Argus Bitumen & Asphalt Europe Conference

Argus editorial will delve into the current and historical status of the European bitumen market. 

• What have been the biggest challenges in the bitumen market this past year? 
• There has been a significant amount of unexpected market volatility over the past two years. What has historically been the cause of this? 
• Updates on general supply and demand issues and opportunities in the market

Speakers:

Jonathan Weston, Editor—Specialty Products, Argus 
Keyvan Hedvat, Europe/Africa Editor—Argus Bitumen, Argus

•  As the political climate and market evolves, will Iran and Venezuela enter the global crude market again? 
• What are the consequences (both negative and positive) of the EU energy transition goals on the crude market’s ability to produce, sell, and use crude products such as  bitumen?
•  What are the impacts of a changing feedstock and crude supply? 

Speakers:
Sebastien Le Corre, Bitumen International Supply Manager, Total Energies
Rafael Renaudeau, Vice-President, Bitumen, Nynas 

Moderator: 
Jonathan Weston, Editor—Specialty Products , Argus 

An introductory presentation on the declining supply of bitumen in European from Arnaud Wache Business Development Manager at Continental Bitumen, the new bitumen supply arm of Colas

•  What perspective can Colas offer on the status of bitumen supply in Europe? 
• Why has local production of this crucial crude product declined over the past decade? 
• From the perspective of Colas, how will the term regional supply evolve in the future? 

Speaker:

Arnaud Wache , Business Development Manager, Continental Bitumen Colas 

Following the Colas presentation, the conference will turn its attention to buy-side concerns surrounding bitumen quality and consistency.

• What are the issues with bitumen quality from the demand side of the market? 
• From the buy-side perspective, how can chemical companies and asphalt producers help to remedy the issue of quality and inconsistency?
• Policy wise, what are some ideas on how to update bitumen quality specifications and hold producers accountable for them? 

Speakers:
Dr. Mario Sandor, Head of Business Management Asphalt Performance EMEA, BASF
Irina Cotiuga, Technical Manager, Nordbit 

Moderator:
Keyvan Hedvat, Europe/Africa Editor—Argus Bitumen, Argus

• From a refiner’s perspective what effects have HSFO had on bitumen economics in the Mediterranean and the wider European market?
• Updates on the export market and trends in the Mediterranean: Where is the bitumen going? Who are the main consumers? 
• Is the Mediterranean bitumen market a viable and sustainable - for Europe? 

Speaker:
Sergio Bovo, Chief Executive, Alma Petroli  

Moderator:
Keyvan Hedvat, Europe/Africa Editor—Argus Bitumen, Argus 

 

This panel will include four of the largest construction companies in Europe.

• How has a decline in local bitumen supply affected the construction industry?
• What changes or efforts is the construction industry making to improve the market’s carbon footprint and remain aligned with the EU’s carbon emissions reduction goals?
• The panel aims to also provide updates on various companies’ current and future projects

Speakers:

Mikael Arnestrand, Bitumen Manager, Peab Asfalt AB
Fredrik Norman, Nordic Bitumen Manager, Skanska
Jean Louis Pettier, Group Category Director, Bitumen, BMI Group

Morten Kiran, Head of Procurement, Veidekke

Moderator:

Jonathan Weston, Editor, Specialty Products, Argus 

• As local supply begins to dwindle and imports become more prevalent, will the bitumen market in Europe have to start thinking about creating more robust terminal infrastructure? 
• Where are the best, and most geographically available, locations for terminals to be developed? 
• If you are unable to invest in a terminal system what other alternatives are available for on-site storage and transport?
• What are some of the leading technologies for sustainable and efficient bitumen storage? 

Speakers:
Leo Brons, Chief Executive, Service Terminals 
Jon Whittall, General Manager, TEC

Johan Van Roey, Sales Manager BENELUX Industry Business, Owens Corning 

Moderator:
Keyvan Hedvat, Europe/Africa Editor—Argus Bitumen, Argus
 

Roundtable 1: 

The European Green Deal: chances for asphalt performance

Roundtable leader:

 Michael Dietzsch , Development Manager Polymer Dispersions for Construction, BASF

Roundtable 2:

Changing Picture of Trade Flows in Europe

Roundtable leader: 

Keyvan Hedvat, Africa/Europe-- Bitumen, Argus

Roundtable 3:

Bitumen Pricing Trends

Roundtable leader:

Jonathan Weston, Editor--Specialty Products, Argus

Roundtable 4:

Bitumen Trends and Flows in the Americas

Roundtable leader:

Maria Ahmad, NY Deputy Bureau Chief--Editorial, Argus

 

A panel of transport companies and end-buyers that are investing in different forms of transportation for bitumen products.  

• The panel will discuss progress on new builds as well as challenges and opportunities in the bitumen transportation market. 
• What technologies are being introduced to ensure that the bitumen transport industry is being environmentally sound?  
• Updates on transportation and freight costs and what else is at play in the market? 

Speakers:
Lorenzo Benussi, Charter, NL Iver Ships 
Ulrich Nanz, GPM for Chemicals and Solidification Specialist, IPCO
George Cholis, Chartering Department, Queensway Navigation 

Moderator:
Keyvan Hedvat, Europe/Africa Editor—Argus Bitumen, Argus 

An opportunity for delegates to relax and enjoy wine and each other’s company. The aim is to provide a non-business and relaxed environment for networking and conversation. 

A representative from the EU commission will discuss budget/policy for road and highway expansion as well as the commissions’ future plans to support sustainability in the construction industry in Europe
• What technology and/or projects does the commission expect to invest in or spend money on for road and highway expansion in over the next 10 years?
• How does the commission plan to uphold and support sustainability efforts in the construction industry across the European market?
• What can the market expect policy wise from the commission in the coming years? 

Philippe Moseley, Policy Officer DG Grow: Construction Unit, EU Commission– Virtual speaker

 

• What are the plans for future investment in infrastructure projects following the significant down-turn caused by covid-19?

• Is there an appetite for investment in sustainable construction products as these projects move forward? 

Speakers:
Jose Javier Garcia Pardenilla, Managing Director Ditecpesa 
Jan-Erik Lundmark, Senior Advisor Pavement Maintenance, Swedish Transport Association 

Moderator:
Irina Vinogradova ,Manager—Consulting, Argus

 

 

•  How can new additives and polymers technologies like bio-bitumen help support Europe’s energy transition?   
• What impact will bio-bitumen and other sustainable alternatives have on the bitumen market?
• Why is RAP more prevalent in northern Europe? What can other countries and regions learn from those markets’ utilisation of RAP?
• What other technologies are available for sustainable bitumen/asphalt in the market? Can other recyclable products be used? 

Speakers:
Dr. Hassan Tabatabaee, Global Technical Manager for Asphalt Solutions, Cargill
Sebastien Miesem, Senior Technical Marketing Manager Asphalt Performance, BASF
Jean-Nicolas Desprez, EUAF Technical Manager, Shell

Moderator:
Irina Vinogradova, Manager—Consulting, Argus 

 

 

• Looking towards the future, will bitumen still be a viable option for road construction or can other binders be used?
• What will roads in Europe look like in 50 years as more sustainable cars are in circulation?
• What research is being conducted now to help anticipate what roads technology will look like over the next 50 years?  

Speaker:
Richard Taylor, Global Technical Development Manager, Shell