When seeking construction financing for a proposed newbuilding, shipowners should understand and be prepared to address the particular concerns that lenders have in assessing risk and documenting vessel construction projects. When deciding whether to approve a construction financing loan, lenders focus on certain key factors: Does the shipyard have the requisite experience, manpower and financial… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Supreme Court Extends the Scope of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Landward
Posted in Marine Services, Maritime Contracts, Offshore Oil, Ports & Cargo ShippingThe United States Supreme Court, in Pacific Operators Offshore, LLP v. Valladolid, concluded that the widow of an employee who suffered fatal injuries on shore may still recover LHWCA benefits pursuant to OCSLA if her husband’s death had a “substantial nexus” to his employer’s oil and gas operations on the OCS. This is an unexpected… Continue Reading
U.S. Fifth Circuit Clarifies the Role of the Collateral Source Rule with a Seaman’s Recovery of Cure
Posted in Jones Act, Marine Services, Ports & Cargo ShippingA recurring issue in personal injury litigation is the amount of medical expenses a plaintiff is entitled to recover from the defendant. The health care providers charge or bill the plaintiff for the treatment provided, but typically accept as payment in full significantly less from health insurers or the government. The health insurers or government… Continue Reading
Pressure on Hydraulic Fracturing Operations Continues to Rise
Posted in Energy, Hydraulic FracturingWith 2011 in the rearview, businesses all over the country are looking forward to fresh start in 2012. But the opportunity to start fresh will elude natural gas producers partaking in hydraulic fracturing operations, as recent events in Ohio have caused additional uproar concerning the practice. On December 30, 2011, Ohio state officials ordered the… Continue Reading