Shell welcomes new ASTM spec

Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons Royal Dutch Shell has welcomed the release by ASTM International of a new specification that fully and unconditionally approves the use of gas-to-liquids kerosene blends for powering commercial aircraft. The new specification, ASTM D7566 (Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons) allows jet fuel containing up to 50% gas-to-liquids (GTL) kerosene for use in civil aviation. The Pearl GTL project, currently under construction by Qatar Petroleum and Shell in Qatar, will be completed by the end of 2010 with project ramp-up to take about 12 months. (October 1, 2009)