An oil and gas company purchased a subsea gas pipeline and claimed the seller had withheld information about mercury contamination in the pipeline, which impacted its value. Baker & O’Brien’s consultants examined the information available about pipeline mercury levels and whether the buyer had sufficient information to assess the risks and potential decommissioning costs. Our expert opinions expressed in a technical report, a reply expert report, and a joint expert report were helpful in the settlement of the dispute.

Concerning an offshore subsea pipeline leak allegedly caused by a ship anchor strike, Baker & O’Brien was requested to assess the pipeline company’s emergency actions and tactical response. As part of this assignment, we visited the offshore platform to review its operating procedures and leak detection equipment, pipeline operating events, and operator responses. We evaluated the company’s procedures, equipment, and emergency response vis-à-vis industry standards and practices and produced an expert report used by the parties in their settlement.

After the consortium members of an Exploration & Production (E&P) field development project determined the project was commercially unviable, one partner filed a claim challenging the decision. We evaluated cost studies, development plans, and the decision-making process to assess the adequacy of exploration and appraisal work necessary to inform a risk-based decision on commercial viability. In addition, Baker & O’Brien prepared an expert report detailing the essential phases of E&P development projects and provided opinions on this project's technical and commercial aspects.