Workforce Development

US needs more trades people for construction boom

Apr 5, 2018

Low U.S. natural gas prices, relative stability in crude oil prices and increased consumer demand have spurred further plant construction activity, highlighting current deficits in skilled labor.

Digital technology could boost value of chemical sector by $4.4 billion

Nov 30, 2017

Chemical companies that leverage the right combination of digital technology could increase their market capitalization by $4.4 billion, but the industry continues to lag other sectors, an industry analyst told Petrochemical Update.

Labor shortage deepens after hurricanes

Sep 22, 2017

Many refineries and petrochemical plants along the U.S. Gulf Coast did not receive significant damage from Hurricane Harvey, but thousands of homes, businesses and infrastructure were not so lucky. Capital projects and rebuilding efforts will compete for...

Downstream technology is more effective when owners connect the human chain - analyst

Jul 26, 2017

Petrochemical project leaders are turning to advanced sustainment and lean operation methods to fill the communication gaps left by high-level process mapping and performance objectives, an industry analyst told Petrochemical Update.

Advanced Work Packaging: one solution to productivity issues on mega projects

Jul 13, 2017

Labor productivity continues to be a major concern for project performance, at least 50% of industry participants said in a Petrochemical Update Poll.

Craft labor shortage seriously affecting mega projects: Poll

Jun 29, 2017

More than 80% of petrochemical players believe the current craft labor shortage is serious, according to a poll by Petrochemical Update. Improving conditions for craft professionals is one way owners and contractors are aiming to recruit and retain the best...

Industry looks for solutions to declining labor productivity and craft shortages

Jun 16, 2017

While the U.S. is preparing for 310 petrochemical projects and $185 billion in capital investment at the same time an experienced generation of workers retires, quality and productivity are becoming an even bigger challenge than the labor shortage, owners and...

US gas users warn of LNG export impact as competition cuts liquefaction costs

Apr 21, 2017

A flurry of Gulf Coast LNG export facilities is set to raise U.S. domestic gas prices in the coming years and developers are optimizing liquefaction technology to capitalize on growing arbitrage opportunities between U.S. and global gas markets, analysts said.

Exxon, Sabic select site for new Texas cracker; Nova Chemicals buys Louisiana plant

Apr 21, 2017

Our pick of the latest petrochemicals news you need to know.

EPC groups invest in data analytics to accelerate complex projects

Mar 31, 2017

In-house data scientists will raise productivity on U.S. petrochemicals projects in the coming years by maximizing insights from growing project datasets and multi-dimensional modelling, leading EPC executives said.

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