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.
Case Studies
Construction on a Slope – Hazard Awareness on Pipeline Construction
January 24, 2023
A pipeline inspector was fatally injured while operating an off-road vehicle on a steep hill along the pipeline construction route. Baker & O’Brien was engaged to determine the incident cause and to opine on the site responsibilities of the various parties associated with the pipeline construction and inspection. Our expert reports and testimony were used by counsel to reach a settlement before trial.
Construction Contract Termination Dispute – Assessment of Progress and Completion of Work
January 25, 2023
A storage terminal owner terminated its construction contract for a brownfield project with its contractor and filed claims for deficient and incomplete work. Baker & O’Brien was engaged to analyze the project’s completeness at the time of contract termination and determine the costs associated with completing the work. Our opinions, based on an industry-recognized methodology for milestone activity achievement, were presented in an expert report.
Pipeline Sabotage Leads to an Explosion of Force Majeure Claims
January 25, 2023
A gas pipeline experienced a series of events where saboteurs detonated explosives that damaged it and its associated facilities, causing numerous pipeline outages and associated force majeure claims. Baker & O’Brien was retained to provide an independent and objective assessment of whether the repair durations met the standard of a reasonable and prudent operator. Our consultants testified in four arbitration hearings providing expert opinions based on our review of the force majeure events.