Energy/Automotive News Dec. 20, 2023| WTI Crude $74.44/bbl, Brent $79.68/bbl, Opec $79.19/bbl
London, 20 December, 2023, (Oilandgaspress): – Crude oil prices up again following BP’s announcement it will temporarily reroute its tankers away from the Red Sea amid intensifying attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on vessels in the area.
Subsea7 S.A. announced the award of a sizeable1 extension of an existing frame agreement by bp, for subsea construction, inspection, repair and maintenance services (IRM), across bp’s North Sea assets. This is the agreement’s latest extension since the original frame agreement began in 1998. Under the terms of this two-year extension to the end of 2025, Subsea7 will provide an IRM, survey and light construction vessel, complete with work class and observation class remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV), capable of performing inspection, survey, intervention, subsea construction and emergency response services.
Project management and engineering work will continue to be managed from Subsea7’s office in Aberdeen.
Steve Wisely, Senior Vice President for Subsea7 UK & Global Inspection, Repair and Maintenance, said: “We are immensely proud of the safe and effective IRM services we have executed for bp for 25 years across its west of Shetland assets. Supporting bp in what is notably one of the harshest offshore environments, has significantly contributed to the expansive deepwater project delivery expertise that we offer across the globe.” Read full article
Together with Make-A-Wish, the sports car manufacturer is making dreams come true for children around the world who have critical illnesses. The first 75 wishes have already been fulfilled.To mark its ‘75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars’ anniversary, Porsche donates 1.8 million euros to Make-A-Wish. Since being founded in 1980, the foundation has fulfilled the wishes of more than 550,000 children in 50 countries. In reference to the first Porsche – the Porsche 356, Porsche’s donation will contribute to fulfilling the wishes of 356 children with critical illnesses all around the world.
“Porsche is synonymous with dreams. And for us, financial success and social responsibility go hand in hand”, says Chairman of the Executive Board Oliver Blume. “Together with our partner Make-A-Wish, we want to give children and their families an extra boost of hope at a difficult time.”
“We are honoured to be included in Porsche’s 75 anniversary celebrations, marking our longstanding partnership. In 2023 alone, Porsche has helped transform the lives of 75 children who are living with critical illnesses, with plans to reach many more over the coming years. We look forward to continuing to work together, inspire each other and most importantly – to make wishes come true”, says Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International. The first 75 wishes have already been fulfilled through the cooperation between Make-A-Wish and Porsche. Here are four examples: Read full article
Porsche employees have planted thousands of trees in recent weeks or helped distribute food to people in need. Kim-Lea Dongus, Project Manager Corporate Volunteering at Porsche, presents the “Porsche hilft” initiative and reports on special activities around the anniversary year. Read full article
easyJet has confirmed a firm order for 157 additional A320neo Family aircraft following shareholder approval. The firm order comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo. The agreement is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and upgauging plan and is also bringing substantial sustainability improvements to its business.
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings, “commented Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet. “With this order easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”
“Airbus is delighted to be accompanying easyJet in its fleet growth and renewal. Its Airbus fleet allows easyJet to differentiate its offering in its competitive market with the most state-of-the-art, modern and comfortable aircraft,[1] ” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus. “easyJet and Airbus both are strong advocates for the aviation sector to de-carbonise. This significant investment into the most fuel efficient and SAF-capable aircraft is a testimony to our joint commitment in this respect. Bravo easyJet, and thank you!”
The A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won over 18,000 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030. Read full article
Australia’s national carrier has taken delivery of its first new generation A220, becoming the 20th operator of the type. The aircraft is the first of 29 A220s ordered by the Qantas Group for operation by QantasLink, their regional airline that services metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia.
Featuring a unique livery based on an Aboriginal artwork, the aircraft will depart the Airbus final assembly line in Mirabel in the coming days for a delivery flight to Sydney, with stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Nadi.
The A220 will gradually replace the existing 717 fleet at QantasLink. Flying twice as far, the A220 can connect any two points across Australia non-stop, while also bringing a significant 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.
The A220 also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, offering passengers superior comfort. With a total of 137 seats, Qantas’ A220s will be configured in a two class layout seating 10 passengers in business and 127 in economy.
Specifically designed for the 100-150 seat segment, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category. Powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, it can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,390 kilometres non-stop. Read full article
Hyundai is proud to sponsor the 2023 Operation Frodo 1650 in partnership with automotive journalist Nik Miles and Animal Rescue Rigs. This holiday season, Operation Frodo 1650 has committed to helping 10 shelter dogs find their forever homes. Media volunteers will transport the homeless dogs from Omaha, Nebraska to Portland, Oregon, and Hyundai has donated $5,000 and use of a Santa Fe SUV to assist with travel costs and logistics.
“Thank you to Operation Frodo 1650 for including Hyundai in this year’s canine rescue program,” said Angela Zepeda, chief marketing officer, Hyundai Motor America. “This is a cause that is close to many of our team members’ hearts. We are proud to partner with our automotive journalist community friends to help provide necessary funds and transportation in our Santa Fe to safely deliver shelter animals to their forever homes.”
Founded in 2022, Operation Frodo 1650 is a rescue program with a mission to transport as many shelter dogs as possible from the Heartland of America to forever homes on the West Coast. The name “Frodo” comes from the first dog saved by Animal Rescue Rigs, and “1650” represents the approximate distance in miles between Omaha, Nebraska, this year’s starting point, and Portland, Oregon, the journey’s end. Read full article
The Fiat E-Doblò and E-Ulysse have been given a total makeover in terms of technology and design. The latest generation of FIAT’s people movers now benefit from new and efficient electric powertrains, with a significant increase in range, a new user-friendly and more intuitive Infotainment system, next generation ADAS, and a new design. Orders will be officially opened by the end of January—firstly in Italy and Austria, followed by the main European markets.
New E-Doblò MY24: plenty of room for everyone and everything
The new E-Doblò brings together the best of comfort and technology and a splash of style to help customers add an extra touch of convenience and well-being to their everyday lives: an “all-in” version that makes driving in the city less stressful and much safer. Versatile, spacious, flexible, and fit for everyone’s needs, the new E-Doblò is uncompromising, modern, and convenient.
Its style upgrade can be seen in its new front bumper with a lower skidplate, 17” branded alloy wheels, and fog lights to travel everywhere safely and peacefully. It features two sliding doors with electrically opening windows that provide customers with superior practicality and comfort.
The interior space of the new E-Doblò offers plenty of room for everyone and everything thanks to different seating and storage configurations that will provide customers with the greatest flexibility during driving and transportation. In fact, 3 rear individual foldable seats are available, with the possibility of expanding the loading space to 3,500 liters.
To further maximize its capacity, the E-Doblò is equipped with the Magic TOP, a multifunctional space where customers can store their belongings: it includes two roof cases with a capacity of up to 18 liters and 60 liters (in the rear roof case) and a transparent floating roof with ambient light with a capacity of up to 16 liters. The new E-Doblò also comes with the Magic Window, a useful feature that allows customers to load or remove things from the back of the vehicle easily and quickly, without having to open the entire compartment.
100% Multifunctional, Electric and Efficient
The Fiat E-Doblò aims to make a statement in the world of e-mobility thanks to its electric engine which is capable of guaranteeing efficient, smoother, and responsive driving with a range of up to 320 km in the WLTP combined cycle and zero CO2 emissions. The vehicle’s overall efficiency allows the driver to reach a top speed of 135 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.2 seconds. Every detail of the vehicle, from the engine to its features, has been designed to offer customers the best electric performance in their daily lives. The powerful Quick Charge system offers up to 100 kW of power, allowing one to recharge 80% of battery capacity in just 30 minutes. Read More
Neste has completed the strategic study launched in September 2022, and begins a gradual transformation of its crude oil refinery in Porvoo, Finland into a leading renewable and circular solutions refining hub. The planned transformation will proceed in phases, and requires multiple separate investment decisions during the next decade before targeted completion in the mid 2030s.
The company expects the long-term capacity potential after the transformation to be about 3 million tons of renewable and circular products, such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and both renewable and circular feedstock for the polymers and chemicals industry. The total investment estimate for the transformation roadmap is approximately 2.5 BEUR. “The COP28 declaration is a strong signal to all of us, and we want to be in the forefront of accelerating the green transition with our renewable and circular solutions. The long term transformation of the Porvoo refinery is a key element in our renewables growth strategy, completing Neste’s journey to a 100% renewable and circular solutions provider when finalized. This will further strengthen our position in serving the future needs of our customers,” says Matti Lehmus, the President and CEO of Neste. Read More
The National Rugby League (LNR) and TotalEnergies announced the conclusion of a 3-year partnership until the 2025-2026 season. The Multi-Energy Company thus becomes an official partner of the TOP 14 and will support the development of the PRO D2.
This partnership with the National Rugby League marks a new stage in TotalEnergies’ support for French rugby. Present since 1988 alongside the Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées, TotalEnergies also became involved, in the fall, as a partner of the last Rugby World Cup France 2023.
In France, TotalEnergies is anchored in the territories with its 3,500 service stations, its 20,000 electric charging stations and its 6 million electricity & gas customers. This territorial anchoring, associated with the Company’s historic sponsorship, makes TotalEnergies a natural partner for French rugby and its professional championships. Finally, this new partnership demonstrates the growing attractiveness of rugby and its ability to bring together the flagships of the French economy. Read More
Equinor and its operating co-owner, Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, have reached the final investment decision for the Sparta deepwater development, located in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Equinor holds a 49 percent interest in the field. With a designed capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) at peak, Sparta is expected to begin production in 2028. Expected ultimate recoverable resources are currently estimated at above 250 million barrels.
The development plan includes eight production wells tied back to a semi-submersible floating production unit. The Sparta platform is a replication of the Shell-operated Vito project (Equinor 36.89% partner) and Whale project, enabling a standardized and cost-efficient design approach. Sparta will serve as a new hub in a key producing region that delivers some of Equinor’s most valuable barrels with a relatively low average intensity of carbon emissions. The platform will feature all-electric compression equipment, allowing for significantly reduced emissions intensity from production. Read More
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) received the investigation results of the Independent Third-Party Committee (chaired by Makoto Kaiami) commissioned by Daihatsu regarding procedural irregularities, which it reported to Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) in turn. The investigation found new irregularities in 174 items within 25 test categories, in addition to the door lining irregularity in April and the side collision test irregularity in May. These encompassed a total of 64 models and 3 engines of vehicles (total of models currently being produced, developed, or ceased in production), including 22 models and 1 engine being sold by Toyota.
We would like to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and concern this has caused to all stakeholders, including customers.
In response to these findings, Daihatsu decided today to temporarily suspend shipments of all Daihatsu-developed models currently in production, both in Japan and overseas. Toyota has also decided to temporarily suspend shipments of the affected models.
Over the course of the investigation by the Independent Third-Party Committee, Daihatsu received some information regarding models that may have been involved in the procedural irregularities. In response, Daihatsu has been conducting one-by-one in-house technical verifications and actual vehicle testing for these vehicles to ensure that their safety and environmental performance meet legal standards.
In the final stage of the investigation, it was discovered that a different airbag control unit (ECU) than the mass-production model was used for the airbag tests for Daihatsu Move / SUBARU Stella, Daihatsu Cast / Toyota Pixis Joy, Daihatsu Gran Max / Toyota Town Ace / Mazda Bongo. Although technical verification confirmed that the airbag met standards of occupant protection performance, in the course of testing, it was found that the “Safety Performance Standard for Occupant Evacuation (Unlocking)” in the side collision test of Daihatsu Cast / Toyota Pixis Joy may not comply with the law. At this time, we are not aware of any accident information related to this matter, but we are conducting thorough technical verification and investigating the cause to take necessary measures as soon as possible. Read More
Woodside Energy announced today that it had awarded a major contract to Mexican company Eseasa Offshore, S.A. de C.V. to supply shore base facilities and services for Woodside’s operations supporting the Trion oil and gas project offshore Mexico. Woodside Vice President for Trion, Stephane Drouaud, highlighted the significance of the contract award to Eseasa Offshore. “The award of the contract is a critical milestone as we continue to progress the Trion project toward first oil in 2028. We are very pleased to partner with Eseasa Offshore as the supplier of the full range of shore base facilities and services.
“The contract award to Eseasa, a Mexican owned and operated company, demonstrates the great capacity available in-country to support a world-class oil and gas project like Trion. “It also reinforces Woodside’s commitment to investing locally and ensuring that the economic benefits of our investment in Trion are felt as broadly as possible across Mexican suppliers,” he said. Eseasa will provide a broad range of services out of its shore base location on the Panuco River coastline. The scope of work includes shore base infrastructure, operations planning and management for vessel mooring, load and discharge, freight and material management and dedicated laydown and staging areas. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price US$/bbl | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $74.44 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $79.68 | Up |
| Bonny Light | USD/bbl | $81.06 | Up |
| Saharan Blend | USD/bbl | $79.73 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $2.52 | Up |
| OPEC basket 19/12/23 | USD/bbl | $79.19 | Up |
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