Crude Oil & Refined Products

Asphalt Tanker Market Review

Published a multi-client report in July, 2016, Asphalt Tanker Market Review, that included an overview of the asphalt fleet, its age profile, review of the fleet by vessel capacity, ownership and owner profiles, various employments for the ships, along with commentary on common trade and trade routes.  It included a brief overview of the asphalt industry and the role of asphalt tankers in the industry.  Attention was given to the asphalt tanker fleet’s key role in addressing asphalt supply imbalances between producing refineries and end-use destinations.  The objective was to provide an overview and understanding of the asphalt/bitumen tanker market, the current asphalt carrier fleet, and its vital role in this critical specialty industry.

Asphalt Market Study in Northwest US

This was an overview of the asphalt liquid markets in the Pacific Northwest.  It included the key asphalt liquid market participants, locations of key facilities including refineries and terminals, and asphalt market size estimates and grades used.  There was commentary on supply and the sources of supply. 

Multi-year Asphalt Market Analysis

Poten prepared an analysis involving a short term asphalt price forecast for wholesale and retail markets in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas.  It included a detailed review of supply and demand factors, which accounted for trends and factors affecting the market.  Key assumptions affecting the markets were identified along with important market drivers in the market areas, as well as possible developments that could affect future markets and the price forecast.

US Asphalt and Roofing Flux Study

Poten performed an overview of the asphalt and roofing flux industry in the US.  The study included an overview of the asphalt supply chain, a US crude oil market overview and market trends, crude oil logistics, a US refinery overview, with a focus on asphalt-producing refineries, a general overview of the US asphalt market, US supply including production and imports, US asphalt demand including domestic consumption and exports, asphalt technologies, construction industry trends, flux market overview and trends, as well as other uses for asphalt. 

Asphalt Liquid Production Supply Study

Poten performed a study to address the asphalt cement liquid to be produced at a facility in the Rocky Mountain region.  The study involved a review of the Rocky Mountain asphalt market, as well as the local markets where the facility could supply asphalt readily.  A forecast of oil and regional asphalt prices, asphalt volumes, and asphalt gross revenues resulting from asphalt sales was provided.  There was a general overview of the asphalt market and an introductory guide to the industry to provide a basic understanding  of the asphalt business.

Asphalt Supply Study to Support Tankage Additions

Poten did a review of the capacity to produce asphalt and roofing flux materials in North America, Central America and South America.  Poten provided a review of each US and Canadian refinery that can produce asphalt and denote those that do not produce asphalt. Capacities were noted and commentary provided.  Poten identified any refineries that produce asphalt and roofing flux, or could potentially do so to Poten’s understanding.  The Report was based upon Poten’s existing data as well as research specifically conducted for the project.  The Report included a review of the asphalt producing refineries in the US and Canada as well as those in the rest of the Americas that could produce asphalt and have ready access to coastal shipping for export to the international markets.

Asphalt Terminal Asset Analysis Study

Poten preformed a market analysis to addresses potential interest in an asphalt terminalling and storage business.  Poten provided detailed asset maps of refineries, roofing companies and asphalt marketers in the US.  Poten provided possible potential buyers for each of the business’ assets individually, as well as possible purchasers of the entirety of the business’s assets.  Also provided an asphalt supply and demand balance and forecast

Asphalt Wholesale Price Forecast

Performed an asphalt wholesale price forecast under multiple scenarios for a North American refining company.  Refinery upgrades and potential upgrades, including coker capacity additions and expansions, were taken into consideration.

Consulting Support for Bid on Terminal Assets

We provided market information for an investment bank in its bid for asphalt terminal and marketing facilities.  Information included price forecasting and history, as well as supply and demand forecast and histories.

State Asphalt Supply/Demand Study

Completed a market study on asphalt supply/demand and prices in a western U.S. state for a heavy oil producer.

Asphalt Market Overview and Strategic Considerations

Performed for a refining company in the western U.S.

Market Analysis of the Southwest Asphalt Market

Supply/Demand analysis and forecast was performed on two states for an asphalt marketing company.

Identified Key Market Drivers for a New Asphalt Marketer

Performed information on the key market drivers for a new market entrant.

Bitumen Arbitrage Analysis

Performed an analysis on bitumen arbitrage between two markets for refining a company.

Global Bitumen Overview

Performed an overview study of the global bitumen markets for an oil refiner in the Middle East.

Asphalt Terminal Project Review

Performed a review of markets and market trends for a prospective terminal buyer in the US.

Midwest Asphalt Market Analysis

Performed a market analysis on US Midwest asphalt markets for a large asphalt producer.

Asphalt Market Analysis in US Gulf Coast

We did an analysis of the wholesale and retail markets in the Gulf Coast for a refining company.

Middle East Crude Oil Evaluation

A market analysis on specific Neutral Zone crude oils was performed for a trading company to estimate likely price formula premiums and discounts.

US Asphalt Market & Refining Analysis

A strategic market analysis was made for heavy asphaltic crude oils and bitumen for a US refining company.

Market Expert Professional Witness Work

Provided testimony in an arbitration involving an international oil supply contract dispute.  Skills applied included market analysis, commercial experience, shipping experience and an understanding of standard commercial practices in the trade of oil and tankers.

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