Market Studies

Crude Oil Marketing and Trading Reorganization

Provided reviews of crude oil marketing and trading practices of a major international oil company operating in Europe.  Prepared analysis of the reorganization, key successful practices, and operating tactics.  In the final report, recommendations were made to restructure the organization and change a number of operating practices to improve effectiveness and profitability.

Biomass Utilization Assessment

Prepared an assessment of worldwide biomass supply and projected demand over the next decade for transshipment of upgraded biomass as a renewable energy source and for co-firing at existing coal power plants.  This was prepared for an institutional investor proposing to increase investment in biomass processing facilities.

Natural Gas Liquids Supply/Demand Study

Prepared an analysis of the demand for NGL products as feedstocks to the petrochemical and refining industries, the availability of NGL supplies in the U.S. and Canada, and the level of current and future NGL fractionation capacity.

Domestic Major Refinery and Marketing Analysis

Reviewed publicly available quarterly and annual data for major domestic refining and marketing companies.  Analyses included margin and operating expense comparisons for the purpose of relative performance reconciliation and identification of initiatives to support and sustain competitive advantage.  The results led to identification of multiple refinery site margin improvement and cost reduction projects. 

Evaluation of Crude Oil Supply Options and Sale of Crude Gathering System

Performed economic and strategic evaluation of existing crude oil gathering system for possible sale and alternate crude supply options for a domestic refining company. 

API Study on Impact of Ultra Low Sulfur Gasoline Supply and Cost

Worked as team member reviewing available technologies for sulfur reduction of gasoline and the associated configurations, yields, capital costs and operating costs. 

Crude Logistics Improvement Study for Refinery

Led study to improve refinery crude oil logistics for short and long term.  Immediate results included adding a short connection to a major Gulf Coast crude pipeline allowing the company to reduce third party storage and working capital in excess of $5 million and to reduce crude oil transportation costs.  Long term modeling identified the optimal amount of refinery storage and dock space required for economic flexibility and refinery growth requirements.

National Petroleum Council (NPC) Committee on Refining

Served as committee member of the NPC and DOE sponsored study to assess the future viability of the domestic refining industry due to the impact of continued environmental regulations, including low sulfur gasoline and diesel.

Crude Oil Economic Evaluation LP

Evaluated whether advanced non-linear optimization evaluation programs provide a material economic advantage compared to traditional linear algorithm programs for the valuation of crude oils purchased by a refinery.

Refining Economic Analysis and Forecasting

Participated in the development of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial analysis and forecasting of refining business unit’s financial and operating performance for communication to executive management and corporate investor relations.