Pipelines
Pipelines are our safest and most reliable means of transporting the fuels critical to our society. Our consultants have extensive backgrounds in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of natural gas, crude oil, and refined products pipelines.
Coupled with our commercial experience, we have performed valuations, testified in construction disputes, and investigated the causes of pipeline leaks and maloperation.
Construction Disputes
ICC Gas Pipeline Construction Dispute
Provided expert reports and testimony in ICC arbitration on behalf of EPC contractor involved in design and construction of 500 km natural gas pipeline and surface facilities. Issues involved evaluation of claimed change orders compared to contract scope of work, pipeline alignment changes, and impact caused by pipeline spread move arounds.
Arbitration of Refinery and Pipeline Construction Dispute
Reviewed numerous allegations of construction and design defects, including pipeline corrosion, welding, and testing issues, on behalf of an E&C contractor involved in a lump sum US$1.6 billion refinery and pipeline project in Central America. Assessed numerous outstanding work order claims with reference to the contractual framework as well as normal industry practice. Provided expert reports and testified in the ICC arbitration hearing.
Crude Oil Pipeline Construction
Provided expert reports and deposition testimony on behalf of crude oil pipeline construction contractor in support of breach of contract claims made by owner. Conducted evaluation of contractor performance under a reimbursable target price contract including impact of right-of-way delays, scope changes, and weather delays.
Litigation Support
Gas Pipeline Contamination Arbitration
Co-authored expert reports on behalf of an owner/operator for an arbitration in Latin America. The claim involved inlet separation equipment damage and additional maintenance costs resulting from contaminated fuel gas for a combined cycle power plant. The matter was settled by the parties prior to the arbitration hearing.
Petroleum Products Pipeline Failure
Reviewed operation and maintenance history for a major petroleum product pipeline that suffered a failure and release of product, resulting in litigation.
Operations and Maintenance Practices
Petroleum Pipeline Failures
Reviewed operation, maintenance, and inspection procedures and relevant history for several pipelines transporting LPG, crude oil or products which suffered failures and subsequent release of their contents and resulted in litigation.
Due Diligence
Gas Gathering/Pipeline System
Participated in the acquisition, and was asset manager for interest in a $250 million offshore Gulf of Mexico gas gathering/transmission system. Conducted acquisition due diligence, engineering assessments, contract reviews, and economic evaluations. Engineering representative for large system expansion including construction of a 70-mile, 24-inch diameter offshore pipeline and several lateral extension projects.
Olefins Pipeline Study
Led study and negotiations to secure high-pressure gas and liquids pipeline capacity for a grassroots ethylene plant. Explored joint ventures, service conversions, owner construction, and third party alternatives. Involved in developing design parameters, routing, and common carrier tariff structure. Executed contract to construct three 12-inch lines along the Gulf Coast.
Project Development
Olefins Pipeline Study
Led study and negotiations to secure high-pressure gas and liquids pipeline capacity for a grassroots ethylene plant. Explored joint ventures, service conversions, owner construction, and third party alternatives. Involved in developing design parameters, routing, and common carrier tariff structure. Executed contract to construct three 12-inch lines along the Gulf Coast.
Market Studies
Texas Railroad Commission Common Carrier Pipeline Rate Disputes
Provided market study analyses and testimony before the Texas Railroad Commission on matters involving intra-state common carrier rates and terms of service disputes between carriers and shippers. Materials transported included ethylene and natural gas liquids.
Asset Valuation
Crude Oil Pipeline Gathering and Transportation System Assessment
Reviewed mid-continent crude oil gathering system and transportation system consisting of several hundred miles of pipe for owner to assess whether owner should keep or monetize. Study recommended that client keep the system for proprietary use which client did do.