Energy Expert
A digest of technical insights from our past engagements in energy litigation, international arbitration, and insurance matters, which have been featured in our newsletter.
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Exclusive quantitative data highlighted from our PRISM™ refining modeling system and relevant trends in the refining industry from our newsletter.
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From Contamination to Court: Assessing Fair Storage Costs for Crude Oil
Case Study October 30, 2025
A refiner discovered organic chloride contamination in crude oil stored at a coastal terminal, which prevented processing and created an emergency storage situation. Baker & O'Brien evaluated appropriate storage costs, considering market rates...
Prepared or Not: The Cost of Response on Trial
Case Study October 30, 2025
A chemical terminal fire ignited when a circulation pump leaked during the blending of butane into naphtha, leading to a multi-day incident and a dispute over emergency response costs. Baker & O'Brien reviewed the preventive maintenance proced...
Troubled Waters - Dispute over Wastewater Treatment Costs
Case Study October 30, 2025
A chemical plant disputed wastewater treatment fees charged by its petrochemical complex operator, claiming costs didn't reflect actual loading. Baker & O'Brien evaluated the tenant plant's wastewater and the complex's overall contaminant load...
A Ship in a Harbor is Safe, But That Is Not What Ships Are Built For
Case Study July 23, 2025
Introduction: During the shipyard repair of a towboat, gas in a forward hold ignited and exploded, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. We identified the responsibilities for the incident on this multi-employer ...
Gas Valuation Dispute - Counting Calories
Case Study July 23, 2025
Introduction: Two parties disagreed on the interpretation of a clause in a minerals lease regarding the basis for the valuation of gas produced from a group of wells. We reviewed the competing valuation bases, determined ...
How Broken is Broken?
Case Study July 23, 2025
Introduction: The buyer of oil and gas produced water treatment and disposal facilities, who had a representations and warranties policy, claimed that the facilities and wells were not as represented. Baker & O’Brien ...
Production Sharing Contract Dispute - When Things Go Sour
Case Study April 29, 2025
Introduction: A dispute arose when the government terminated its production sharing contract due to unforeseen gas processing facility engineering design requirements for sour gas treatment. Baker & O’Brien assessed w...
Incident at Chemical Plant - A Hole Lot of Trouble
Case Study April 29, 2025
Introduction: A contractor suffered thermal burns while hydroblasting near an open and assumed-isolated vessel in a petrochemical facility. To determine the cause of the incident, consequences, and the responsibilities of...
One in Five Vehicle Accidents Happen in a Parking Lot
Case Study April 29, 2025
Introduction: In this personal injury case, truck drivers from two different contract companies had an unfortunate interface when one became pinned between their vehicles during a routine parking maneuver. We were asked t...
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Energy Insights February 19, 2025
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