible application of pre-combustion carbon capture would be a new power plant in which the hydrogen rich stream is combusted in a gas turbine and the steam raised during syngas heat recovery is utilised, along with heat recovered from the gas turbine exhaust, in a steam turbine to form a combined cycle plant such as an IGCC (integrated gasification combined cycle).

Variations

Coals, petcoke, fuel oils, municipal solid waste and biomass can be used as gasifier feedstock.

Natural gas and light liquid feedstocks can be used with a reformer.

A range of alternative technologies such as membranes and pressure swing absorption (PSA)

B. Post-Combustion CO2 Capture

Brief Process Description

Combustion flue gas is cooled by direct water contact before entering a blower designed to overcome the absorption system pressure drop. The flue gas enters the absorption column where it is washed with a physical solvent such as monoethanolamine (MEA).

The flue gas is scrubbed of up to 90% of its CO2 content and is returned to the combustor stack and released to atmosphere.

The CO2 rich solvent is heated against lean solvent and regenerated in a stripping column. The solvent then returns to the absorption column while the released CO2 is dried and compressed for export.

The highlight of the post-combustion process is that it is suited not only for new installations but also may be retrofitted to existing plants.

Applications

Post combustion carbon capture is typically associated with large retrofit power projects or new high carbon footprint power plants. Post-combustion CO2 capture is a simpler system than the one implemented in pre-combustion CCS and can be associated to almost any type of combustion system.

Variants:

A range of processes exist utilising different solvents: MEA, ammonia and even sea water.

For high sulphur feeds the process may be coupled with a flue gas desulphurisation unit allowing the direct contact cooler to be eliminated.

C. Oxyfuel Combustion CO2 Capture

Brief Process Description

Fuel is combusted with oxygen from an air separation unit. The temperature in the boiler is adjusted by recycling a part of the flue gas back to the combustion chamber. The flue gas passes through a selection of extractive equipment:

particle removal by electrostatic precipitator

sulphur removal by limestone scrubbing

water removal by cooling and condensation

The remaining flue gas has a high concentration of CO2 which can then be purified, dried and compressed for export. Steam from the boiler is used to generate power via a steam turbine.

Applications

The most common application of oxyfuel carbon capture is for new, large scale power production.

Variants

A wide range of fuels can be used in an oxyfuel flowscheme.

SUMMARY

Environmental issues will continue to be at the forefront of the challenges facing the Oil & Gas Industry. It will be important to maintain the level of research & development into means of reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency and exploring all possible renewable energy sources.

The 2nd Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum to be hosted by Euro Petroleum Consultants next June in Dubrovnik (17th June 2011) will address many of these key topics in addition to latest technologies, issues, trends, regulations and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including:

Energy Efficiency Improvement

CO2 Capture & Sequestration

Renewable Energy Sources Including Cogeneration

Biofuels Technologies

Visit www.europetro.com/Green_Forum_2011 for more information.

VP of Strategic Communications of PetroKazakhstan Overseas Services Inc Join the Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil and Gas

2010-12-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Mr Bakhidgan Isengaliev, VP of Strategic Communications of PetroKazakhstan Overseas Services Inc. is the latest Panelist at the Leaders’ Panel Discussion Session at the Russia & CIS Executive Oil & Gas Summit: Downstream Oil and Gas.

Other senior representatives from major Oil & Gas Companies will present on their current and planned projects and debate the challenges they are facing. The future investment prospects will be highlighted as well as best adapted strategies and, furthermore, development programmes and opportunities will be presented.

For more information on who will be attending in addition to the full conference programme and registration instructions please click here.

9th International Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference

2010-12-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

The Leading Global Forum for Residue Upgrading

EPC’s BBTC series have gained a reputation as the most important residue upgrading events in the industry. With the price of heavy crude now falling back to competitive rates and global oil demand increasing, refiners are starting to refocus their attention on implementing residue upgrading projects.

BBTC 2011 will provide an opportunity to be updated with the latest market and technology developments, including real examples of the modernisation of existing facilities, implementing new strategies and new equipment to help maximise yields in today’s challenging market.

New for this year; the event will include a strong focus on coking, including delayed coker technology, coker revamp projects, profit-making uses for delayed coke and storage/transportation challenges of coke.

View Detailed Topic List

Join us in Dubrovnik for unrivalled networking opportunities with key refinery personnel from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. A delightful complimentary Gala Dinner on the evening of 16 June will encourage establishing and maintaining long-lasting business relationships.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

BBTC will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum - GREEN FORUM 2011 13 June, and
Global Catalyst Technology Conference - CAT-TECH 2011 13-14 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

Meeting the Industry's Environmental Challenges

2010-12-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

2nd Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum

"We were delighted to sponsor the very first Green Forum for EPC. The forum was vibrant and interesting and we look forward to the next event."
Jacqueline Hogarty, Marketing Consultant, Foster Wheeler

Following the success of EPC's first Green Forum in London, which received excellent feedback and attracted a good mix of refinery and petrochemical plant personnel, we are delighted to announce the second event will be held in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik.

This one day event will provide an excellent opportunity to be updated on and discuss the environmental issues surrounding our industry and will focus on the latest technologies, issues, trends, regulations and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including:

    • Energy Efficiency Improvement
    • CO2 Capture & Sequestration
    • Renewable Energy Sources Including Cogeneration
    • Biofuels Technologies

View Detailed Topic List

The Green Forum will be an excellent opportunity for Oil Companies from all sectors to illustrate their concern about the impact of our industry on the environment, and discuss what measures are being taken to meet the current and future challenges.

The first Green Forum in 2010 provoked lively discussions in the conference hall and networking areas: Join us in Dubrovnik for the latest updates and to develop new partnerships for turning issues into opportunities for the industry.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

The Green Forum will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Global Catalyst Technology Forum - CAT-TECH 2011 13-14 June, and

Int. Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference - BBTC 2011 15-16 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

Meeting Refining & Petrochemical Industry Challenges through New Catalyst and Technology Innovations

2010-12-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

Catalyst development is key to increasing plant efficiency and maintaining profit margins. Advances in catalyst technology can also help refiners achieve great flexibility from their processing units and meet the ever increasing demand for varying product quality and feedstock processing.

It remains of vital importance that catalyst manufacturers continue their innovative research and development in order to help meet future challenges faced by the refining industry.

Although many refineries in Europe now meet the present quality requirements for Gasoline and Diesel there are many regions in the world that can benefit from using the latest generation catalysts as a cost effective way to improve product quality of transportation fuels.

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd are proud to present CAT-TECH 2011 as the only International Forum focusing solely on Catalyst Technology Advances, Catalyst Management Issues and Practices.

View Detailed Topic List

The forum will promote the exchange of ideas and information between catalyst companies, process licensors and operating companies to help develop the right partnerships for longterm success. A complimentary Gala Dinner will be held in the evening of 14 June, to allow delegates to network and enjoy the special city of Dubrovnik.

CALL FOR PAPERS
If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

CAT-TECH will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum - GREEN FORUM 2011 13 June, and
Int. Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference - BBTC 2011 16-17 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

6th Russia & CIS Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference & Exhibition

2010-12-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

THE ONLY EVENT DEDICATED TO RESIDUE UPGRADING IN RUSSIA & CIS

The need to shift refinery product distributions to a more diesel-oriented slate and to reduce residue fuel oil production is a constant global trend in refining. New cost-effective and commercially proven technologies are required to achieve higher distillate yield and non-distillable conversion.

For Russian and CIS Refiners Residue Upgrading also remains the key challenge.

Building on the experience & great success of the past 5 years, Russia BBTC is the only event for Russia and the CIS market dedicated to the latest economic trends and technology developments for upgrading crude oil residues in Russia & CIS.

The traditionally strong technical programme content will focus on the latest developments in Thermal Processes, Hydroprocessing, Gasification, RFCC Catalysts and Technologies and Equipment for Resid Upgrading with:

a number of case studies of successful implementation

demonstrations of emerging technologies

future resid upgrading plans of regional refineries

KEY TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Outlook & Opportunities for Residue Upgrading Process Developments in Russia & CIS

Overview of Fuel Oil Markets & Refined Products Demand. Market Drivers for Residue Upgrading

Important Case Studies of Russian, CIS & International Residue Upgrade Projects

Impact of New Product Specifications for Diesel & Fuel Oil on Residue Upgrading Options

Latest Developments in Residue Hydroprocessing

Improvements in Delayed Coking, Visbreaking and Flexicoking

Improved Catalysts & Additives for Residue Processing

Refinery Gasification Options for Power Generation

Vacuum Distillation and Solvent Deasphalting in Resid Upgrading Schemes

Ebullating Bed Hydrocracking. Projects in the Region

Hydrogen and Sulphur Management in Resid Upgrading Programs

Residue Upgrading for Chemicals or Power Production

WHO YOU WILL MEET

Senior personnel from oil companies and their regional refineries such as ROSNEFT, Lukoil, Slavneft, SOCAR, Naftan, Mozyr Refinery, TNK BP, SIBUR regularly attend this event alongside leading technology and licensing companies and catalyst and equipment suppliers.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute to the programme with an informative and timely presentation, or if you are interested in increasing your brand exposure by sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact Rumyana Dimova at Rumyana_Dimova@europetro.com

The 6th Russia Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference (Russia BBTC) will be held directly after the new Projects Forum at the same venue.

During the week of events in Moscow, delegates will have the unique opportunity to network with hard to reach decision makers and be updated with the very latest developments in these important aspects of our industry.

China Technology Forum for Gas & Coal Processing, Refining, Residue Upgrading & Petrochemicals to be co-organised by China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF)

2010-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants is pleased to introduce the China Downstream Technology & Markets Conference, co-organised by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF) to coincide with their annual board meeting and enable senior management from key regional refineries and petrochemical plants to attend. For details on joining us EPC Ltd and The China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation please click here.

The event will be held in Tianjin, China's 5th largest city and a part of China's oil industry: Boasting an abundance of offshore oil reserves, the central government has listed the site as a national base for the development of the oil industry and Chinese oil giants such as Sinopec, CNOOC and PetroChina have all established their presence here. Tianjin can be easily reached from Beijing by the high speed bullet train which takes just 30 minutes.

China Downstream is set to attract 20+ Exhibitors and 300+ attendees, most of which will be Chinese. It will cover Gas & Coal Processing, Refining, Residue Upgrading & Petrochemicals in two parallel sessions.
The event will provide a valuable insight into industry challenges & innovations from highly qualified & experienced professionals who will be presenting real case studies.

This dynamic new event will assess the current performance and future outlook for the refining, petrochemical and gas industries in China and South-East Asia, as well as presenting the latest technology developments in the downstream industry. For more details on the topics to be covered or to suggest another topic for presentation please visit our event web page here.

Who Should Attend?

China Downstream will be of great interest to:

• Heads of Refining, Petrochemicals and Gas Processing companies

• Heads of Planning and Strategy

• Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Engineers

• Oil & Gas Technology Suppliers

• Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturers

• Engineering & Contracting companies

• Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Consultants

• Western companies looking to create business partnerships with their Chinese counterparts

Call For Papers

We are now calling for papers for this event and selling sponsorships and exhibition stands. Demand is likely to be very high, so please contact us early to secure your participation. Please send an abstract or discussion topic proposal to conferences@europetro.com

TNK-BP, UKRTATNAFTA, TATNEFT and BASHNEFT to discuss current and future projects at the Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas

2010-12-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

Taking place in the Madinat Jumeirah resort in Dubai on January 27-28, The Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas is attracting a delegation of senior representatives of the main Oil & Gas companies, refineries and petrochemical plants who will be discussing their future development plans.

Special presentations from TNK-BP, UKRTATNAFTA, TATNEFT and BASHNEFT.

Coupled with the prescient outlook of the world’s leading industry consultants these presentations will give you an exclusive view into the prospects and investment opportunities in the Russia and CIS oil and gas industry. Financiers and Investors will then have an excellent opportunity to select the most lucrative and promising projects to invest in while meeting the executives that will lead them.

Now is the time to register your attendance at this exciting, high level conference and exhibition. The event offers an unrivalled number of networking opportunities, which includes a presentation free day of social networking activities to choose from. Not only will you experience the delights that Dubai has to offer but you will also have many opportune moments to connect and develop potential business relationships with industry peers.

Register by the close of today to receive your early bird discount. If you would like more information on who will be in attendance, the full conference programme, please visit www.europetro.com/Russia_Summit.

Long-Term Growth in Shale Gas Production Expected to Play Role in Shaping Demand for Mid East LNG

2010-12-16T05:21:00.000-08:00

This report comes ahead of the ambitious Middle East Technology Forum for Gas Processing, Oil Refining, Residue Upgrading and Petrochemicals - ME-TECH 2011, which is to be held in Dubai between 24-26 January with prestigious support from The Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association. Click here for more details on this much anticipated event.

Recent developments in unconventional gas sector could impact local gas markets

Dubai, UAE, 26 November, 2010 - Investment in the development of shale gas, a natural gas recovered through a careful procedure involving horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the US and Europe could present Middle East markets with a reduction in demand according to Euro-Petroleum Consultants’ (EPC) President, Colin Chapman. Euro-Petroleum Consultants (EPC), a leading independent supplier of experienced consulting advice for the downstream oil, gas and petrochemicals industries, today offered fresh insights into the future of the global gas market and an analysis of the growing role of shale gas production in Europe, North America and Asia.

“Over the last several years, technologies for extracting unconventional natural gas from shale formations have been implemented with greater precisions resulting in lower costs,” said Colin Chapman, President of EPC. “So much so that costs for these types of gas projects have been in some cases lower than those of more conventional projects”.

In Europe, shale and other unconventional gas resources have been identified in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As a result, LNG-rich nations such as Qatar and UAE have already begun re-evaluating options of exporting gas and some of its gas-strapped neighbouring countries.

“Looking at the regional LNG market, the fact we are currently in the middle of a global economic downturn coupled with the emergence of the unconventional gas supply and new LNG capacity coming on-stream, it is likely that there will be a reduction in project activity in the LNG sector over the coming year”, Chapman added.

North America has been the leader in developing and producing shale gas and the great economic success of the Barnett Shale field in Texas has spurred the search for other sources of shale gas across both the United States and Canada. Within the Middle East region, shale reserves exist in Jordan and Syria, but the extent to which the deposits will have on the overall gas balance will largely depend on the speed at which exploration efforts advance.

The processing of Shale gas has turned around the decline of U.S. gas reserves and significantly changed the gas supply outlook for the United States. According to recent reports, estimated U.S. reserves of natural gas were 35% higher than those estimated only two years ago.

Chapman was speaking ahead of EPC’s ME-TECH 2011 Conference & Exhibition, which is taking place from 24th – 26th January at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. The conference aims to discuss latest technology developments in the downstream industry, including gas processing, oil refining, residue upgrading and petrochemicals. High profile industry representatives such as Ibrahim Al-Ansari, General Manager, Dolphin Energy and Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, will be speaking at the event on global and regional trends.
-Ends-

About EPC:
EPC Ltd is an independent consulting company and has extensive experience in providing project management services on downstream oil & gas projects through all stages of project implementation in various regions of the world. EPC was formed in 1996 and has been very active in supplying consulting services to different oil & gas operators in the Former Soviet Union and also to other clients in Western Europe and Africa. Please visit www.europetro.com for full details.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Palmer, Marketing Manager
Peter_palmer@europetro.com
Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)20 7357 8394

The Russia & CIS Executive Summit for the Downstream Oil & Gas Industry to address current/future projects, strategy & investment opportunities. Network with the most senior representatives.

2010-12-03T04:09:00.000-08:00

The Russia & CIS Executive Summit for Downstream Oil & Gas is to take place in the luxury and warmth of Dubai on 27 & 28 January.

Senior Representatives from the Downstream Oil & Gas industry are set discuss current and planned projects, the challenges they are facing and future investment prospects. Best adapted strategies in addition to development programmes and opportunities for both companies and the industry will also be presented.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to shake hands and develop new relationships with the Downstream industry’s key decision makers and a chance to exhibit and present your products and services in a relaxed and professional setting. This can be done through a variety of sponsorship and exhibition packages that we can tailor to your requirements.

Among the senior representatives presenting are:

Didier Baudrand, Executive Vice President Downstream of TNK-BP,

Sergey Kosheluk, Deputy Chairman of the Board on Production & Capital Construction at UKRTATNAFTA,

Igor Barsukov, Head of Refining & Petrochemicals Development at GAZPROMNEFT

Norm Gilsdorf, President, Honeywell

Jean Sentenac, President & CEO of AXENS

Also presenting will be senior representatives from Bashneft, Tatneft, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nexant, Gazprombank, Deloitte and more.

The majority of the largest oil and gas companies and major refineries have already confirmed their interest in the event and will be sending a delegation of their senior representatives. Those already registered include LUKOIL, ROSNEFT, GAZPROM NEFT, NIS PETROL, SOCAR, TATNEFT, TNK-BP, UKRTATNAFTA, BASHNEFT, LINIK REFINERY, MOSCOW REFINERY, OMSK REFINERY.

EPC Ltd is offering a number of networking opportunities during the event in addition to a presentation free day dedicated to networking while experiencing the most unforgettable experiences Dubai has to offer. These include:

The City of Merchants tour

An Aerial Tour of Dubai

A trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa

The Desert Adventure experience

If you would like to participate please do not hesitate to contact me through LinkedIn or by email at peter_palmer@europetro.com. We hope to see you in Dubai.

Long-Term Growth in Shale Gas Production Expected to Play Role in Shaping Demand for Mid East LNG

2010-11-26T08:00:00.001-08:00

Recent developments in unconventional gas sector could impact local gas markets

Dubai, UAE, 26 November, 2010 - Investment in the development of shale gas, a natural gas recovered through a careful procedure involving horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the US and Europe could present Middle East markets with a reduction in demand according to Euro-Petroleum Consultants’ (EPC) President, Colin Chapman. Euro-Petroleum Consultants (EPC), a leading independent supplier of experienced consulting advice for the downstream oil, gas and petrochemicals industries, today offered fresh insights into the future of the global gas market and an analysis of the growing role of shale gas production in Europe, North America and Asia.

“Over the last several years, technologies for extracting unconventional natural gas from shale formations have been implemented with greater precisions resulting in lower costs,” said Colin Chapman, President of EPC. “So much so that costs for these types of gas projects have been in some cases lower than those of more conventional projects”.

In Europe, shale and other unconventional gas resources have been identified in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As a result, LNG-rich nations such as Qatar and UAE have already begun re-evaluating options of exporting gas and some of its gas-strapped neighbouring countries.

“Looking at the regional LNG market, the fact we are currently in the middle of a global economic downturn coupled with the emergence of the unconventional gas supply and new LNG capacity coming on-stream, it is likely that there will be a reduction in project activity in the LNG sector over the coming year”, Chapman added.

North America has been the leader in developing and producing shale gas and the great economic success of the Barnett Shale field in Texas has spurred the search for other sources of shale gas across both the United States and Canada. Within the Middle East region, shale reserves exist in Jordan and Syria, but the extent to which the deposits will have on the overall gas balance will largely depend on the speed at which exploration efforts advance.

The processing of Shale gas has turned around the decline of U.S. gas reserves and significantly changed the gas supply outlook for the United States. According to recent reports, estimated U.S. reserves of natural gas were 35% higher than those estimated only two years ago.

Chapman was speaking ahead of EPC’s ME-TECH 2011 Conference & Exhibition, which is taking place from 24^th – 26^th January at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. The conference aims to discuss latest technology developments in the downstream industry, including gas processing, oil refining, residue upgrading and petrochemicals. High profile industry representatives such as Ibrahim Al-Ansari, General Manager, Dolphin Energy and Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, will be speaking at the event on global and regional trends.

-Ends-

About EPC:

EPC Ltd is an independent consulting company and has extensive experience in providing project management services on downstream oil & gas projects through all stages of project implementation in various regions of the world. EPC was formed in 1996 and has been very active in supplying consulting services to different oil & gas operators in the Former Soviet Union and also to other clients in Western Europe and Africa. Please visit www.europetro.com for full details.

For more information, please contact:

Peter Palmer, Marketing Manager

Peter_palmer@europetro.com

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)20 7357 8394

9th International Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference

2010-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Leading Global Forum for Residue Upgrading

EPC’s BBTC series have gained a reputation as the most important residue upgrading events in the industry. With the price of heavy crude now falling back to competitive rates and global oil demand increasing, refiners are starting to refocus their attention on implementing residue upgrading projects.

BBTC 2011 will provide an opportunity to be updated with the latest market and technology developments, including real examples of the modernisation of existing facilities, implementing new strategies and new equipment to help maximise yields in today’s challenging market. To register your attendance at this event please click here to visit the registration page.

New for this year; the event will include a strong focus on coking, including delayed coker technology, coker revamp projects, profit-making uses for delayed coke and storage/transportation challenges of coke.

View Detailed Topic List

Join us in Dubrovnik for unrivalled networking opportunities with key refinery personnel from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. A delightful complimentary Gala Dinner on the evening of 16 June will encourage establishing and maintaining long-lasting business relationships.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

BBTC will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum - GREEN FORUM 2011 13 June, and
Global Catalyst Technology Conference - CAT-TECH 2011 13-14 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

The Global Catalyst Technology Forum

2010-11-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Meeting Refining & Petrochemical Industry Challenges through New Catalyst and Technology Innovations

Catalyst development is key to increasing plant efficiency and maintaining profit margins. Advances in catalyst technology can also help refiners achieve flexibility from their processing units and meet the ever increasing demand for varying product quality and feedstock processing.

It remains of vital importance that catalyst manufacturers continue their innovative research and development in order to help meet future challenges faced by the refining industry.

Although many refineries in Europe now meet the present quality requirements for Gasoline and Diesel there are many regions in the world that can benefit from using the latest generation catalysts as a cost effective way to improve product quality of transportation fuels.

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd are proud to present CAT-TECH 2011 as the only International Forum focusing solely on Catalyst Technology Advances, Catalyst Management Issues and Practices. To register for the event please click here to visit our registration page.

View Detailed Topic List

The forum will promote the exchange of ideas and information between catalyst companies, process licensors and operating companies to help develop the right partnerships for longterm success. A complimentary Gala Dinner will be held in the evening of 14 June, to allow delegates to network and enjoy the special city of Dubrovnik.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

CAT-TECH will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum - GREEN FORUM 2011 13 June, and
Int. Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference - BBTC 2011 16-17 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

2nd Green Refining & Petrochemicals Forum

2010-11-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Meeting the Industry's Environmental Challenges

"We were delighted to sponsor the very first Green Forum for EPC. The forum was vibrant and interesting and we look forward to the next event."
Jacqueline Hogarty, Marketing Consultant, Foster Wheeler


Following the success of EPC's first Green Forum in London, which received excellent feedback and attracted a good mix of refinery and petrochemical plant personnel, we are delighted to announce the second event will be held in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik.

This one day event will provide an excellent opportunity to be updated on and discuss the environmental issues surrounding our industry and will focus on the latest technologies, issues, trends, regulations and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including:

    • Energy Efficiency Improvement
    • CO2 Capture & Sequestration
    • Renewable Energy Sources Including Cogeneration
    • Biofuels Technologies

View Detailed Topic List

The Green Forum will be an excellent opportunity for Oil Companies from all sectors to illustrate their concern about the impact of our industry on the environment, and discuss what measures are being taken to meet the current and future challenges.

The first Green Forum in 2010 provoked lively discussions in the conference hall and networking areas: Join us in Dubrovnik for the latest updates and to develop new partnerships for turning issues into opportunities for the industry.To register your attendance please click here to visit our registration page.

CALL FOR PAPERS
If you would like to contribute an engaging presentation to our high quality programme, please contact Claire_Butler@europetro.com

The Green Forum will be held in Dubrovnik alongside our:

Global Catalyst Technology Forum - CAT-TECH 2011 14-15 June, and
Int. Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference - BBTC 2011 16-17 June

Special rates will be provided for delegates wishing to maximise their networking opportunities by attending more than one event.

6th Russia & CIS Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference & Exhibition

2010-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

THE ONLY EVENT DEDICATED TO RESIDUE UPGRADING IN RUSSIA & CIS

The need to shift refinery product distributions to a more diesel-oriented slate and to reduce residue fuel oil production is a constant global trend in refining. New cost-effective and commercially proven technologies are required to achieve higher distillate yield and non-distillable conversion.

For Russian and CIS Refiners Residue Upgrading also remains the key challenge.

Building on the experience & great success of the past 5 years, Russia BBTC is the only event for Russia and the CIS market dedicated to the latest economic trends and technology developments for upgrading crude oil residues in Russia & CIS. To register your attendance at this event please click here to visit our registration page.

The traditionally strong technical programme content will focus on the latest developments in Thermal Processes, Hydroprocessing, Gasification, RFCC Catalysts and Technologies and Equipment for Resid Upgrading with:

a number of case studies of successful implementation

demonstrations of emerging technologies

future resid upgrading plans of regional refineries

KEY TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Outlook & Opportunities for Residue Upgrading Process Developments in Russia & CIS

Overview of Fuel Oil Markets & Refined Products Demand. Market Drivers for Residue Upgrading

Important Case Studies of Russian, CIS & International Residue Upgrade Projects

Impact of New Product Specifications for Diesel & Fuel Oil on Residue Upgrading Options

Latest Developments in Residue Hydroprocessing

Improvements in Delayed Coking, Visbreaking and Flexicoking

Improved Catalysts & Additives for Residue Processing

Refinery Gasification Options for Power Generation

Vacuum Distillation and Solvent Deasphalting in Resid Upgrading Schemes

Ebullating Bed Hydrocracking. Projects in the Region

Hydrogen and Sulphur Management in Resid Upgrading Programs

Residue Upgrading for Chemicals or Power Production

WHO YOU WILL MEET

Senior personnel from oil companies and their regional refineries such as ROSNEFT, Lukoil, Slavneft, SOCAR, Naftan, Mozyr Refinery, TNK BP, SIBUR regularly attend this event alongside leading technology and licensing companies and catalyst and equipment suppliers.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to contribute to the programme with an informative and timely presentation, or if you are interested in increasing your brand exposure by sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact Rumyana Dimova at Rumyana_Dimova@europetro.com

The 6th Russia Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference (Russia BBTC) will be held directly after the new Projects Forum at the same venue.

During the week of events in Moscow, delegates will have the unique opportunity to network with hard to reach decision makers and be updated with the very latest developments in these important aspects of our industry.

The Projects Forum 2011

2010-11-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd is proud to present The Projects Forum - an international forum focusing on the developments of real ongoing projects in the Downstream Petroleum Industry sectors of Refining and Petrochemicals in Russia & CIS.

Key challenges and issues relating to successful project implementation through all stages, in addition to the outlook for future projects in this area will also be addressed.

The format for this event will allow for discussions on all key areas of interest relating to the problems and challenges for project implementation.

Leading Downstream Refining and Petrochemicals companies such as ROSNEFT, Lukoil, Gaspromneft, Slavneft, Kazmunaigas, SOCAR, Turrkmeneftegas, Naftan, Mozyr Refinery, TNK BP , SIBUR as well as leading local design institutes, western contractors and construction companies have been invited to present at this event. To register your attendance please click here to visit our registration page.

Topics will include:

Market Overviews - Unique Market Features

Review of Key Refining and Petrochemical Projects in Russia and CIS

Project Execution in Russia & CIS - Special Challenges

Project Case Studies:

• Feasibility Phase

• Basic Engineering Phase

• FEED Phase

• EPC Phase

Project Strategies - Types of Contracts
Role of Local Engineering Companies / International Companies
Role of EPC Companies: Local and Western
How to Improve Project Schedules
Implementing Local or International Standards
Project Management Techniques
Opportunities for Equipment Suppliers Local and Western
Importance of Inspection and Expediting

This event will allow Russian and FSU Refiners & Petrochemical producers to meet their western counterparts from different regions to exchange ideas and discuss their specific problems concerning project financing, project management, project execution and reaching project completion successfully.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you would like to get involved or contribute to the programme with an intriguing, timely and informative presentation, please send an abstract of the paper you would like to present or your proposal for a discussion topic to Maria Zaytseva at Maria_Zaytseva@europetro.com

WHO WILL ATTEND?

Oil Companies, Refineries & Petrochemical Plants

• Project Managers

• Chief Engineers & Technologists

• Refinery Management

• Directors of Capital Constructions

• Heads of Refining, Petrochemicals and Deputies

• Heads of Planning & Strategy Departments

Service Provider

• Licensors

• Contractors

• Major equipment providers

• Consultants

The Project Forum will be held in Moscow directly before the 6th Russia Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference (Russia BBTC). During the week of events in Moscow the delegates will have the unique opportunity to network with hard to reach decision makers and be updated with the very latest developments in these important aspects of our industry.

New High Level Speaker Confirmed For The Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas

2010-10-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

EPC are pleased to confirm Mr Norm Gilsdorf - President of Honeywell Process Solutions - as the newest speaker at the Russia & CIS Executive Summit: Downstream Oil & Gas.

Mr Gilsdorf has considerable global business experience. In addition to his role leading the Process Solutions business in EMEA, Mr Gilsdorf spent five years working for UOP in the United Kingdom in various roles, where he served as director of sales and services across Europe, Middle East, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), India and Africa for the petrochemical industries. He also spent seven years in Moscow as director of sales and services for the CIS region, where he and his team helped launch UOP into Russia in the1990s.

Mr Gilsdorf will join other highly experienced, well respected leaders working within the Downstream Oil and Gas industries who at present include:

TNK-BP - Didier Baudrand, Executive Vice President Downstream

UKRTATNAFTA – Sergey Kosheluk, Deputy Chairman of the Board on Production & Capital Construction

BASHNEFT – Vladimir Kasterin, Vice President

VNIPINEFT - Mr Vladimir Kapustin, General Director

OMSKNEFTEHIMPROEKT - Mr Igor Zuga, General Director

DELOITTE - Elena Lazko – Partner, CIS Oil & Gas Leader

TATNEFT - Senior Representative

LINIK REFINERY - Yakov Polunkin, General Director

SOCAR - Tofik Gahramanov, Vice-President Strategy Development

The Summit will focus on the strategic issues and challenges that confront the leaders in the Downstream Oil & Gas industries and particularly those in Russia & CIS Republics, providing:

Insight on the latest market developments, trends, current & future projects

Strategic views on how to ensure winning, long term planning & facilitation

Strategies for improved project implementation schedules in Russia & CIS

Solutions for overcoming technical challenges and strengthening operations. Latest technologies and optimisation systems

A number of networking opportunities with hard to reach executives at several exciting social functions

The event will be held in one of the world’s most exclusive resorts and business centers – the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai on 27 & 28 January 2011. Please click here for more details of the event.

You may visit our website for information on our other 2011 events by clicking here.

The Summit will follow on from EPC's first Middle East Technology Forum for Petrochemicals, Gas Processing, Residue Upgrading and Refining - ME-TECH 2011. For further details on ME-TECH 2011 please click here to visit our website.

Euro Petroleum Consultants' Middle East Technology Forum For Petrochemicals, Oil Refining, Residue Upgrading and Gas Processing Now Available

2010-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

EPC Ltd are proud to announce and present the complete programme for ME-TECH 2011- The Middle East Technology Forum for Gas Processing, Refining, Residue Upgrading and Petrochemicals, which will take place between 24 & 26 January 2011 in the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah resort in Dubai.

The full programme is available by clicking here

The Meeting Place for the Middle Eastern Downstream Petroleum Industry will incorporate an Exhibition, Tradeshow & Conference full of parallel sessions that will focus on the latest technology developments for gas processing, oil refining, residue upgrading & petrochemicals.

ME-TECH is already attracting a wealth of Sponsors, which now includes KBR, UOP, Axens, Honeywell, Foster Wheeler and Albemarle. The programme is full of insightful, practical presentations and case studies, which will be conducted by speakers from companies including TAKREER, DOLPHIN ENERGY, GPCA, CMAI, PURVIN & GERTZ, SHELL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS and many more.

The conference will also follow a seminar held by UOP on January 24th 2011.

To view the full programme please click here or alternatively to visit the conference homepage for general information and registration details please click here.

Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Refining Producers and Suppliers to Attend the Annual Int BBTC Conference in London

2010-09-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Only just over 1 week left until the 8th International Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference, which takes place on 4 October at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.

Euro Petroleum Consultants sends the final reminder to Downstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals companies and refineries to book their places at the Residue Upgrading event, Int. BBTC, which takes place in London on Oct 5-6 at the Royal Garden Hotel.

EPC Ltd will be joined by Petroleum Producers including KNPC, Neste Oil, Rosneft, Saudi Aramco, CEPSA, Repsol, IRPC, SK Energy and Slovnaft. With the additional attendance of other industry leading companies, Int. BBTC will be an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge, network and build new business relationships.

Click here to view the full conference agenda.

The 8th International Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference will address, through presentations and case studies, the latest market and technology developments in Residue Upgrading.

Real examples will be provided of modernisation in existing facilities in addition to examples of new equipment and/or new catalyst strategy implementation. These examples will illustrate to all the opportunities available for maximising yields in challenging conditions:

Baker Petrolite and Repsol will present their case study to demonstrate how Repsol have profited through a new simulation model and increasing conversion in their Visbreaker Unit.
ConocoPhillips will discuss increased profitability through superior delayed coking design.
Foster Wheeler will present valuable information on Design and Start-Up of State-of-the-Art Delayed Cokers with real examples from CNOOC's Guang Dong Refinery and the new BP Whiting Refining Delayed Coking Unit.
Presentations on other opportunities, technological developments and solutions will be provided by KNPC, Chevron Lummus Global, Criterion Catalysts, Shell Global Solutions, Albemarle and many more.

With little over 2 weeks until the event it is important to register your attendance immediately for the industry calendars premier event concerning residue upgrading.

Register online now by clicking here.

Maximise Your Brand Exposure at Euro Petroleum Consultants' Downstream Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals Conferences and Exhibitions

2010-09-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants would like to remind you of the exceptional marketing opportunities available for maximising your brand exposure and making the most out of the excellent networking and business development opportunities that Euro Petroleum Consultants are providing in London this Autumn.

Sponsoring:
We offer a variety of sponsorship packages designed to increase your company’s brand exposure to a very high level among the industry's professionals and key decision makers. If you are interested in sponsorship at an of our Downstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals conferences then click the links for further details of the packages available and contact our London office to reserve your sponsorship package.

Exhibiting:
The exhibition offers high visibility due to its location next to the conference hall. All refreshment breaks and cocktail receptions are held there to ensure a high number of visitors to the stands. A stand is an ideal focal point for meetings and offers the convenience to showcase in detail your products and services using presentations from a laptop or plasma screen, or you may simply wish to distribute printed materials. To find out more about exhibiting at our Downstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Refining events and join our regular exhibitors, please click the links or contact our London office with the information below for more details.

Advertising:
A more cost effective option which includes your ad in the Conference Brochure and CD given to each of our delegates.

Please be advised that we can also tailor make a sponsorship/exhibition package depending on your current marketing and advertising budgets, specific goals and requirements.

Contact Euro Petroleum Consultants for more details at conferences@europetro.com or Tel. +44 207 357 8394.

EPC announce attendance of 3 more Producers at the Green Refining and Petrochemicals Forum

2010-09-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants are delighted to announce that BAPCO, CPC and S-Oil have registered today at the GREEN FORUM, joining their colleagues from Producers Statoil, Total, Saudi Aramco, ECHEM, IRPC-Thailand, PetroPlus, PTT Phenol and SK Energy.

This adds to the excellent opportunities still available to all for exhibiting, networking and developing new business relationships.

With the Green Forum approaching in just over 2 weeks, there is still a small amount of time to register for this important event, which will be addressing the growing environmental challenges that surround the Downstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals industries.

Insightful and topical discussions and presentations will be given by governmental bodies, consultants and industry leaders, all of whom have growing expertise and experience in turning the environmental challenges facing the industry into opportunities and profiting from them:

• Ecofys, a leading consultancy company in renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change, will be informing our delegation of the impact that the EU Emission Trade System (ETS) will have on the refining industry.

• Latest energy efficiency and energy management programmes will be reviewed by HONEYWELL, KBC, TEFEN.

• Furthermore, Allen and Overy will discuss the legal issues surrounding CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) and Foster Wheeler will draw a roadmap for investment planning for carbon reduction via CCS.

• Opportunities, technologies, solutions and know-how on renewable energy and bio and alternative fuels from leaders as AXENS, FW, DOW, NESTE JACOBS, BIOMCN.

With just over 2 weeks until the event it is important to register your attendance immediately for what promises to be an important, annual event in the Downstream Refining calendar.

Register online now by clicking here

We look forward to welcoming you to our conference.

The first foreign company is unanimously accepted in to the most authoritative industry organization in Russia – The Association of Russian Refining and Petrochemicals Producers

2010-07-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC) Ltd has been elected as the first non-Russian official member of the Association of Russian Refining and Petrochemicals Producers in Moscow – one of the most influential bodies in the Russia & CIS Downstream industry.

The Association includes 29 of the largest oil companies, Refineries, Petrochemical Plants, R&D and project institutes. All have demonstrated their appreciation of Euro Petroleum Consultants’ 10 year contribution to the industry, during which time the company has played a significant role in the current development of the oil and gas downstream business in Russia and CIS and in promoting the regions investment opportunities in this area.

According to Mr. Ryabov, the General Director of the Association, “EPC’s Membership in the Association of Russian Refining and Petrochemicals Producers will contribute substantially to resolving the industry challenges in Russia & CIS”.

In response, EPC’s President, Colin Chapman, announced that “It is an honor for EPC to have been accepted as members of the Russian Association of Refiners and Petrochemicals Producers. The Association plays an important role in addressing crucial ongoing and upcoming issues impacting the Downstream sector in Russia. We look forward to many fruitful meetings with other members of the group to discuss approaches on how best to meet these challenges”.

Euro Petroleum Consultants has long-term, successful experience in providing consulting services through all stages of project implementation and has worked with companies such as Gazprom, SOCAR, LUKOIL-NIZHEGORODNEFTEORGSINTEZ, Salavatnefteorgsintez, Mozyr and other Refineries in Russia & CIS. EPC’s project experience extends further into the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

EPC Ltd also hosts topical and highly respected downstream technology conferences covering the international market as well as regional events that focus on Russia and the CIS countries, Asia, Middle East, Europe and North Africa.

From 20 to 24 September 2010 in Moscow, Russia, EPC will hold its traditionally most popular week of events - the Moscow Refining, Gas and Petrochemicals Week, which is comprised of:

2nd International Gas Technology Conference & Exhibition - IGTC

9th Russia & CIS Petrochemicals Technology Conference & Exhibition – RPTC

10th Anniversary Russia & CIS Refining Technology Conference & Exhibition – RRTC

After a highly successful event last year organizers expect the events in September 2010 to be even more successful with increased numbers of petrochemical, gas & refining companies in attendance following the company’s admission as a member of the Association of Russian Refining and Petrochemicals Producers.

More information on the company and the events you can be found at www.europetro.com

Euro Petroleum Consultants Releases it's Provisional 2011 Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Refining Conference & Exhibition Schedule

2010-07-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants have finalised their Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals Refining conference and exhibition schedules for 2011.

Next year's schedule will see the return of a number of our reputable and successful events including the International Petrochemicals Technology Conference and Exhibition (IPTC), which will be held in Dubrovnik along with a new edition to our conference schedule - CAT TECH, which will offer opportunities to network, present and discuss the latest developments in Catalyst Technology, management issues and pratices around the world.

Next Year also introduces, for the first time, ME TECH - the only dedicated forum presenting the latest technology developments for Gas Processing, Oil Refining, Residue-upgrading and Petrochemicals. ME-TECH will take place over two days at the beautiful venue of Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The provisional agenda for ME TECH has been announced here.

Next year will also see the return of the Green Forum - a truly interactive forum dedicated to addressing and discussing the latest technological advancements, strategies, issues, trends and regulations aimed at making the downstream oil, gas and petrochemicals more environmentally friendly. Click here to see this year's agenda for the Green Forum.

Furthermore, the International Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference and Exhibition and our immensley popular and productive annual Moscow Refining, Gas and Petrochemicals Week will be returning once again to analyse the latest major investments, technology and market developments. Click here to view the agenda for our September 2010 edition of the event.

Please click here to see the provisional 2011 event schedule and continue to regularly visit our website for the latest news and developments. Readers may also join our LinkedIn group, which is host to discussion and networking opportunities with other industry professionals.

Euro Petroleum Consultants talk of the Challenges in the Russian Oil Industry

2010-07-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

In volume 5 issue 1 of Hydrocarbon World this year Euro Petroleum Consultants' president, Colin Chapman, and consultant, Edward Koonce, spoke about the challenges to the Russian oil industry.

The article examines the challenges to project implementation and upgrading the Russian refining industry before explaining the great opportunities available for Western companies in the Russian oil and gas refining industry.

Please click here to read the article in full.

Ageing Arab Refineries "Need Huge Investments" courtesy of Business 24|7

2010-06-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.zawya.com/pdfstory.cfm?storyid=ZAWYA20100616040837&l=040800100616

Downstream Producers and Suppliers from the Oil and Petrochemicals industries meet for EPC Ltd Asian Petrochemicals and Refining Week

2010-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd is hosting the 4^th Asia Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference (AsBBTC) in addition to the 8^th Asian Petrochemicals Strategy and Technology Conference (APTC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between the 18^th and 21^st of May 2010 at the Parkroyal Hotel. Among the delegates, sponsors and exhibitors present at the events will be heads and experts from the industry’s leading Downstream Oil & Gas producers and suppliers who will be sharing their knowledge and solutions for the topical issues of refinery-petrochemical integration and optimisation and residue upgrading.

With the support of sponsors Criterion, Axens, Flowserve, Foster Wheeler, KBC, Curtis Wright and Alfa Laval Euro Petroleum Consultants will kick star the week with AsBBTC 2010. The conference will acknowledge the challenges of fully utilising existing resources, crudes getting heavier and the increasing demand for light, clean fuels while addressing the necessity for Asian refiners to continually expand their residue upgrading capacity to remain profitable and competitive.

Focusing upon the necessary developments and updates in Residue upgrading, the event will be supported with keynote presentations and case studies presented by an expert speaker panel on Thermal Processes for Residue Upgrading, Catalysts and Technologies for Residue Upgrading, Equipment Developments, Hydroprocessing Developments. Among the experts are M Radzif A Kadir, Lube Base Oil Specialist at Melaka Refinery, Petronas; Dr Maizar Rahman, Commissioner at Pertamina; Marcos Benicio Pompa Antunes, Executive Director at Nansei Sekiyu K.K./Petrobras and Clive Gibson, Manager of Asia Energy Resources at Nexant.

Euro Petroleum Consultants is also pleased to announce Foster Wheeler’s seminar on optimised refining, which will take place 1 day prior to the conference to address these issues in more detail. Foster Wheeler will bring their global expertise to AsBBTC 2010 to deliver an interactive day focused on the practical and cost effective solutions for bottom of the barrel optimisation, maximising refinery profitability, meeting clean fuels legislation in domestic and export markets, delivering market-driven product slates and maximising energy efficiency.

The current economic climate has produced an industry-wide contraction of budgets allocated to new investment, calling for oil and gas downstream producers to optimise and increase efficiency of existing facilities as an essential course of action to ensure that they remain competitively positioned for the next upturn. APTC 2010 will address the challenges and potential solutions associated with Optimisation Strategies, Refinery-Petrochemical Integration, Projects and Technologies for Aromatics and Olefins and Developments in Polyolefins. Among the experts addressing these issues are Byeong Jae Park, General Manager of SK Energy; Ahmed Al-Emadi, General Manager of Qatar Chemical Company; Thevarak Rochanapruk, Vice President and Project Director at PTT Phenol and John Vautrain, Senior Vice President at Purvin & Gertz.

Leading solutions providers and technology suppliers will support the address with case studies on current projects presented by Shaw Energy & Chemicals, Fluor, KBC Advanced Technology, Shell Global Solutions and PTT Phenol among other industry experts. Furthermore Axens is delighted to be opening the doors to their complimentary full day Petrochemical Technology seminar, which will take place 1 day prior to the APTC conference.

Euro Petroleum Consultants is an independent and expert provider of consultancy and conference services to the oil, gas and petrochemicals downstream industry. Euro Petrouleum Consultants' conferences are perfectly organised to provide opportunities to address topical, real challenges while offering valuable solutions to worldwide questions and problems in the oil, gas and petrochemicals downstream industry.

Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd, 44 Oxford Drive, Bermondsey Street, London SE1 2FB. Contact EPC Ltd at conferences@europetro.com or Tel. +44 (0)207 357 8394 for more information. Alternatively visit www.europetro.com to view conference programmes and register.