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ロイヤル・ダッチ/シェルグループ(Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies)

本社:英国・ロンドン、オランダ・ハーグ

1907 英国のシェル・トランスポート・アンド・トレーディング社とオランダのロイヤル・ダッチ・ペトロリウム社が原油生産から石油製品販売までの
一貫操業協約を締結して誕生

1993  AMERICAN CYANAMID TO BUY SHELL CROP PROTECTION UNITS  (Shell International) →AHPBASF
  米国シェルの農薬事業 Shell Agricultural Chemical は、1986年にデュポンに買収された。

98年1月 「シェル・ケミカルズ」の名のもとに事業統合

ポリオレフィン
  95年4月 伊ハイモント社(モンテジソン)との折半会社「モンテル」設立
  97年9月 シェルの完全子会社

  独BASFとポリエチレンの合弁会社「エレナック」設立

  99年12月 BASELL設立(BASFと50:50の対等出資)
            エレナック、モンテル、夕一ゴルの3社を統合

  2004/7 BASF and Shell review strategic options regarding Basell

スチレンモノマー・酸化プロピレンの併産事業
  シンガポール 三菱化学と「
セラヤ・ケミカル
              (→三菱が株をシェルに譲渡し、SM引取権のみに)
            BASF「BASELL EASTERN」(→
ELLBA Eastern
  オランダ  BASFと「BASELL」を運営

シンガポールの石油化学コンビナートヘ資本参加

広東省恵州地区で中国側との合弁(エチレン年産80万トン)

2001 Shell Sells Kraton To Ripplewood  

2003 Texas Pacific Group to Acquire KRATON Polymers from Ripplewood

2004/10  シェル 英蘭親会社を統合

   2005/6 シェル株主総会 英蘭親会社統合を承認

2005/5  BASF and Shell to sell their stakes in Basell to consortium led by Access Industries

2005/11 Shell progress on world-scale ethylene cracker in Singapore

2005/12 Shell to sell 50% stake in the ethylene cracker at Berre to Basell

2006/1  Successful start up of CSPCL complex, Daya Bay

2006/8  Shell Chemicals to restructure North America MEG business

2007/6  Qatar Petroleum and Shell jointly pursue international opportunities

2007/8  Shell And Dow Prepare $2.1 Billion Iraqi Petro Plan

2008/7 Shell and Iogen announce extended alliance to accelerate a next generation biofuel

2010/2 Shell and Cosan sign MOU to form bio-ethanol joint venture in Brazil

2010/12 Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign MoU to jointly develop major petrochemicals project in Qatar

 2011/12 Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign Heads of Agreement for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals complex in Qatar

2011/6 Shell plans to build ethylene cracker in Appalachian region of US

2011/8  Ownership structure changes in Sabina Petrochemicals jv between BASF, Total Petrochemicals and Shell Chemical

2012/6  Saudi Aramco, Shell complete expansion in Motiva JV

 

Shell Ethylene Center

 FranceBerre

Berre l'Etang, South of France (35 km NW of Marseilles, Provence)

Ownership:

Steam Cracker: SCA (50% Shell, 50% Basell),
Polybutadiene: 100% DOW,
Polyethylene: Basell (50% Shell, 50% BASF),
Polypropylene: Basell (50% Shell, 50% BASF),
Additives: Infineum (50% Shell, 50% Exxon),
PVC: 100% VinylBerre (65% Atofina, 35% Solvin),
EPS: 100% Nova,
Kraton: 100% Kraton Polymers,
  

    Shell Sells Kraton To Ripplewood
    Texas Pacific Group to Acquire KRATON Polymers from Ripplewood

Solvents/DIB, benzene, butadiene, CDT: 100% Shell.

Note: All Berre assets operated by Shell Petrochimie Mediterranee, a 100% Shell affiliate.

 Singapore Pulau Ayer Merbau (PCS)

Ayer Merbau (Jurong Island), Singapore

Ownership: Shell 50%, consortium of Japanese companies led by Sumitomo 50%


 The Netherlands Moerdijk

Moerdijk, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands (30 km from Rotterdam, 15 km from Breda)

Ownership:

100% Shell;
SMPO-2: 100% Ellba (50% Shell, 50% BASF);
Vinylester plants: 100% Resolution

 USA Deer Park

Deer Park, Harris County, Texas, USA (Nearest large city: Houston, Texas)

Ownership:

100% Shell;
Resins: 100% Resolution Performance Products LLC
  (formerly the Resins & Versatics business of Shell Group of Companies

 USANorco

Norco, St. Charles, Louisiana, USA (Nearest Large City: New Orleans)

Ownership:

Chemicals: 100% Shell;
Resins: 100% Resolution

 Saudi Arabia Petrochemical Company (SADAF) joint venture in Saudi Arabia:

Products

Ethylene
Crude industrial ethanol (CIE)
Ethylene dichloride (EDC)
Caustic soda (CA)
Styrene monomer (SM)
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)

 

 西豪州石化計画


2004/9/22 Shell

Shell Hosts Strategy Review: Regaining Upstream Strength, Delivering Downstream Profits
http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=media-en&FC2=/media-en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2004/zzz_lhn.html&FC3=/media-en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2004/strategy_pres_stock_22092004.html
- $45 billion in capital expenditure 2004-2006 anticipated
- Focus on more Upstream gas and oil
 
- Extend LNG leadership position
- Focus on profitability and cash flow from Downstream businesses
- $10-12 billion in divestments planned 2004-2006
- Higher energy price environment
 
Group Strategy and Priorities

In his opening remarks, Mr. Van der Veer commented, We have delivered sound financial results through the first half of this year, through some very tough times for Shell.

Our strategy and priorities for the way forward are:

  • more upstream and profitable downstream 
  • raising the performance bar
  • focus on an enterprise firstculture


Delivering Downstream Profits

The Downstream businesses generate significant cash and earnings for the Group.  To extend this success the Group will:

  • Fully integrate Oil Products and Chemicals under a single leadership team and further implement global standardised processes.
  • Continue to strengthen the portfolio by shedding non-strategic and underperforming assets and to focus operations in selected profitable markets and businesses. 

Regaining Upstream Strength

Group Financial Framework

Urgency and Action


日本経済新聞 2004/10/29

シェル 英蘭親会社を統合 経営の透明性確保狙う

 英蘭系ロイヤル・ダッチ・シェルグループは28日、来年5月をメドに英国とオランダにある2つの親会社を統合すると
発表した。

 同グループは新会社として
ロイヤル・ダッチ・シェル(*1)を設立し、2つの親会社を実質的に吸収、本部はオランダのハーグに置く。現在の経営体制はオランダのロイヤル・ダッチ石油、英国のシェル・トランスポート・アンド・トレーディング(シェルTT)(*2)という完全に独立した上場企業が6対4の割合で出資する持ち株会社を通じてグループ企業を統治していた。 

(*1)Royal Dutch Shell plc.

(*2) N.V. Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij (RD)
   The ShellTransport And Trading Company, Public Limited Company (ST&T)


2005/6/29 日本経済新聞 

シェル株主総会 英蘭親会社統合を承認

 グループの親会社であるオランダのロイヤル・ダッチ・ペトロリアムと英国のシェル・トランスポート・アンド・トレーディング
(シェルTT)がそれぞれ開いた株主総会では経営統合について、ほぼ100%近い圧倒的な賛成を得た。来月20日に統合を実施する予定だ。


History of Shell
http://www.shell.com/

In 1833 Marcus Samuel opened a small shop in London, selling sea shells to Victorian natural history enthusiasts. It soon became a thriving import-export business.

On a visit to the Caspian Sea coast, Marcus
s son recognised a huge opportunity to export oil for lamps and cooking to the Far East. He commissioned the first special oil tanker in 1892, and subsequently delivered 4,000 tonnes of Russian kerosene to Singapore and Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the company
Royal Dutch had been formed in the Netherlands to develop oil fields in Asia. By 1896 it had its own tanker fleet to compete with the British.

In time, it became obvious that the competing Dutch and British companies would do better working together. In 1907, the
Royal Dutch/Shell Group of companies was created to incorporate their operations worldwide.

Throughout the early twentieth century, the Group expanded with acquisitions in Europe, Africa and the Americas. These were exciting times for the oil industry, as the mass production of cars had opened up a vast new market.

The First World War years saw many of Shell
s operations closed down or confiscated; but others were added or expanded, particularly in North America.

In 1919, Alcock and Brown made the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic - powered by Shell fuel. Shell Aviation Services was established that same year. The 1920s and 1930s were expansion years, with Shell businesses in new regions and new industry sectors; Shell
s first foray into chemicals began in 1929.

During the Second World War, Shell once again lost businesses, tankers and properties, but supported the Allied Governments with fuel supplies and chemical production.

 


2006/2/10 CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company

Successful start up of CSPCL complex, Daya Bay

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPCL) today announced it successfully produced on-specification ethylene and propylene on 29th January, 2006 at its petrochemicals complex in Daya Bay in Huizhou, Guangdong Province in China, following the completion of start-up and commissioning activities.

This marks another major milestone in the start-up phase of the world-scale cracker project, jointly owned by CNOOC Petrochemicals Investment Company Limited and Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) since the project final investment decision was taken in November 2002.

"We are all very excited and pleased with the quick progress to on-specification ethylene and propylene production since our previous announcement of construction completion on December 30," Mr Simon Lam, Chief Executive Officer of CSPCL said.

"This is testimony to the capability of the people of CSPCL and our contractors who have worked in excellent partnership to achieve this." he added.

With the successful production of C2/C3, the start up of downstream units will follow.


Platts 2006/8/8

Shell Chemicals to restructure North America MEG business

Shell Chemicals plans to restructure its North American mono ethylene glycol business beginning with the mothballing of its No 1 MEG unit in Geismar, Louisiana, by the end of 2006, a company source said Tuesday. The No 1 unit can produce 90,000 mt/year of MEG and overall produces 160,000 mt/year of ethylene oxide equivalences. Shell would still have the capacity to produce a total of about 375,000 mt/year of MEG from another two units at the Geismar complex.

Shell would further restructure its North American business once Shell Eastern Petroleum in Singapore, a 100% owned subsidiary of Shell Chemicals, completes its planned 750,000 mt/year MEG plant on Singapore's Bukom Island.
The plant was scheduled for completion by 2009-2010.


New York Times August 27, 1993

AMERICAN CYANAMID TO BUY SHELL CROP PROTECTION UNITS

The American Cyanamid Company announced that it has agreed to purchase Shell Petroleum Inc.'s crop protection businesses. Terms were not disclosed. The sale would make American Cyanamid, based in Wayne, N.J., the world's sixth-largest crop protection company, moving up from 10th, the company said yesterday. Shell's sales of crop protection products were approximately $700 million in 1992

New York Times June 17, 1993

SHELL IN TALKS TO SELL ITS FARM CHEMICALS UNITS

 


Forbes 2007/8/29

Shell And Dow Prepare $2.1 Billion Iraqi Petro Plan

Anglo-Dutch oil company
Royal Dutch Shell is reportedly in talks with Dow Chemical to develop an Iraqi petrochemical plant for $2.1 billion, in a likely attempt to gain a strong foothold prior to the hoped-for opening up of the country's broken oil industry. But analysts believe the project itself has little hope of being profitable.

The plant is to be based in the southern city of
Basra, and would therefore rely on the city's 120,000 barrels-a-day refinery for its feedstock.

awzi Hariri, who told Reuters on Wednesday that the upgrade would help "the local market and beyond."

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly been saying that
they want investments in petrochemicals," said Global Insight's Ciszuk.

   2006/3/29 イラクの石油化学


2007/8/30 business.timesonline.co.uk

Shell in talks over Iraqi chemicals plant

Shell is in talks with the Iraqi Government about restoring and expanding a chemical plant near Basra in a $2.1 billion (£1.1 billion) project. Fawzi Hariri, the Iraqi Industry Minister, revealed that the terms of an agreement with Shell and Dow Chemical, of the United States, could be concluded by the end of the year. We are looking to upgrade this [PLANT] and evaluate what type of products and facilities we need for the local market and beyond,it said. It is the latest sign that the worlds biggest energy companies are poised to begin the long-expected rush into Iraq after months of speculation.

 


2008/7/15 Shell                   2006/6/30 バイオエタノールの状況

Shell and Iogen announce extended alliance to accelerate a next generation biofuel

Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries (Shell) and Iogen Corporation today announced an extended commercial alliance to accelerate development and deployment of cellulosic ethanol.

The terms of the agreement include a significant investment by Shell in technology development with Iogen Energy Corporation, a jointly owned development company dedicated to advancing cellulosic ethanol.  The arrangement will also see Shell increasing its shareholding in Iogen Energy Corporation from 26.3% to 50%.  Shell first took an equity stake in 2002.

The collaboration with Iogen is a key part of Shells strategic investment and development programme in biofuels, particularly in 'next generation' biofuels using non-food feedstocks.  The fuel is made from raw materials such as wheat straw and promises to reduce CO2 production by up to 90% compared to conventional gasoline.

 


2010/2/1   

Shell and Cosan sign MOU to form joint venture in Brazil

Shell International Petroleum Company Limited (Shell) and Cosan S.A. (Cosan) announced today they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the intention to form a circa $12 billion joint venture (JV) in Brazil for the production of ethanol, sugar and power, and the supply, distribution and retail of transportation fuels.

Under the terms of the MoU, both companies would contribute certain existing Brazilian assets to the JV (see notes to editors).  In addition, Shell would contribute a total of $1.625 billion in cash, payable over two years.

The JV would enable Shell and Cosan to establish a scalable and profitable position in sustainable biofuels - one of the most realistic commercial solutions to take carbon out of the transport fuels sector over the next twenty years - by building a market-leading position in the most efficient ethanol producing country in the world.  With annual production capacity of about 2 billion litres and significant growth aspirations, the JV would be one of the worlds largest ethanol producers.  In addition, the inclusion of Shells equity interests in Iogen and Codexis would potentially enable the JV to deploy next generation biofuels technologies in the future.

The deal would also enhance both companiesgrowth prospects and market position in the retail and commercial fuels businesses in Brazil.  With a network of about 4,500 retail sites and a total annual throughput of about 17 billion litres, the JV would have a leading position in the fuels retailing  market in Brazil, with strong potential for synergy capture and future growth. 

Mark Williams, Royal Dutch Shells Downstream Director, said: Todays announcement demonstrates the continued importance of Brazil to Shell.  We're looking forward to joining with a leading company in Brazil to meet the needs of retail and commercial fuels customers in that growing market. 

We see joining with Cosan as a way to grow the role of low-carbon, sustainable biofuels in the global transportation fuel mix.  The joint venture would also enable Shell to set up a material and profitable bio-fuels business, with the potential to deploy next generation technologies.

Rubens Ometto Silveira Mello, Cosans Chairman of the Board, said: Cosans vision is to become a global leader in clean and renewable energy.  Our size, degree of sophistication and stage of development means we need a partner that not only shares our vision, but also has access to international markets to help us deliver our growth potential.

We believe this JV would play an impactful role for the sustainability of our planet by increasing the worldwide supply and distribution of ethanol-based biofuels.  It would also consolidate Brazils leading position in a world looking for sustainable, efficient and reliable alternatives to satisfy energy demand.

The two parties will now maintain exclusive negotiations towards a binding joint venture agreement, which shall be subject to final transactional documentation, due diligence, agreement between the two parties on important sustainability issues, regulatory approvals and respective corporate approvals.

Notes to editors

Cosan and Shell would contribute the following to the joint venture:

Cosan
Shell
  • Sugar cane crushing capacity: currently ~60 million tonnes per annum from 23 mills
  • Ethanol production capacity:  currently ~2 billion litres per annum
  • Co-generation:  seven existing plants, two under construction and a further three to be built in the next three-to-four years.
  • Brazilian downstream assets, including ~1,730 retail sites and supply and distribution assets.  
  • Ethanol logistics assets
  • Controlling share in ethanol trading company 
  • Net debt of approximately $2.5billion
  • Lubricants activities would not be  included in this JV.
  • Brazilian downstream assets, including ~2,740 branded retail sites, supply and distribution assets, and the aviation fuel business, including the one recently acquired from Cosan. 
  • Its 50% share interest in Iogen Energy*
  • Its 14.7% share interest in Codexis**
  • $1.625 billion in cash, paid over two years.
  • Lubricants activities would not be included in this JV.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

The primary activity of Cosan S.A. Indústria e Comércio is the manufacturing and trading of sugar, ethanol and co-generation of electricity from sugarcane, as well as fuels distribution and production and distribution of lubricants. The Company has 23 producing units, with a nominal milling capacity of 60 million tons of sugarcane per year, producing varied qualities of raw and refined sugar and ethanol. The Company operates the export logistics for sugar and the distribution in the domestic market through the União and DaBarra brands which, together, hold approximately 50% of the retail market. The Company ranks as one of the four biggest fuel distributors in Brazil, with a distribution network of more than 1,700 service stations, visit www.cosan.com.br - opens in new window.
 
*Iogen Energy is a world leading biotechnology firm specializing in cellulosic ethanol - a fully renewable, cellulosic biofuel that can be used in today's cars. Iogen built and operates a demonstration scale facility to convert biomass to cellulosic ethanol using enzyme technology.

**Codexis is a leading developer of clean biocatalytic process technologies that can substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing across a broad range of industries. Codexiss proprietary directed evolution technologies enable novel solutions for efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly processes for pharmaceutical, energy and industrial chemical applications.

 


2010/12/21

Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign MoU to jointly develop major petrochemicals project in Qatar

Qatar Petroleum and Shell have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly study the development of a major petrochemicals complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar.

The agreement was signed in Doha by His Excellency Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar, and Peter Voser, Chief Executive Officer of Shell.

The scope under consideration would include a mono-ethylene glycol plant of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum using Shells proprietary OMEGA (Only MEG Advantaged) technology and other olefin derivatives to yield over 2 million tonnes of finished products.

OMEGA is based on the successful integration and development of Shells EO process with Mitsubishis catalytic stand-alone MEG process.

the first commercial plant to use the OMEGA technology - Lotte Petrochemicals Company in Daesan, Korea
Another plant owned by PetroRabigh started up as expected in early 2009.
Production will begin at Shell
s own OMEGA-based 750,000 tonnes per annum facility at the Shell Eastern Petrochemicals

HE Minister Al-Attiyah said: This agreement represents an important step towards implementing the vision of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, regarding the optimal utilisation of the countrys natural gas resources and to expand the downstream industries in Qatar. Together with Shell we aim to study and develop a major petrochemical complex which aligns with our plans of increased petrochemical production and diversification of our product portfolio.

Peter Voser said: I am delighted that we have the opportunity to further expand our partnership with Qatar Petroleum in petrochemicals. Shell has over 80 years of experience in the global chemicals industry, playing a major part in its growth worldwide and developing some of its key manufacturing processes. This new project will combine Shells experience and technology with the ambition of the State of Qatar to create further value from its natural gas resources.

In Qatar, Qatar Petroleum and Shell are together building Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) and Qatargas 4 LNG, two of the largest projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City.


Jun 07, 2011 (Datamonitor via COMTEX)

Shell plans to build ethylene cracker in Appalachian region of US

Shell has announced that it is planning to build a ethylene cracker with integrated derivative units in the Appalachian region of the US.
The cracker would process
ethane from Marcellus natural gas to produce ethylene, one of the primary building blocks for petrochemicals. Shell is evaluating derivative choices and the leading option is Polyethylene (PE), an important raw material for everyday items, from packaging and adhesives to automotive components and pipe. Most of the PE production would be used by northeastern US industries.
Demand for PE in North America is expected to grow, so the economic and efficiency benefits of a regional cracker make this configuration attractive. Shell has an array of long-term options to monetize natural gas. Extracting ethane and other natural gas liquids for petrochemicals production is one of these options that also include developing shipping solutions for LNG (liquefied natural gas); proprietary gas-to-liquids technology to produce fuels, lubricants and chemicals; and gas-for-transport in markets focusing on heavy duty vehicles, marine and rail transportation, said Shell.
"US natural gas is abundant and affordable. Shell has the expertise and technology to responsibly develop this vital energy resource, including associated products such as polyethylene for the domestic market," said Marvin Odum, President, Shell Oil Company. "With this investment, we would use feedstock from Marcellus to locally produce chemicals for the region and create more American jobs. As an integrated oil and gas company, we are best-placed in the area to do this."
Selection of the site for the cracker and derivative units would be determined in the next phase of the project. Building the facility would be subject to receiving all applicable permits.

West Virginia officials have been scrambling to get a cracker in hopes it could rejuvenate the state's ailing chemical industry. Crackers produce valuable byproducts from chemicals in natural gas that aren't needed to heat homes, including ethane, a key ingredient in plastics.

West Virginia and Pennsylvania are both home to large amounts of gas waiting to be extracted from the Marcellus shale.

------

June 10, 2011 PLASTICS NEWS

Appalachias shale to fuel Shell cracker

In a move that would have been extremely unlikely even five years ago, Shell Oil Co. has announced plans to develop a cracker making the plastic feedstock ethylene - and possibly downstream polyethylene units - at an undisclosed location in Appalachia, which includes parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

The decision is being prompted by discoveries of massive amounts of natural gas in a geological formation known as Marcellus Shale. Natural gas can be used to make ethane, which is then converted into ethylene. The new discoveries are leading the industrys top firms to reconsider their approach to ethylene and related plastic products in the region.

In a June 6 news release, officials with Houston-based Shell said PE is the leading optionfor downstream derivative choices. They described PE as an important raw material for countless everyday itemsand added that most of the resulting PE production will be used by Northeastern industries.

Officials added that North American PE demand is expected to grow, so the economic and efficiency benefits of a regional cracker make this configuration attractive.

U.S. natural gas is abundant and affordable,Shell Oil President Marvin Odum said in the release. With this investment, we would use feedstock from Marcellus to locally produce chemicals for the region and create more American jobs.

As an integrated oil and gas company, we are best-placed in the area to do this.

Shell spokesperson Kayla Macke declined to provide a timetable for the project, but said via e-mail that a cracker and derivatives complex typically takes at least five years to build, from the early definition of the project to being on-stream.

Regarding size, Macke declined to provide specifics but confirmed that world-scale crackers generally produce more than 2 billion pounds of ethylene per year. The precise size and scope of the proposed ethylene cracker and derivative units, including number of employees, will be determined as part of the study phase,she said.

From a PE standpoint, Macke said that if Shell does pursue that material, officials will be discussing with potential customers the advantages of our meeting their needs with a local source of supply and exploring whether or not to partner with an existing PE player.

We are looking at different options, from doing it ourselves to working with others,she said.

Market watchers said that its possible Shell would want to work with international firms that have been eyeing the North American market ? such as Saudi Basic Industries Corp. of Saudi Arabia or Brazils Braskem SA ? to develop new PE sites.

Industry insiders also said its a bit ironic that Shell is taking this step, since the firm began exiting commodity petrochemical markets in the early 1990s. Shell did retain ownership in some PE and polypropylene assets through its stake in former joint ventures Montell and Basell before selling them off in 2005. Shell produces ethylene and related feedstocks at U.S. plants in Deer Park, Texas, and Norco, La.

Other firms such as Dow Chemical Co. and Westlake Chemical Corp. have announced ethylene expansions to take advantage of the new natural gas, but Shell is the first to place such a project in the Northeast. The Shell project would be the first new ethylene cracker to be built in North America since 2001, according to Chemical Market Associates Inc. in Houston. In that year, Formosa Plastics Corp. USA and a partnership between BASF Corp. and Total Petrochemicals each opened new crackers in Texas,

Shell owns or leases the natural gas rights for 700,000 gross acres in the Marcellus. Most of that acreage is in Pennsylvania, which makes it likely the new cracker would be located there. The firm operates an office in Warrendale, Pa., about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, and employs almost 250 in natural-gas-related businesses across Pennsylvania. In July, Shell acquired East Resources Inc., a Warrendale-based oil and gas supplier.

Among those who follow plastics and chemicals markets, reaction to Shells big news was mixed. One observer who was less than thrilled with the announcement was Emily Wurth, water policy director for Food & Water Watch, a non-profit organization in Washington.

Wurths group and other environmental organizations have questioned the hydraulic fracturing process ? know as fracking? used to access shale gas because of the possibility of groundwater contamination.

We have a lot of concerns about the new technologies around fracking and the risk it poses,Wurth said in a phone interview. Theres a risk to public health and to the environment.

Fracking also can lead to excessive methane production, she added. Safety also is an issue, since some regions where shale gas has been found are densely populated. Wurth also said that a recent report from the Energy Information Administration indicates that U.S. shale gas levels may be lower than previously believed, meaning that less gas is available for development. Her own group released a report criticizing shale gas development last July, and is set to release a second such report June 13, one that will call for a ban on fracking.

The prospect of a major petrochemicals player announcing a project in the Marcellus Shale region was inevitable,said Howard Rappaport, a CMAI market analyst. There certainly are attractive logistic elements to the project with the available ethane production expected in the region and proximity to a large number of downstream fabricators and converters in the northeast part of the US and eastern Canada.

He added that infrastructure support will play an important role in the overall project as well as getting the necessary environmental permitting from local and federal governments.

Market analyst Nick Vafiadis, also with CMAI, said that an ethylene project in the Northeast would appear to have access to both feedstocks and derivative consumers [and] would also likely target the domestic market.

It will be interesting to see if all of the expansion announcements that have been made [and have yet to be made] will actually materialize,he added.

Market analyst Mike Burns with Resin Technologies Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, said he was doubtful that Shells ethylene expansion will result in any new PE capacity for the region.

North America doesnt need any more [PE] based on current supply and demand,he said.

Burns said high PE prices are hurting plastics firms that might benefit from a new ethylene cracker in the Appalachia region.

There are a lot of processors in that area, so theres a good customer base already,he said. But the way [PE makers] are overpricing resin, I dont know if that base will be there when the new cracker opens.

U.S./Canadian PE consumption has had its ups and downs in the last five years. It was roughly flat in 2006-07 before falling in 2008-09 as the global economic crisis hit. Consumption recovered modestly in 2010, but even so, the 2010 total was almost 9 percent lower than in 2006 ? falling to just over 29 billion.

At a CMAI-hosted conference earlier this year, Vafiadis said North American PE demand growth should average just under 3 percent annually between 2010 and 2015.


2011/8/1 BASF

Ownership structure changes in Sabina Petrochemicals joint venture between BASF Corporation, Total Petrochemicals and Shell Chemical

BASF Corporation and Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc., today announced a change in ownership of the Sabina Petrochemicals LLC joint venture that operates one of the world’s largest C4 complexes, which is located in Port Arthur, Texas. Shell Chemical LP, will exit the joint venture, effective Aug. 1, 2011. As of this date, BASF and Total Petrochemicals will be the sole partners in Sabina with 60:40 ownership shares. BASF will continue to operate the Sabina plants. The terms of the agreement are confidential.

“The change in ownership of the Sabina joint venture marks a milestone in its seven year history,” said Heidi Alderman, Senior Vice President, Petrochemicals, BASF Corporation. “BASF and TPI remain firmly committed to the Port Arthur site and plan to continue to invest in the site to optimize production capacity."

“This new structure provides a stronger partnership between TPI and BASF and allows us to strengthen the synergies between the Total Port Arthur Refinery, the BFLP (BASF FINA Petrochemicals Limited Partnership) and the C-4 Sabina operation,” said Geoffroy Petit, Chief Executive Officer, TPI Petrochemicals USA, Inc.

BASF FINA Petrochemicals Limited Partnership is a venture between BASF Corporation and FINA, Inc.. The limited partnership, in which BASF holds a 60 percent share and FINA holds a 40 percent share, was formed to manage the operations of the steam cracker project and related facilities.

The steam cracker is being built adjacent to FINA's Port Arthur refinery and will be operated by BASF on behalf of the partnership.

The cracker will convert naphtha and light hydrocarbons into mainly ethylene and propylene.

The Sabina Petrochemicals LLC C4 complex, adjacent to the BASF FINA Petrochemicals Limited Partnership’s steam cracker and Total Petrochemicals USA’s Port Arthur refinery, began operating in 200 4. The facility consists of two plants: the world’s largest single train butadiene extraction unit and an indirect alkylation unit. Butadiene is used in the production of rubber and plastics. Alkylate is used as a fuel additive for high octane gasoline blending.


2011/12/4 Shell

Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign Heads of Agreement for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals complex in Qatar

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar, and Peter Voser, Chief Executive Officer of Shell, signed today a Heads of Agreement that sets the scope and commercial principles for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. This agreement follows the conclusion of a joint feasibility study conducted by the partners, Qatar Petroleum and Shell.

Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign a Letter of Intent for the Development of a World-Scale Petrochemical Complex

Qatar Petroleum and Shell sign MoU to jointly develop major petrochemicals project in Qatar

The scope under consideration includes a world-scale steam cracker, with feedstock coming from natural gas projects in Qatar; a mono-ethylene glycol plant of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum using Shell’s proprietary OMEGA (Only MEG Advantaged) technology; 300 kilotonnes per annum of linear alpha olefins using Shell’s proprietary SHOP (Shell Higher Olefin Process); and another olefin derivative. The complex will produce cost-competitive petrochemicals products to be marketed primarily into Asian growth markets. Qatar Petroleum will have an 80% equity interest in the project and Shell 20%.

His Excellency Minister Al-Sada said: “This critical petrochemicals project fits well with Qatar’s strategy to strengthen and further diversify its growing chemicals industry and represents an important milestone on our journey to become a significant global petrochemicals producer. In line with directives of His Highness, the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, this large petrochemicals complex will provide Qatar with another viable option to extract optimal value from its natural gas resources.”

Peter Voser added: “This agreement marks the beginning of another partnership with Qatar Petroleum for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals project in Qatar. Coming on the heels of the inauguration of Pearl GTL, this new venture demonstrates the commitment of both parties to deepen our relationship even further. Shell values the opportunity to bring to Qatar the expertise and technology necessary to deliver a petrochemicals project of this scale and looks forward to its successful delivery.”

Qatar Petroleum and Shell have delivered Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) and Qatargas 4 this year; two of the world’s largest projects built in Ras Laffan Industrial City.

SHOP (Shell Higher Olefin Process) is a chemical process for the production of linear alpha olefins via ethylene oligomerization and olefin metathesis invented and exploited by Royal Dutch Shell. The olefin products are converted to fatty aldehydes and then to fatty alcohols, which are precursors plasticizers and detergents.

OMEGA is based on the successful integration and development of Shell’s EO process with Mitsubishi’s catalytic stand-alone MEG process. Whereas MASTER technology uses an EO catalyst to react ethylene with oxygen to produce EO and a thermal process in which EO then reacts with water to form glycols, OMEGA is an entirely catalytic process.

Jchem-News 2004年12月2日

☆ラービグ計画のEG技術、シェル/三菱化学勢がライセンス供与へ

 住友化学とサウジアラムコがサウジアラビアでの共同石化投資計画の生産品目に盛り込んだエチレングリコール (EG、ポリエステル原料)の製造技術を、英蘭ロイヤルダッチシェルグループがライセンス供与することになった。シェルは三菱化学と共同開発した高収率プロセス「オメガ法」を投入する。同技術が中東で採用されるのはこれが初めて。
韓国・湖南石化、サウジ・ペトロラービグ、シンガポール・シェルの3プラント稼働

 

Pearl GTL will be the world’s largest source of gas-to-liquids (GTL) products, producing 140,000 barrels of GTL products each day. The plant will also produce 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of natural gas liquids and ethane.

Key facts

Location:

Qatar, Ras Laffan Industrial City
Category: Integrated gas and gas-to-liquids project
Ownership: Development and Production Sharing Agreement with Government of the State Qatar, 100% Shell funding
Operator: Shell
Development cost: $18 billion-$19 billion
Peak:
Production:
320 kboe/d of gas resulting in:
- 140 kboe/d of gas-to-liquids products (2 trains)
- 120 kboe/d of natural gas liquids and ethane
Total production: 3 billion boe of natural gas over the life of the project
Key contractors: JGC/KBR joint venture

 

Qatargas 4 is Shell’s first entry into Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and brings to seven the number of countries where Shell participates in LNG supply projects. The single LNG mega train delivers approximately 7.8 million tonnes per annum of LNG.

Key facts

Location:

Qatar, Ras Laffan Industrial City
Category: LNG plant
Ownership: Qatar Petroleum, 70%, and Shell, 30%
Operator: Qatargas Operating Company
Peak Production: 280 kboe/d
Plant capacity: 7.8 mtpa LNG (1 mega train)
and 70,000 b/d of natural gas liquids
Key contractors: Chiyoda/Technip joint venture (onshore)

 


2012/6/2 MENAFN

Saudi Aramco, Shell complete expansion in Motiva JV

Saudi Aramco and Royal Dutch Shell uncovered the completion of its USD10 billion expansion plan for their joint-venture Motiva Enterprises Texas Gulf Coast refinery, as it reached its full output capacity, Reuters reported.

The plan includes building a new crude distillation unit (CDU) and associated units, taking the refinery's total output to 600,000 bpd capacity from 258,000 bpd output before the expansion, taking the crown from Exxon Mobil Corp's 560,640 bpd Baytown, Texas, refinery, as the largest in the country.

The expansion project also targets boosting fuel exports to 100,000 bpd once pipeline infrastructure from the plant to its docks is completed, according to Motiva president and CEO Bob Pease.

The Motiva project was launched in 2007, when US fuel demand was up and refinery capacity was seen as inadequate. That changed when the global financial crisis hit, slashing demand and prompting closures of several unprofitable refineries.

Al-Falih, president and CEO of Saudi Aramco said that Motiva postponed the expansion plans for about a year in late 2008 to cut costs.

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Motiva Enterprises, LLC, is a 50–50 joint venture between Shell Oil Company (the wholly owned American subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell) and Saudi Refining (controlled by Saudi Aramco). The company is currently headquartered in Houston, Texas.

In 1988 Texaco and Saudi Refining agreed to form a joint venture known as Star Enterprise in which Saudi Refining would own a 50 percent share of Texaco's refining and marketing operations in the eastern United States and Gulf Coast.

 In 1997 Shell embarked on two joint ventures with Texaco where the companies merged their marketing and refining operations. The operations in the western and midwestern United States were merged into a company called Equilon.
The Star Enterprise operation and Shell's eastern and southeastern operations were merged into a company called Motiva.
After Texaco merged with Chevron in 2001, Shell and Saudi Refining purchased Texaco's interests in the joint ventures. Equilon became a fully owned subsidiary of Shell, while Saudi Aramco and Shell each became equal owners of Motiva.


 
2014/1/2 Shell

Shell boosts its leadership in global LNG with the completion of Repsol S.A. LNG deal

Royal Dutch Shell plc today announces the successful completion of the acquisition of Repsol S.A.'s liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio outside North America for a headline cash consideration of $4.1 billion. As part of the transaction, Shell will also assume $1.6 billion of balance sheet liabilities relating to existing leases for LNG ship charters, substantially increasing the shipping capacity available to Shell's world-class LNG marketing business.

The deal gives Shell an additional 7.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of directly managed LNG volumes. The company's already diverse and flexible portfolio will be boosted with LNG supply in the Atlantic from Trinidad & Tobago, and in the Pacific from Peru. In addition, it immediately contributes additional cash flow, while requiring limited on-going capital expenditure.

Since the announcement of the transaction in February 2013, certain value adjustments have been made in accordance with the terms of the sales and purchase agreement. These are expected to lead to a net cash purchase price of $3.8 billion (subject to post closing adjustments), compared to purchase price of $4.4 billion announced in February 2013, and balance sheet liabilities of $1.6 billion, compared to $1.8 billion at the initial announcement. This includes the exercise of pre-emption rights of the BBE power plant in Spain by an existing partner as well as other adjustments such as the financial performance of the portfolio and working capital movements since the effective date of 1st October 2012.

The deal closed in 2014. Shell's capital investment in Q4 2013 will reflect $3.4 billion for this transaction with the remainder of $2.0 billion booked in 2014 of which $1.6 billion is a non cash item relating to finance ship leases.

Additional information

The transaction will add:
a) Net 4.2 mtpa equity LNG plant capacity, increasing the company’s equity LNG capacity by around 20%, from 22 to 26 mtpa.

  Atlantic LNG trains 1-4; 14.8 mtpa capacity on a 100% basis (20-25% equity per train); operated by Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
  Peru LNG 4.45 mtpa capacity, on a 100% basis (acquisition: 20% equity: 100% offtake); operated by Peru LNG Company.
  A fleet of LNG carriers, comprising both long term and short term time charters.

b) 7.2 mtpa of LNG volumes through long term off-take agreements.

c) As part of this agreement, as previously disclosed, Shell has committed to supply around 0.1 mtpa of LNG to Repsol’s Canaport LNG terminal in Canada over a period of 10 years.
 


Royal Dutch Shell plc continues to expand its industry leadership in Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”), today agreeing to acquire part of Repsol S.A’s LNG portfolio outside of North America, including supply positions in Peru and Trinidad & Tobago, for a cash consideration of $4.4 billion. Shell will also assume and consolidate balance sheet liabilities predominantly reflecting leases for LNG ship charters of currently $1.8 billion. The balance sheet impacts are subject to final assessment prior to completion of the transaction.

Shell has agreed to acquire from several Repsol subsidiaries which own key LNG businesses of Repsol. Upon completion, after securing regulatory approvals and meeting other conditions precedent, the transaction will add:

a) Net 4.2 mtpa equity LNG plant capacity comprising:
• ALNG trains 1-4 14.6 mtpa capacity, on a 100% basis (20-25% equity per train); operated by Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago
• Peru LNG 4.45 mtpa capacity, on a 100% basis (acquisition: 20% equity; 100% offtake); operated by Peru LNG Company
• BBE power plant in Spain (25%, 800MW); operated by Bahía de Bizkaia Electricidad S.L.
• A fleet of LNG carriers, comprising both long term and short term time charters.

b) A material LNG marketing and trading operation, with 7.2 mtpa of LNG volumes through long-term off-take agreements.

c) As part of this agreement, Shell has committed to supply around 0.1 mtpa of LNG to Repsol’s Canaport LNG terminal in Canada over a period of 10 years.

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Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago
  出資 Train 1  Train 2,  Train 3 Train 4
BP(AMOCO) 34% 34% 42.5% 37.8%
BG 26% 26% 32.5% 28.9%
Repsol 20% 20% 25% 22.2%
NGC 10% 10%   11.1%
Summer Soca LNG Liquefaction 10% 10%    

NGC=National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago
Cabot →Suez→Summer Soca LNG Liquefaction(a subsidiary of the Chinese Investment Corporation)

------

Peru LNG is a natural gas liquefaction plant in Pampa Melchorita, Peru.

The company's operations also include a 408km gas pipeline and a maritime terminal, from which LNG will be shipped overseas, and a pipeline connected to the existing TgP pipeline to transport natural gas from the connection point in the mountains of Ayacucho to the LNG Plant located on the coast at km. 170 of the South Pan American Highway.

Peru LNG  is a consortium of Hunt Oil Company (50%: operator), SK Energy (20%), Repsol YPF (20%), and Marubeni (10%).
LNG offtake has been contracted to Repsol.


2014/6/17 Shell 

Shell further reduces its interest in Woodside

Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) today announced the sale of a total of approximately 156.5 million shares in Woodside Petroleum Limited (“Woodside”) representing a total estimated value to Shell of around US$5.0 billion on an after tax basis.

The sale, which represents 19.0% of Woodside’s issued share capital, is through an underwritten sell-down to equity market investors and a selective share buy-back by Woodside.

“Today’s announcement is part of our drive to improve Shell’s capital efficiency and to focus our Australia growth in directly owned assets”, said Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden. “It doesn’t change our view of Australia as an important player on the global energy stage, or Shell’s central role in the country’s energy industry.”

Shell Australia’s Country Chair, Andrew Smith, added, “Woodside is an important strategic partner for us, through our investments in established projects such as the North West Shelf and growth opportunities such as Browse.

We are pleased we have been able to work with Woodside to find a solution that allows us both to meet our strategic objectives. We continue to see Australia as an important place for us to invest and grow our business.”

Shell’s subsidiary, Shell Energy Holding Australia Limited (“SEHAL”) has mandated two investment banks to sell 78.27 million shares in Woodside, through an underwritten sell-down at a price of A$41.35 per share.

This part of the sale represents around 9.5% of the issued capital in Woodside, with the shares to be sold to a range of equity market investors. The sell-down is expected to complete on 18 June 2014.

Under an agreement with SEHAL, Woodside will also buy-back 78.27 million of its shares from SEHAL at a price of US$34.24 per share.

The buy-back price per share has been split into a dividend component of US$26.29 per share and a capital component of US$7.95 per share, as agreed with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in a private ruling. SEHAL will receive franking (tax paid) credits on the dividend component with the effect that no further tax is payable by SEHAL on the dividend component.

Completion of the buy-back will be subject to limited conditions, including consent under a number of Woodside’s facility agreements, an independent expert opinion and Woodside shareholder approval. Completion of the buy-back is expected in early August 2014.

After the buy-back and the sell-down have been completed, including cancellation of the buy-back shares by Woodside, SEHAL’s shareholding in Woodside will reduce to below 5%. As part of this transaction, SEHAL has committed to retain its remaining shares in Woodside for 90 days from completion of the sell-down, with limited exceptions.

Notes for editors

Shell’s world-wide LNG equity liquefaction capacity is 26.1 mtpa (million tonnes per annum), with interests in eleven LNG plants. The announced transaction will reduce Shell’s equity liquefaction capacity to 25.5 mtpa after the sell-down and to 24.9 mtpa after completion of the share buy-back.

Australia is set to underpin Shell’s next tranche of LNG growth, with the Gorgon LNG project (~15 mtpa), where Shell has a 25% interest and the Shell-operated Prelude Floating LNG project (3.6 mtpa LNG + 1.7 mtpa NGLs), in which Shell holds a 67.5% interest.

Shell has further options for the next generation of LNG growth, in Australia, North America and Indonesia.

Shell also continues with an active and successful exploration campaign adding to further options for future development.

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BBC

Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell is cutting its stake in Australia's Woodside in a share sale that will net it some $5bn (£3bn).

Shell will sell around 156.5 million shares, which represents 19% of Woodside's issued share capital.

Upon completion, the European firm's stake in Woodside will be reduced from its current 23.1% to 4.5%.

Shell has said in a statement it wants to focus its "Australian growth in directly owned assets."

The company's chief executive Ben van Buerden added: "It doesn't change our view of Australia as an important player on the global energy stage, or Shell's central role in the country's energy industry.
We continue to see Australia as an important place for us to invest and grow our business."

Earlier this year Shell reported a 44% drop in first-quarter profits after it wrote down the value of refineries in Asia and Europe.

The cutting of its Woodside stake will take place over two stages.

Shell will offload a 9.5% stake or 78.3 million
Woodside shares to institutional investors, at a price of $41.35 Australian dollars per share, by Wednesday.

It will also be selling another 78.3 million shares to Woodside in a buyback programme, at $36.49 Australian dollars per share.

The buyback is subjected to approval by Woodside's shareholders, as well as independent expert opinion that the transaction is "fair and reasonable" to all Woodside shareholders.

Chief executive of the Australian gas and oil firm, Peter Coleman, said in a statement submitted to the Australian stock exchange: "This combined transaction is an efficient and disciplined use of capital and creates value for all our shareholders.

"The combined transaction will also increase our liquidity in the market and resolve the uncertainty in relation to Shell's shareholding that has existed for several years."

The firm had originally sold one-third of its Woodside stake in November 2010, for $3.3bn.


June 18, 2014 CNOOC 

CNOOC, Shell Ink Agreement on Global Strategic Partnership

 
 
 

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Royal Dutch Shell plc announced Tuesday that they have signed a Global Strategic Alliance Agreement that reconfirms both parties' commitment to the existing strategic partnership in China and around the world.

Under the Agreement, the companies also commit to exploring potential cooperation opportunities in upstream, midstream and downstream. The Agreement was signed by CNOOC Chairman Wang Yilin and Shell Chairman Jorma Ollila. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is on an official state visit to London, and British Prime Minister David Cameron witnessed the signing of the Agreement.

CNOOC Chairman Wang Yilin said: "We are delighted to see our strategic partnership with Shell taking a step further under the Agreement. It is another milestone for our already fruitful, mutual-beneficial cooperation. I look forward to deeper and more extensive cooperation with Shell."

CNOOC and Shell have enjoyed an excellent partnership in and outside China in both upstream and downstream projects including offshore Yinggehai off Hainan Island and a successful petrochemicals joint venture in Huizhou, Guangdong province. The parties are also working together in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and upstream deepwater projects including in Gabon and Brazil among others.

Ben van Beurden, Shell's CEO, said: "We are very happy to reconfirm our commitment to the Shell-CNOOC strategic partnership that has borne many fruits. We are committed to growing business together with CNOOC and other Chinese partners and cooperating with them internationally to bring more clean energy to China."

- See more at: http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/133608/CNOOC_Shell_Ink_Agreement_on_Global_Strategic_Partnership#sthash.YSB4tV4T.dpuf

CNOOC, Shell Ink Agreement on Global Strategic Partnership

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Royal Dutch Shell plc announced Tuesday that they have signed a Global Strategic Alliance Agreement that reconfirms both parties' commitment to the existing strategic partnership in China and around the world.

Under the Agreement, the companies also commit to exploring potential cooperation opportunities in upstream, midstream and downstream. The Agreement was signed by CNOOC Chairman Wang Yilin and Shell Chairman Jorma Ollila. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is on an official state visit to London, and British Prime Minister David Cameron witnessed the signing of the Agreement.

CNOOC Chairman Wang Yilin said: "We are delighted to see our strategic partnership with Shell taking a step further under the Agreement. It is another milestone for our already fruitful, mutual-beneficial cooperation. I look forward to deeper and more extensive cooperation with Shell."

CNOOC and Shell have enjoyed an excellent partnership in and outside China in both upstream and downstream projects including offshore Yinggehai off Hainan Island and a successful petrochemicals joint venture in Huizhou, Guangdong province. The parties are also working together in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and upstream deepwater projects including in Gabon and Brazil among others.

Ben van Beurden, Shell's CEO, said: "We are very happy to reconfirm our commitment to the Shell-CNOOC strategic partnership that has borne many fruits. We are committed to growing business together with CNOOC and other Chinese partners and cooperating with them internationally to bring more clean energy to China."

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日経

シェル、中国国有石油と戦略提携 石油開発など技術・資金協力

英蘭ロイヤル・ダッチ・シェルは17日、中国国有石油の中国海洋石油総公司(CNOOC)と戦略提携すると発表した。中国国内外の石油・天然ガス開発から石油精製・化学まで、双方の技術や資金面などで協力する。シェルは世界のエネルギー需要の2割強を占める中国との結びつきを強め、液化天然ガス(LNG)の販路を確保する狙いもある。

世界最大のLNG供給者で鉱区開発やマーケティングなどのノウハウが豊富なシェルと、増加する内需に応える必要があり資金力のあるCNOOCが組む。両社は中国の洋上鉱区や石油化学合弁のほか、アンゴラやブラジルの鉱区開発でも協力し、こうした事例を広げる。

英BPも同日、CNOOCに2019年から20年間以上、LNGを供給する契約を結んだと発表した。最大でCNOOCの13年の輸入量の1割強にあたる年150万トンを供給する。

中国は5月にロシアからの天然ガスの大型契約を決めた一方、10年代後半には各地で新たなLNG生産が始まり、LNG需要が緩む可能性が指摘される。BPは早い段階に安定顧客を確保する利点がある。

シェル、BPとも李克強中国首相の訪英にあわせ、提携や大型契約をまとめた。

英中、経済協力を強化 LNG供給拡大などで合意


2015/8/7 

Shell to sell stake in Tongyi Lubricants to Huo’s Group and The Carlyle Group

Shell has signed an agreement to sell its 75% stake in Tongyi Lubricants
統一潤滑油 in China to Huo’s Group 霍氏集团 and The Carlyle Group. The transaction is expected to complete by late 2015 or early 2016, subject to regulatory approvals.
Tongyi, a joint venture between Shell and Huo’s Group, is a prominent Chinese lubricant supplier with blending plants in Beijing, Xianyang of Shaanxi province山西省
咸陽市生产能力10万吨), and Wuxi of Jiangsu province、江蘇省無錫. Shell acquired its 75% stake from Huo’s Group in 2006. The sale is consistent with Shell’s strategy to concentrate its Downstream footprint on a smaller number of assets and markets where it can be most competitive. 

Shell is committed to growing its lubricants business in China through strong relationships with distributors, collaboration with key vehicle and equipment manufacturers, and the sale of premium products across all sectors. In June 2015, Shell opened a new lubricants blending plant in Tianjin with the capacity to produce 330 million litres of finished lubricants per year, enough to fill more than 65 million cars.

Other recent Downstream divestments include the sale of Downstream businesses in Australia and Italy; a number of retail sites in the UK, and the initial public offering of, and further drop downs to, Shell Midstream Partners L.P. Shell has also agreed the sale of its marketing business in Denmark and Norway and its LPG businesses in France. In July 2015, Shell announced the sale of its shareholding in Showa Shell in Japan to Idemitsu. 

Huo’s Group, headquartered in Beijing and established in 1983, is one of the large conglomerates in China. After 32 years’ of fast growth, Huo’s Group now operates three main businesses: energy efficiency and renewable industry, modern warehouse and logistics, and financial services. Huo’s Group values the development of human resources and employs over 1,000 staff across China. The Group follows the steps of modern corporation management and has achieved fast and sustainable development.  Huo’s Group’s purpose is to provide the China market with leading, reliable and competitive products and services.

Huo Zhenxiang霍振祥, Chairman of Huo’s Group 霍氏集团

Mr. Zhenxiang Huo serves as Managing Director of Alliance Success Holding Group Limited. Mr. Huo founded Beijing Monarch Lubricating Oil Co. Ltd in 1999 and in 2006, he sold the controlling shares of Monarch Lubricating to Shell. He has been in petrochemical, logistics, business management and investment industry for over 35 years. Mr. Huo serves as Vice Chairman of Shell Tongyi (Beijing) Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Vice Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce for Petroleum Industry. He has been a Director of Anterra Energy, Inc. since November 2009. He serves as a Member of Municipal People’s Congress in Beijing.

ーーー

Carlyle Group will own a majority stake in Tongyi after the deal closes, a Carlyle spokeswoman said. The parties said the transaction is expected to close by early next year.

ーーー

Dec. 11, 2014

Shell Looks to Sell Stake in China Lubricants Business Tongyi

Royal Dutch Shell PLC is looking to sell its entire stake in a Chinese oil-lubricants business in a deal that could fetch up to $500 million, as the Anglo-Dutch energy firm sheds assets across the globe amid declining oil prices.

Shell has started a sale process for its 75% stake in the Tongyi oil lubricants joint venture, with bids expected to come in between $350 million and $500 million, according to people familiar with the situation, offering prospective buyers a rare majority stake in a Chinese company.

Blackstone Group LP appears to be in a strong position for first-round bids among the private-equity firms looking at the Chinese operation, according to these people. The U.S. private-equity firm is working with the founder of the Tongyi joint venture, Huo Zhenxiang, to craft a joint bid, they said. Mr. Huo owns the remaining 25% stake in Tongyi.

Shell’s management is looking to raise cash and slim down to boost returns as declining oil prices pressure results. When Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden took the helm in January, he laid out plans to sell $15 billion of assets by the end of 2015. Mr. van Beurden has turned his focus away from increasing investments and toward improving free cash flow and raising stock dividends to appease investors.

The company’s shares have fallen more than 5% this year.

Shell hired China International Capital Corp. to sell its 75% stake in Shell’s Tongyi brand of oil lubricants for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, according to people familiar with the situation. The Beijing-based investment bank is canvassing potential buyers for the business, and private-equity firms and industry players are expected to participate in the first-round bidding, these people said.

The business could be particularly interesting to deal makers because it is a rare slice of China’s energy industry where foreigners can own controlling stakes.

Shell unveiled the acquisition of the Tongyi stake in September 2006 for an undisclosed price. Now, it is looking to sell the local lubricants business as it focuses on expanding other brands. Shell operates the largest lubricant business in China among international oil firms. It markets lubricants under its own Shell Helix brand for standard gasoline vehicles and the Shell Rimula brand for diesel vehicles.

If a sale is completed, Shell will continue to have substantial operations in China. Among those are a network of around 1,000 retail fuel stations, natural-gas exploration projects in western China’s Sichuan province, and an investment in the Nanhai petrochemicals complex that is a joint venture between Shell and China National Offshore Oil Corp., known as Cnooc.


2015/11/30  Shell

Shell takes final investment decision to expand Alpha Olefins production at Geismar chemical plant in US Gulf Coast

Shell Chemical LP (Shell) today announces the final investment decision to increase Alpha Olefins (AO) production at its chemical manufacturing site in Geismar, Louisiana, making the site the largest AO producer in the world. Shell will construct a fourth AO unit, adding 425,000 tonnes of capacity. The chemical site is used in the production of stronger and lighter polyethylene plastic for packaging and bottles, as well as engine and industrial oils and drilling fluids.

“This important investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the growth potential in chemicals,” said Graham van’t Hoff, Executive Vice President for Royal Dutch Shell plc’s global Chemicals business. “With the investment in new, profitable facilities, Shell Chemicals is well placed to respond to increased global customer demand for linear alpha olefins. We have strong technology, advantaged ethylene feedstock from nearby Norco and Deer Park sites, and operational flexibility to allow us to respond to market conditions.”

Construction of the new unit will begin in the first quarter of 2016. The new capacity brings the total AO production at Shell’s Geismar site to more than 1.3 million tonnes per annum; the site, with a strong track record of reliable and safe performance, also produces alcohols, ethoxylates, ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols.

The Shell Geismar Chemical Plant is located next to the Mississippi River, about 20 miles south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is a stand-alone chemicals manufacturing plant, operated by Shell Chemical LP. In addition to Geismar, Shell produces AO at Stanlow in the UK, operated by Essar Oil (UK) Ltd on Shell’s behalf as part of an integrated oil refinery and petrochemicals site.
 


2016/3/16

Saudi Refining, Inc. and Shell sign letter of intent to separate Motiva assets

Saudi Arabian Oil Company ("Saudi Aramco") through its wholly owned Saudi Refining Inc. ("SRI") subsidiary and Royal Dutch Shell plc, through its U.S. downstream affiliate, announce today they have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to divide the assets of Motiva Enterprises LLC. The Motiva joint venture was formed in 1998 and has operated as a 50/50 refining and marketing joint venture between the parties since 2002.

In the proposed division of assets, SRI will retain the Motiva name, assume sole ownership of the Port Arthur, Texas refinery, retain 26 distribution terminals, and have an exclusive license to use the Shell brand for gasoline and diesel sales in Texas, the majority of the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets.
Shell will assume sole ownership of the Norco, Louisiana refinery (where Shell operates a chemicals plant), the Convent, Louisiana refinery, nine distribution terminals, and Shell branded markets in Florida, Louisiana and the Northeastern region.

"Motiva's performance has been transformed in the last two years. We propose to combine the assets we will retain from the joint venture with Shell's other Downstream assets in North America. This is consistent with both the Group and Downstream strategy to provide simpler and more highly integrated businesses which deliver increased cash and returns," said John Abbott, Shell Downstream Director.

Abdulrahman F. Al-Wuhaib, Senior Vice President of Downstream, Saudi Aramco said: "Saudi Aramco subsidiaries and affiliates have had a presence in the U.S. for over 60 years, and the Motiva joint venture with Shell has served our downstream business objectives very well for many years. However, it is now time for the partners to pursue their independent downstream goals. The Port Arthur refinery will advance Saudi Aramco's global downstream integration strategy through supply & trading, refining and fuels marketing, chemicals and base oils. Motiva's employees will continue to be critical to fulfilling our future growth potential in the Americas, reinforcing our reliable customer service and supporting the communities where we operate. We fully support Motiva's continuing transformation journey to become an autonomous integrated downstream affiliate."

Dan Romasko, Motiva President and CEO, said: "Motiva has benefited greatly from the nearly two decades of support and resources provided by Shell and Saudi Aramco. While the parties work towards definitive agreements, Motiva will remain focused on our growth agenda, running operations in a safe, environmentally sound and efficient manner while continuing to reliably serve our customers."

Both Motiva shareholders are committed to supporting the venture during this period of transition and assuring excellent customer service and continued health, safety and environmental performance. During the period of transition, shareholder financing support arrangements for Motiva remain in place and both shareholders are committed to maintaining Motiva's balance sheet strength and liquidity.

Under the terms of the LOI, the partners will evaluate options and select an optimal deal structure with the objective of formalizing a definitive agreement to divide and transfer Motiva Enterprises LLC's assets, liabilities and employees between the companies. The companies will make a further joint announcement in due course.
Notes to the editor

Cooperation between the companies also includes: Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Co. (SASREF) - a 50:50 joint venture refining enterprise at Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia with a crude oil refining capacity of 305,000 bpd. Shell and Saudi Aramco also have a multiyear relationship in the Showa JV in Japan. Shell recently reached an agreement to sell shares representing a 33.24% shareholding in Showa to Idemitsu Kosan. Shell will retain a 1.80% holding in the company after completion later this year.

The refining assets from Motiva which will be owned and operated by Shell include the 230,000 barrel per day Convent refinery located in St. James Parish, Louisiana and the 235,000 barrel per day Norco refinery located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.

The refining asset from Motiva which will be owned and operated by Saudi Aramco is the 600,000 barrel per day Port Arthur refinery located in Port Arthur, Texas.

Distribution terminals, retail assets, branded and commercial customer agreements will be divided by geography in a way to ensure each partner has an integrated and robust business.

SRI will have exclusive use of the Shell brand through a long-term license agreement in its area of operation.

 

About Motiva Enterprises LLC

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva Enterprises LLC refines, distributes and markets petroleum products. With three refineries in the U.S. Gulf Coast region, Motiva has a combined capacity of over 1.1 million barrels per day. The company's marketing operations support a network of approximately 8,300 Shell-branded gasoline stations in the eastern and southern United States. Motiva is owned equally by affiliates of Saudi Aramco and Shell Oil Company.

After Texaco merged with Chevron in 2001, Shell and Saudi Refining purchased Texaco's interests in the joint ventures. Equilon became a fully owned subsidiary of Shell, while Saudi Aramco and Shell each became equal owners of Motiva.


 


Jun 7, 2016 Shell 

Shell to build a new Petrochemicals complex in Pennsylvania

     Construction for complex with ethylene cracker and polyethylene derivatives unit to begin in 18 months.

Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC (Shell) has taken the final investment decision to build a major petrochemicals complex, comprising an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Main construction will start in approximately 18 months, with commercial production expected to begin early in the next decade.

The complex will use low-cost ethane from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6 million tonnes of polyethylene per year. Polyethylene is used in many products, from food packaging and containers to automotive components.

The facility will be built on the banks of the Ohio River in Potter Township, Beaver County, about 30 miles north-west of Pittsburgh. As a result of its close proximity to gas feedstock, the complex, and its customers, will benefit from shorter and more dependable supply chains, compared to supply from the Gulf Coast. The location is also ideal because more than 70% of North American polyethylene customers are within a 700-mile radius of Pittsburgh.

2015年6月15日、Shell ChemicalsはPotter Townshipの亜鉛精錬所跡地1000エーカーをHorsehead Corporationから買収した。

The project will bring new growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6,000 construction workers involved in building the new facility, and an expected 600 permanent employees when completed.

“Shell Chemicals has recently announced final investment decisions to expand alpha olefins production at our Geismar site in Louisiana and, with our partner CNOOC in China, to add a world-scale ethylene cracker with derivative units to our existing complex there,” said Graham van’t Hoff, Executive Vice President for Royal Dutch Shell plc’s global Chemicals business. “This third announcement demonstrates the growth of Shell in chemicals and strengthens our competitive advantage.”

Nov 30, 2015 

Alpha Olefins expansion announced for Geismar, Louisiana

Shell Chemical LP today announces the final investment decision to increase Alpha Olefins (AO) production at its chemical manufacturing site in Geismar, Louisiana, making the site the largest AO producer in the world. Shell will construct a fourth AO unit, adding 425,000 tonnes of capacity.

Construction of the new unit will begin in the first quarter of 2016. The new capacity brings the total AO production at Shell’s Geismar site to more than 1.3 million tonnes per annum; the site, with a strong track record of reliable and safe performance, also produces alcohols, ethoxylates, ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols.

In addition to Geismar, Shell produces AO at Stanlow in the UK, operated by Essar Oil (UK) Ltd on Shell’s behalf as part of an integrated oil refinery and petrochemicals site.

ーーー

2016/3/22 Shell

CNOOC and Shell take final investment decision to expand petrochemical complex in China

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Shell Nanhai B.V. today announce the final investment decision to expand CNOOC and Shell Petrochemical Company’s (CSPC) existing 50:50 joint venture (JV) in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China. This decision follows the announcement of a Heads of Agreement in December 2015 between the two partners. Subject to regulatory approvals, CNOOC and Shell have agreed that CSPC should take over CNOOC’s ongoing project to build additional chemical facilities next to CSPC’s petrochemical complex.

The project includes the ongoing construction of a new ethylene cracker and ethylene derivatives units, which will increase ethylene capacity by more than 1 million tonnes per year, about double the current capacity. It will also include a styrene monomer and propylene oxide (SMPO) plant, which will be the largest such plant ever built in China.

Shell will apply its proprietary OMEGA, SMPO and polyols technologies to produce 150,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of ethylene oxide, 480,000 tpa of ethylene glycol and 600,000 tpa of high quality polyols. This increases the volumes and diversity of CSPC’s high quality product range to around 2 million tonnes per year, as well as enhances overall energy efficiency. It will be the first time that Shell’s industry-leading OMEGA and advanced polyols technologies will be applied in China.


LNG Canada remains a promising opportunity – it has strong stakeholder and First Nations’ support, has achieved critical regulatory approvals, has important commercial and engineering contracts in place to design and build the project, and through its pipeline partner Coastal Gas Link, has received necessary environmental approvals and First Nations support along the pipeline right-of-way.

“Our project has benefitted from the overwhelming support of the BC Government, First Nations – in particular the Haisla, and the Kitimat community. We could not have advanced the project thus far without it. I can’t say enough about how valuable this support has been and how important it will be as we look at a range of options to move the project forward towards a positive FID by the Joint Venture participants,” said Andy Calitz, CEO LNG Canada.

First Nationsは、カナダに住んでいる先住民のうち、イヌイットもしくはメティ以外の民族のこと。

Through their efforts to build a strong LNG sector for Canada, and a critical, cleaner energy alternative for the world, the governments of British Columbia and Canada have developed sound fiscal and regulatory frameworks for success.

However, in the context of global industry challenges, including capital constraints, the LNG Canada Joint Venture participants have determined they need more time prior to taking a final investment decision. At this time, we cannot confirm when this decision will be made.

In the coming weeks, LNG Canada will continue key site preparation activities and work with its joint venture participants, partners, stakeholders and First Nations to define a revised path forward to FID.

LNG Canada Joint Venture Participants are Shell (50%), PetroChina (20%), Mitsubishi Corporation (15%) and Kogas (15%).

 


Sun Oct 9, 2016

Royal Dutch Shell signs MOU with Iran's National Petrochemical

Royal Dutch Shell signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran’s National Petrochemical Company on Sunday for cooperation in the petrochemical industry, the Iranian oil ministry’s news agency SHANA reported.

Hans Nijkamp, the head of the department for Iran affairs at Royal Dutch Shell, said the signing of the MOU came after months of negotiations between the two companies, according to SHANA.

"We believe that we can have joint projects in the petrochemical field with the National Petrochemical Company," he said.

Marzieh Shahdaei, Iran’s deputy oil minister and CEO of National Petrochemical Company, said that Iran plans to expand its petrochemical output from the current level of 60 million tons to 160 million tons by 2025, according to SHANA.

Amir-Hossein Zamaninia, a fellow Iranian deputy oil minister, expressed optimism that petrochemical projects between the two companies would be launched soon.

"With the wisdom that we see in the people working in our country’s petrochemical industry, without a doubt the projects of this company will be executed sooner than oil and gas projects," he said, according to SHANA.


 


This acquisition will enable SABIC to further optimize operations at SADAF and further invest in the facilities, integrating them with SABICs other affiliates. This step will allow Shell to focus its downstream activities and make selective investments to support the growth of its global chemicals business.

Graham van’t Hoff, Executive Vice President Chemicals, Shell, said: “Our partnership with SABIC, spanning more than thirty years, has been a great success story. We’re proud to have established together one of the first petrochemical ventures in Saudi Arabia - it has grown substantially since the start, in 1986. We will continue to explore potential future opportunities with SABIC.”

Yousef Al-Benyan, SABIC Vice chairman and CEO, said, “Since SABIC’s early days, we have enjoyed a strong relationship with Shell Chemicals.  We are confident that our journey of partnership together will continue and grow in strength. With this transaction SABIC is looking to capitalize on synergy opportunities of SADAF with other affiliates, and improve its operation and profitability.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete later this year. Shell’s other activities in the country are not impacted

Shell’s acquisition of BG Group Plc last year has turned its attention to existing assets and is sending “mixed signals about its desired role” in the Middle East, Arab Petroleum Investments Corp., the investment arm of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, said in a report last week.

Shell ended plans to build a $6.5 billion petrochemical plant in Qatar in 2015 and last year exited a natural gas venture in Abu Dhabi as the downturn in oil prices and the cost of developing the resources made those projects too expensive.

Last year, Shell broke up an 18-year refining partnership in the U.S. with Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Aramco, after halting investment in a natural gas venture with Aramco in 2014.

Shell still has a refining venture with Aramco in the kingdom, according to the Shell website. Aramco may be valued at about $2 trillion in an initial stock sale planned for next year. Sabic is the largest company on the country’s stock exchange by market value.

 

This acquisition will enable SABIC to optimise operations at SADAF and further invest in the facilities, integrating them with SABIC’s other affiliates. This step will allow Shell to focus its downstream activities and make selective investments to support the growth of its global chemicals business. Completion of this deal shows the clear momentum behind Shell’s global, value-driven $30bn divestment programme.

This deal does not impact Shell’s other interests in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 


Under the first agreement, Shell will sell to a subsidiary of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (“Canadian Natural”) its entire 60 percent interest in AOSP, its 100 percent interest in the Peace River Complex in-situ assets, including Carmon Creek, and a number of undeveloped oil sands leases in Alberta, Canada. The consideration to Shell from Canadian Natural is approximately $8.5 billion (C$11.1 billion), comprised of $5.4 billion in cash plus around 98 million Canadian Natural shares currently valued at $3.1 billion. Canadian Natural is one of Canada’s largest energy companies and a leader in the oil sands, with a market capitalisation of approximately $35 billion (C$46 billion).

Separately and under the second agreement, Shell and Canadian Natural will jointly acquire and own equally Marathon Oil Canada Corporation (“MOCC”), which holds a 20 percent interest in AOSP, from an affiliate of Marathon Oil Corporation for $1.25 billion each, to be settled in cash.

The combination of these transactions will result in a net consideration of $7.25 billion to Shell. 

ShellはAOSPの持分60%のほか、Peace River Complex in-situ assetsやAlberta州の未開発のオイルサンドのリースを売却する。

AOSPには下記を含む。

  今後のOperator
Shell Albian Sands mining and extraction operations
(Muskeg River and Jackpine mines)
 能力255,000 barrels per day
Canadian Natural
Scotford upgrader
 能力255,000 barrels per day
ShellのScotford refinery and chemicals plantsに隣接 Shell
Quest CCS project 

他に、知的財産供与契約(285百万ドル)とShellのScotford refinery への原料供与契約を締結した。

Shell はCanadian Natural にMarathon Canadaの50%持ち分と、Scotford upgrader 及びQuest CCS project の20%持ち分を交換する権利を持つ。
これが成立すれば、Shell はAOSPの採掘事業からは完全撤退し、Scotford upgrader 及びQuest CCS project の20%を所有する。

On completion of all transactions listed above, it is envisaged that Canadian Natural will be the operator of the AOSP upstream mining assets, and Shell will continue as operator of the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project, located next to the 100 percent Shell-affiliate owned Scotford refinery and chemicals plants. This arrangement is expected to allow Shell to maximise value in its competitive Canadian Downstream business and leverage proprietary technology.  The transactions are expected to close mid-2017, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments and regulatory approvals.

Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said: “This announcement is a significant step in re-shaping Shell’s portfolio in line with our long-term strategy. We are strengthening Shell’s world-class investment case by focusing on free cash flow and higher returns on capital, and prioritising businesses where we have global scale and a competitive advantage such as Integrated Gas and deep water. The proceeds will accelerate free cash flow and reduce gearing and make a meaningful contribution to Shell’s $30 billion divestment programme.”

Shell Canada President and Country Chair Michael Crothers said: “We are very proud of the oil sands and in-situ operations that our people have grown in Alberta over the past several decades. These assets are an excellent fit for Canadian Natural, a highly experienced oil sands developer.”

“Shell has been in Canada for more than 100 years and we plan to continue our presence as one of the country’s largest integrated energy companies. We are enhancing returns in our important Downstream business and leveraging our world-class manufacturing capabilities through the integration opportunities that come with continuing to operate the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project, located next to the Shell Scotford refinery and chemicals plants.”

In addition to the cash proceeds and Canadian Natural shares, the divestment includes additional intellectual property agreements valued at up to $285 million and a long-term supply agreement for the Scotford refinery. The transactions will potentially allow for additional cost reductions and continued value chain optimisation for Shell.

The transactions constitute a Class 2 transaction for the purposes of the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules. The net cash proceeds received from these transactions will be used to pay down debt. In the full year 2016, the assets being divested to Canadian Natural recorded profits before tax of negative $22 million with upstream production averaging around 160 thousand barrels per day. For the year ended 31 December 2016, reserves associated with the assets being divested to Canadian Natural were 2 billion barrels and the gross assets at that date were approximately $12 billion.  The transactions are estimated to result in a post-tax impairment of $1.3 to $1.5 billion, subject to adjustments. Shell’s share position in Canadian Natural will be managed for value realization over time.

Shell and Canadian Natural have agreed that, subject to closing of the transactions and additional further conditions, Shell may swap its 50 percent purchased interest of MOCC for a 20 percent interest in assets of the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project. If the swap were to occur, Shell would fully exit AOSP’s mining operations and hold a 20 percent interest in the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project.      

Shell retains significant operations in Canada that are not impacted by these transactions, including in Upstream shales with a large Duvernay and Montney acreage position; Downstream through chemicals, refining and marketing; and in Integrated Gas with the proposed LNG Canada project.

Notes to editors
  • Prior to this announcement, the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP) was a joint venture between Shell Canada Energy (60 percent), Chevron Canada Limited (20 percent) and Marathon Oil Canada Corporation (20 percent).
     
  • AOSP includes the Shell Albian Sands mining and extraction operations (Muskeg River and Jackpine mines) north of Fort McMurray, Alberta and the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project northeast of Edmonton, Alberta. Production capacity of both the mine and the upgrader is 255,000 barrels per day.
     
  • The 100 percent Shell-affiliate owned Scotford refinery and chemicals plants, adjacent to the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project, are not included in the divestment.
     
  • The Peace River Complex includes facilities at Peace River, Carmon Creek and Cliffdale. 2016 full year production from these assets was approximately 14,800 barrels per day.
     
  • Undeveloped oil sands mining leases include the area designated as Jackpine Mine Expansion 88, 89, 90, 30, 36, 632, 15, 631 north of AOSP, Pierre River Mine 9, 14, 17, 352 north of Canadian Natural’s Horizon project and exploration mining leases 839, 512, 913, 914 east of the Teck Resources Frontier Mine project.
     
  • The transactions also include the Grosmont leases approximately 140 km west of Fort McMurray.

 


Jan 13, 2020     

Shell Chemicals to produce polycarbonate 

As an interim step, Shell has started constructing a PC development unit at its Jurong Island chemicals plant in Singapore.

An expanded and differentiated product range is a key part of Shell’s growth strategy for its chemicals business. PC is a transparent and impact-resistant engineering polymer, and is used to make vehicle headlights, LED spotlights, UV-blocking windows and spectacles.

“This is an example of our customer-led growth strategy in action,” said Thomas Casparie, Executive Vice President of Shell’s global chemicals business, “we have an advantaged route to production and are looking at investment in a number of commercial-scale units to serve the growing number of polycarbonate customers.”

The platform for this new product entry is Shell’s own patented diphenyl carbonate (DPC) process technology.  Shell has developed this over recent years to achieve significant advantages in cost, safety, efficiency and CO2 footprint.  Shell will now combine its DPC technology with melt-phase PC technology licensed from EPC Engineering & Technology GmbH in Germany.

Shell’s PC production units will also produce alkyl carbonates. These are used for lithium ion batteries which support the energy transition.

 


The deal includes 411 retail stations, mainly located in the Central and Northwestern regions of Russia, and the Torzhok lubricants blending plant, around 200 kilometres north-west of Moscow.

“Our priority is the well-being of our employees,” said Huibert Vigeveno, Shell’s Downstream Director. “Under this deal, more than 350 people currently employed by Shell Neft will transfer to the new owner of this business.”

“The acquisition of Shell’s high-quality businesses in Russia fits well into LUKOIL’s strategy to develop its priority sales channels, including retail, as well as the lubricants business,” said Maxim Donde, LUKOIL’s Vice President for Refined Products Sales.

The agreement with LUKOIL follows Shell’s announcement in early March of its intention to withdraw from all Russian hydrocarbons in a phased manner, and will be carried out in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The sale is expected to be completed later this year, subject to regulatory approval.

 

Notes to Editors:
  • LUKOIL is one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated oil and gas companies in the world in terms of proved hydrocarbon reserves and production; and the second largest producer of crude oil in Russia. Established in 1991, LUKOIL currently operates globally with core upstream assets located in Russia. The full production cycle includes oil and gas exploration, production and refining; production of petrochemicals and lubricants; power generation; marketing and distribution.
  • On March 8, 2022, Shell announced its intent to withdraw from its involvement in all Russian hydrocarbons, including crude oil, petroleum products, gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a phased manner.
  • Shell Neft LLC is wholly owned by Shell Overseas Investments B.V. and B.V. Dordtsche Petroleum Maatschappij.
  • Shell Neft’s retail network consists of 240 sites owned by Shell, 171 sites owned by dealers (and 19 Trademark License Agreement sites which are out of the scope of this transaction with LUKOIL).

 


2023/8/24  ICIS                      

Shell mulls divestment as an option for Singapore petrochemical assets

Energy giant Shell is considering divestment of its refining and chemical assets in Singapore as part of an ongoing strategic review of operations, a company spokesperson said on Thursday.

“Our strategic review is ongoing and we are exploring several options including divestment,” a Shell spokesperson told ICIS in an emailed statement.

In June, Shell CEO Wael Sawan had said that the company’s plants at two Singapore sites – Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island – will undergo a “full review” as it seeks to repurpose its global energy and chemicals parks’ footprint to offer more low-carbon solutions.

 

Jurong Island

Petrochemical Corp. of Singapore : PCS 日本シンガポール石油化学  50%
(住友化学 54.7%)
Shell Eastern Chemicals  50%

QPI and Shell Petrochemicals (Singapore)   50%
 
Shell 50%
  Qatar Petroleum International 50%
The Polyolefin Company (Singapore)  : TPC 日本シンガポールポリオレフィン  70%
(住友化学 95.7%)
Shell Overseas        30%

QPI and Shell Petrochemicals (Singapore)  30%

Pulau Bukom

20031月、住友化学 とShell はシンガポールでの新たなエチレンプラントの建設についてFSを開始する旨の契約を締結した。

シェルの日量50万バレルのリファイナリーがあるブコム島(ジュロン島の5.5km南東)にエチレンプラントを建設、パイプラインで ジュロン島に送り、住友化学が誘導品を増設する計画であった。

20045月、住友化学はサウジ・ラービグ計画に参加する覚書を締結、これにより、ブコム島でのエチレン計画から撤退することとなった。

シェルは住友化学の離脱後もシンガポールの経済開発局とともに本計画を進めることとした。
製品はジュロン島のシェルのMEGプラント等で使用する。

2010年3月スタートした。

エチレン 800 千トン
プロピレン 450  
べンゼン 230  
ブタジエン 155  

“This review is in response to the ongoing high grading journey of Shell Group’s Chemicals and Products portfolio over the years, the current challenging market conditions and enhanced capital discipline,” the spokesperson said.

“Singapore’s position as a trading and marketing hub to serve our customers in the region remains important.”

Shell’s cracker at Pulau Bukom, Singapore has ethylene capacity of 1.15m tonnes/year, according to the ICIS Supply and Demand Database.

Its Singapore sites also produce ethylene oxide (EO)/ethylene glycol (EG), butadiene (BD), benzene, ethylbenzene (EB), styrene, polyether polyols, propylene, propylene glycol (PG), propylene oxide (PO) and lubricants.

Newswire agency Reuters reported on 23 August that Shell has hired investment bank Goldman Sachs to explore a potential deal for its Singapore assets, citing unnamed sources.

Companies that are reviewing Shell’s Singapore assets include China’s Sinopec as well as global trading firms Vitol and Trafigura, according to Reuters.

Shell’s spokesperson did not reply to queries regarding the potential buyers mentioned in Reuters’ report.


----------------------

August 28, 2023 (Reuters) -

Sinopec not interested in acquiring Shell's Singapore assets

Asia's top refiner, Sinopec Corp , is not interested in acquiring Shell's refinery or petrochemical plant in Singapore although it is keen on participating in a shale gas project in Saudi Arabia, the Chinese company's president said on Monday.

Sinopec President Yu Baocai was speaking after sources last week told Reuters that Shell had hired Goldman Sachs to advise on a potential sale of its Singapore assets and that Sinopec was among the companies reviewing them.

However, Yu, speaking at a briefing in Hong Kong after the state-run oil and gas giant reported a 20% decline in interim earnings, said that Sinopec is interested in participating in Saudi Arabia's Jafurah shale gas project.

This is in line with an earlier Reuters report saying Sinopec and TotalEnergies were in separate discussions with state-run Saudi Aramco to invest in the Jafurah project, the largest shale gas development outside the U.S., with reserves estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet of raw gas.

Yu also said that Sinopec was one of the international companies invited by the Sri Lankan government to build a refinery there, and that it was evaluating the matter.

Sri Lanka shortlisted Sinopec and commodities trader Vitol to become potential investors in a proposed export-oriented refinery in Hambantota.

Separately, Sinopec is set to start operating a retail fuel business in the island nation next month.

Yu also said that Russian oil makes up a small fraction of Sinopec's international crude purchases and that it will make "dynamic adjustment" in future buying based on the global market situation.

Chinese refiners have benefited from cheap crude oil supplies from Iran, Venezuela and Russia as Western sanctions have forced those producers to sell oil at deep discounts to keep revenue flowing.

Although Chinese state majors have shied away from Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Sinopec has been taking in Russian supplies, traders have said.

----------------

 



Shell to sell interest in Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park to CAPGC

Shell Singapore Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Shell plc, has reached an agreement to sell its Energy and Chemicals Park in Singapore to CAPGC Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company between Chandra Asri Capital Pte. Ltd. and Glencore Asian Holdings Pte. Ltd.

Chandra Asri インドネシアの化学・インフラソリューション企業
Glencoreはスイス・バールに本社を置く 世界最大のグローバル多角的天然資源企業の1つ

The transaction will transfer all of Shell’s interest in Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore to CAPGC.
 

“This agreement marks a significant step in Shell’s ongoing efforts to high-grade our Chemicals and Products business, and is a testament to our commitment to deliver more value with less emissions, as outlined at our Capital Markets Day last year.” said Huibert Vigeveno, Shell’s Downstream, Renewable and Energy Solutions Director. “We are proud of our history at Bukom and Jurong Island and our contributions to the economic growth of Singapore in this sector in the past decades. Our commitment to Singapore remains steadfast and its importance as a regional hub for our marketing and trading business remains important. As Singapore continues to decarbonise, Shell looks forward to a continued partnership with the country, and with our customers in the region.”

Shell ran a competitive bid process to reach this milestone. Staff in Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore will continue their employment with CAPGC under the new ownership, providing continuity for staff and contributing to ongoing operational reliability and safety.

Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to complete by the end of 2024.

  • The Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore comprises its integrated refining and chemicals assets on Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island.
   既存PCS/TPC Merbau島 (Jurong島の一部)

    ↑ 5km  
    ↓   pipeline接続

 新立地 Bukom 島

           ジュロン島のもととなったのは、7つの島(Pulau Ayer Chawan、Pulau Ayer Merbau、Pulau Merlimau、Pulau Pesek、Pulau Pesek Kecil、Pulau Sakra、Pulau Seraya)

  • Shell Jurong Island occupies more than 60 hectares on Jurong Island, and manufactures petrochemicals including ethylene oxide, ethoxylates, styrene monomer and propylene oxide. It is Shell’s largest petrochemical production and export center in the Asia Pacific region.
社名 Petrochemical Corp. of Singapore (PCS)   今回売却の対象外
場所 Merbau島
株主 日本シンガポール石油化学(JSPC)  50%     
QPI and Shell Petrochemicals (Singapore) 50%     (Shell 50%/Qatar 50%)  カタール石油、シンガポールのPCS、TPCに出資  
能力 エチレン 1,080千トン(@400+A400+増強)

 

社名 The Polyolefin Company (Singapore) (TPC)    今回売却の対象外
場所 Merbau島
能力 LDPE  250千トン(@145+A64+増強)
LLDPE 150千トン
A114+増強)
PP  
   450千トン(@175+A114+増強)

LLDPE設備をPPに転換 (PP +200千トン→650千トン)
 原料
プロピレンはPCSで新設のメタセシス法プラントから供給
  
http://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/newsreleases/docs/20050207_1.pdf

  

社名 Seraya Chemicals Singapore     Ellba Eastern 今回売却の対象
場所 Seraya島 Sakra島  
能力 SM 370千トン
PO 160千トン
Polyols 78千トン
PG 40千トン
SM 550千トン
PO 250千トン

 
SM/PO併産設備

 

   

社名 Ethylene Glycols (Singapore)  今回売却の対象
場所 Merbau島
株主 日本シンガポールEG 30%  (*住友化学、三菱化学、日本触媒ほか)
シェルグループ  
    
70%
能力 EO    45千トン
EG   122千トン
誘導品 30千トン

 

社名 Ethoxylates Manufacturing Pte Ltd  今回売却の対象
場所 Merbau島
株主 Ecogreen Oleochemicals (Singapore)  ?
能力 Ethoxylates  18千トン

 

EGの製造販売

 

社名 Ethylene Glycols (Singapore)  (EGS)
場所 Merbau島
株主 日本シンガポールEG  (JSEC) 30%  (*住友化学、三菱化学、日本触媒ほか)
シェルグループ  
         70%

当初出資
JSPC       30%   
シンガポール政府 50%  
シェル     20%

 1988 シンガポール政府離脱
  
  現状に

設立  
能力 EO    45千トン
EG   122千トン
誘導品 30千トン
備考 シンガポールの石油化学の歴史

 

 

Shell Chemicals Seraya Pte.Ltd.

 


 

 

  • The Pulau Bukom assets include a 237,000 barrels-per-day refinery and a 1.1 million tonnes-a-year ethylene cracker. It was Singapore’s first refinery in 1961.


 

 

 

 

 

  • Shell is selling 100% of its interests in its Energy and Chemicals Park in Singapore, including the physical assets and commercial contracts.
     
  • As announced on its Capital Markets Day in June 2023, Shell had initiated a strategic review of its Energy and Chemicals Park assets on Bukom and Jurong Island in Singapore. This review is in response to the ongoing high-grading of Shell Group’s Chemicals and Products portfolio, changing market conditions and enhanced capital discipline. Following the strategic review, divestment has been the priority focus.
     
  • Following completion, all employees providing dedicated support to the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore will retain their employment with CAPGC.
     
  • Shell and CAPGC have also signed crude supply and products offtake agreements that will come into effect following completion.
     
  • Singapore’s position as a trading and marketing hub to serve Shell’s customers in the region remains important.
     
  • Shell continues to support Singapore’s energy needs through Liquefied Natural Gas supply and trading. Shell is also investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the country.
     
  • In March 2024, the Singapore government announced their partnership with a consortium formed by Shell and ExxonMobil to study the feasibility of a cross-border carbon capture and storage project.
     
  • CAPGC Pte. Ltd. (“CAPGC”) is a joint venture that is majority-owned and operated by Chandra Asri Group and minority-owned by Glencore through their respective subsidiary companies. Chandra Asri is Indonesia’s leading chemical and infrastructure solutions company, supplying products and services to various manufacturing industries in both domestic and international markets. Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 commodities that advance everyday life.

2024/6/18 Shell 

Shell signs agreement to acquire Pavilion Energy


 Shell Eastern Trading Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shell plc, has reached an agreement with Carne Investments Pte. Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek, to acquire 100% of the shares in Pavilion Energy Pte. Ltd. Pavilion Energy includes a global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading business with a contracted supply volume comprising about 6.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
 
Headquartered in Singapore, Pavilion Energy’s global energy business encompasses LNG trading, shipping, natural gas supply and marketing activities in Asia and Europe.

“The acquisition of Pavilion Energy will strengthen Shell’s leadership position in LNG, bringing material volumes and additional flexibility into our global portfolio,” said Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director. “We will acquire Pavilion’s portfolio of LNG offtake and supply contracts, which includes additional access to strategic gas markets in Asia and Europe. By integrating these into Shell’s global LNG portfolio, Shell is strongly positioned to deliver value from this transaction while helping to meet the energy security needs of our customers.”

The acquisition will be absorbed within Shell’s cash capital expenditure guidance, which remains unchanged. The deal is in excess of the internal rate of return (IRR) hurdle rate for Shell’s Integrated Gas business, delivering on its 15-25% growth ambition for purchased volumes, relative to 2022, as outlined during the 2023 Capital Markets Day.

Integration of portfolios will commence after completion of the deal, which is expected by Q1 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and fulfilment of other conditions precedent. 

  • Pavilion Energy’s portfolio comprises about 6.5 mtpa of its long-term sale and supply LNG contracts. It also includes long-term regasification capacity of approximately 2 mtpa at the Isle Grain LNG terminal (United Kingdom), regasification access in Singapore and Spain, as well as the time-charter of three M-type, Electronically Controlled Gas Injection (MEGI) LNG vessels and two Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric (TFDE) vessels. It also has a LNG bunkering business with its first vessel deployed in early 2024.
  • Pavilion Energy’s pipeline gas business is not included as part of the transaction and will be transferred to Gas Supply Pte Ltd (GSPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek, prior to completion.
  • Pavilion Energy’s 20% shareholding in block 1 and 4 in Tanzania are not included in the transaction.
  • Global demand for LNG is estimated to rise by more than 50% by 2040, as industrial coal-to-gas switching gathers pace in China, South Asian and South-east Asian countries. These countries are expected to use more LNG to support their economic growth, according to Shell’s LNG Outlook 2024.
  • Shell believes LNG will play a critical role in the energy transition, replacing coal in heavy industry. It also has a continued role in displacing coal in power generation, helping to reduce local air pollution and carbon emissions. LNG helps to provide the flexibility the power system needs, at a time when renewable generation is growing rapidly. Find out more in Shell’s Energy Transition Strategy 2024.
  • Shell plans to grow its LNG business by 20-30% by 2030, compared with 2022, and purchased LNG volumes are planned to grow by 15-25%, relative to 2022, as outlined in the 2023 Capital Markets Day. This transaction is expected to help deliver these targets.
  • Shell, via its BG acquisition, holds the first LNG importing license to Singapore, supplying nearly a quarter of the country’s natural gas needs. For more than 10 years, Shell has brought LNG to Singapore and other markets in Asia reliably and competitively, trading in LNG, Crude, Oil products and other energy commodities to serve customers across Asia, actively contributing to the region’s energy supply security. Shell is a pioneer in developing LNG as a marine fuel for bunkering in Singapore.

2024年06月20日 JETRO

シンガポール政府系の投資会社テマセク、LNG事業子会社を英シェルへ売却
 

シンガポールの政府系投資会社テマセク・ホールディングスは6月18日、同社子会社が傘下の液化天然ガス(LNG)事業会社パビリオン・エナジーの株式100%を英国の大手石油会社シェルの子会社シェル・イースタン・トレーディングに売却すると発表した。売却額は非公表。売却は2025年第1四半期(1〜3月)に完了する見通しだ。

シンガポール政府は発電燃料多角化の一環として、2013年からLNG輸入を開始した。テマセクは同年にパビリオン・エナジーを設立した。パビリオン・エナジーはシェル・イースタン・トレーディングとともに、エネルギー市場監督庁(EMA)が発給するLNG輸入ライセンスを保有する。テマセクによると、パビリオン・エナジーは現在、米国の石油会社シェブロンや英国のエネルギー会社BP、カタール国営エネルギー会社カタールエナジーなどと、年間合計650万トンものLNG供給契約を結んでいる。

シェルは同日の発表で、パビリオン・エナジー株取得について「(国際的な)LNG事業でシェルの主導的な立場を強化できる」と述べた。また、テマセクのジュリエット・テオ氏(ポートフォリオ開発・シンガポール市場担当ヘッド)は「シェルがパビリオン・エナジーの事業を拡大し、LNGハブとしてのシンガポールの地位を強化できる」と説明した。シェルの今回の買収には、パビリオン・エナジーのガス・パイプライン事業は含まれていない。テマセクはシェルへの売却前に、ガス・パイプライン事業をテマセクの完全子会社ガス・サプライ(GSPL)に移管する。また、パビリオン・エナジーがタンザニアのガス田ブロック1と4で保有する20%の権益も、シェルへの売却対象とならない。

シェル、2030年までにLNG事業を2022年比20〜30%拡大へ

シェルは2030年までに、同社のLNG事業を2022年比で20〜30%拡大する方針だ。同社は2024年2月に発表した「LNGアウトルック2024」で、世界のLNG需要が2040年までに50%増加するとの見通しを示していた。同社によると、中国の産業界は石油からガスへの転換による炭素排出量の削減を進めている。また、南アジアと東南アジアの一部地域では今後10年、国内のガス生産が減少する一方で、ガス火力の発電所や産業界からのLNG需要が拡大すると見込んでいる。


29th July 2024 

シェルとエクソンモービル は、欧州最大級の天然ガス生産合弁事業の売却手続きを開始した。業界関係者によると、資産価値は10億─15億ドル相当という。
両社は事業の中核ではなくなった老朽化資産を売却しようとしている。

折半出資のオランダ合弁事業NAMは数十のガス田、約20の洋上プラットフォーム、パイプラインのネットワーク、3つの処理プラントを持つ。オランダのフローニンゲンで巨大ガス田を発見し1963年に生産を開始。以来、数十年にわたりオランダおよび欧州の主要なガス供給源となってきたが2014年以降は生産量が減少。オランダ政府は地域の地震リスクを鑑み閉鎖を決定した。

シェル、エクソン、NAMはコメントを差し控えた。

Shell and ExxonMobil sell offshore North Sea assets in US$246m deal

SHELL and ExxonMobil have agreed to sell their joint Dutch North Sea venture to Canadian company Tenaz Energy in a deal worth US$246m, further distancing themselves from the shrinking Netherlands gas market.

Along with the shutdown of the onshore Groningen gas field, Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) Offshore BV is undergoing a restructure to scale back on gas production, only producing from “small fields” on land and sea.

NAM (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij) is an exploration and production company with authentic Dutch roots. Its headquarters are in Assen in the Netherlands. NAM’s core business is exploring for and producing oil and gas, both onshore and offshore in the Netherlands.

NAM is half owned by the British Shell and half by the American company ExxonMobil.

Martijn van Haaster, director of NAM, said: “With this sale, we are concluding our 60 years of offshore activities, and a new chapter is starting for our colleagues and for NAM.”

Production of natural gas in the UK and Dutch regions of the North Sea has been on the decline in recent years due to shrinking demand and environmental concerns.

Dutch households consumed 11% less gas in 2023 compared to the previous year, and natural gas extraction declined by 34%. The Netherlands’ reliance on imports has risen for both liquified and gaseous natural gas, with the bulk of imports coming from Norway and the US.

Similarly, the UK has seen a steady decline in natural gas liquids (NGLs) production from 3.3m t in 2020 to a projected 2.12m t in 2024, with the government promising a “phased and responsible” transition away from drilling in the North Sea.

With the pool for exploration growing smaller, companies have been pulling out of the Dutch North Sea, with ExxonMobil last year selling its XTO Netherlands operation to Tenaz.
Inside the deal

The sale will almost quadruple Tenaz’s total corporate production – in 2023, NAM produced 1.1bn m3 of gas, enough to supply a million Dutch homes with gas for a year. Tenaz will take over all NAM’s offshore exploration and production business, connected pipeline infrastructure, and onshore processing in the Netherlands.

However, the deal does not include NAM’s assets in the onshore Ameland area, which the joint venture has been operating since the 1980s.

The assets consist of production and exploration licences in the Dutch North Sea which span 2,415 km. Gas is produced from six hubs and two main production areas in the region.

Tenaz expects the acquisition of NAM will close in mid-2025 and plans to expand gas drilling by around 30 locations.

Anthony Marino, CEO of Tenaz, said: “This acquisition is an important step in our strategy of securing value enhancing acquisitions that have substantial organic investment opportunities. We welcome NOBV’s (NAM Offshore BV) workforce of highly skilled and experienced professionals who will be critical to the continued success of Tenaz.”

---------------------------

2023/9/15

Shell and ExxonMobil in talks to sell NAM, raising concerns about earthquake liability     ガス掘削による地震
Government urged to protect victims of Groningen earthquakes

Henk Nijboer, a member of the Dutch Parliament representing the Labor Party, has voiced concerns over reports indicating that Shell and ExxonMobil are considering the sale of the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM), the company set up decades ago to explore and produce oil and gas. According to the Groninger Internet Courant, Nijboer suggested that these energy giants might be attempting to distance themselves from their responsibility toward the Groningen region.

Nijboer’s apprehensions were raised through written questions addressed to State Secretary for Mining Hans Vijlbrief.

According to Bloomberg, Shell and ExxonMobil, who both own a 50% stake in NAM, are in talks with the Canadian firm Tenaz Energy about the potential sale of the Dutch gas company.

Lawmaker calls for action
In Nijboer’s view, Shell and Exxon are looking to exit the scene after reaping billions from gas extraction in Groningen. “It seems that Shell and Exxon are abandoning NAM in an attempt to evade their responsibility,” Nijboer wrote in his letter to Vijlbrief. “How will you ensure that not only NAM but also Shell and Exxon, as shareholders, remain liable for the damages and reinforcement efforts in Groningen for many years to come?” he further queried.

Nijboer is determined to prevent NAM from being sold off or dismantled, potentially leaving the future responsibility for Groningen unclear. He has inquired whether Vijlbrief is willing to summon Shell and Exxon executives in order to reach legally binding agreements on the issue and to ensure that they cannot escape their financial responsibilities, “neither now nor decades from now.”

NAM not commenting
NAM has remained silent on the reports of its sale. The deal, if it happens, could have serious implications as it would cast doubt on the ongoing commitment of Shell and ExxonMobil to addressing the consequences of gas extraction in Groningen, an area that has been plagued by tremors and subsidence linked to drilling activities.

NAM, a joint venture of Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil, is responsible for the extraction of natural gas from the Groningen gas field.

Gas production in the northern Netherlands has caused over 1,000 earthquakes, which have damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
 

欧州最大級のガス田、採掘停止 地震が地元住民悩ます―オランダ

オランダ当局は10月1日、欧州最大級のガス田であるフローニンゲン・ガス田での採掘を停止した。採掘作業で地震が発生するとして、地元住民らが20年以上にわたり抗議してきた。

同ガス田で採掘が始まったのは1960年代初頭。採掘による地震で住宅などにも被害が広がり、地元住民代表はAFP通信に「採掘のせいで、多くの住民が心理的な問題を抱えている」と訴える。2018年にガス田閉鎖が報じられると住民らは歓迎したが、専門家は閉鎖後も数年間は地震が続く可能性があると警告していた。

同ガス田からの採掘量はここ数年、ほぼゼロにまで減っていたが、ロシアのウクライナ侵攻に伴い世界的にエネルギー供給の不確実さが高まったことを受け、操業自体は継続していた。当局は厳冬に備え、今後1年間は採掘井11カ所を維持するとしている。