Transportation and Storage
If you’re in the business of moving and storing oil, natural gas, or chemicals, you know the path from A to B can feel more like an odyssey. Our market knowledge has assisted clients in understanding the strategic value of their assets. Our expertise in the operation and maintenance of transportation and storage facilities has helped our clients investigate the causes of leaks, fires, explosions, and other incidents. Our experience in product testing and specifications has been used to investigate quality issues and incidents of cargo contamination.
Let’s get you moving
We advise clients on the strategies, operations, and costs associated with truck, rail, pipeline, and marine transportation of products and feedstocks. We often develop feasibility studies and provide due diligence for investments in pipelines and storage facilities. And when called on, we’re ready and prepared to provide expert testimony on safe operations and maintenance practices—as well as conformance with applicable laws and standards.
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Case Studies
From Contamination to Court: Assessing Fair Storage Costs for Crude Oil
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, emergency circumstances, and alternative storage options, including floating storage. We provided expert reports, collaborated on a joint expert report, and testified at a court hearing.
Prepared or Not: The Cost of Response on Trial
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 procedures, incident preparation and planning, emergency response procedures, emergency drills, and pre-incident contracts with third-party responders. We presented our opinions about the reasonableness of the response costs in an expert report and testified in a deposition before the matter was settled in mediation.
A Ship in a Harbor is Safe, But That Is Not What Ships Are Built For
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 worksite by reviewing the applicable OSHA Shipyard Industry Standards and the shipyard procedures for ensuring the spaces on the vessel remained safe. Our opinions were presented in an expert report and in deposition testimony.