ICIS 20th World Base Oils


& Lubricants Conference London 17th to 19th February 2016


This year’s London ICIS conference has been awaited with keen interest as producers and marketers alike come to terms with the current low crude oil prices. What a mega change from this time just a year ago. Majors are re-evaluating upstream investments whilst downstream blenders and marketers are perhaps realising some benefits to be gained. As is always the case, this was a not-to-miss event and particularly so in the current climate. This was underscored by the fact that ICIS 2016 was the biggest yet ICIS London event - 600 attendees, from 51 counties representing 354 companies.


In total there were 31 in-depth market focussed presentations all providing insights as to possibly the most complex marketing conditions for a decade or more. We are seeing the spread of Group II base oils and the overall decline of Group I. However, in this mix there are perhaps opportunities for refiners to focus and produce some of the speciality grades not yet commercially viable by the Catalytic Hydro-Processing Producers. Products particularly identified


being refinery slack wax and Bright Stock for which there are no ready replacements.


The scene was immediately set on Day 1 by opening remarks from the Chairs, X B Cox – EXXONMOBIL BASESTOCKS and Mike McCabe Global Insights Manager – LUBRIZOL. Who better to set the global scene for lubricants in the current market? Following on we had Ashok Krishna of Chevron Technology company giving us insights as to Refinery Economics, in an era of low crude prices - extremely pertinent at this time. On Day 1 there was also a very interesting presentation from John Coxon – Technical Specialist – Engine Lubricants JAGUAR LAND ROVER. The prospect of ever lower SAE viscosity oils and a focus on Gasoline Engine


Oil Particulates was identified. The introduction of SAE 16, and concept of SAE 8 and SAE 4 oils have always been expected in the search for lower CO2


emissions. However some of us have


been wondering when particulate traps for Gasoline Engines might get onto the agenda!


68


LUBE MAGAZINE NO.132 APRIL 2016


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