Oilfield marine contractor sued after fire aboard offshore platform

GRETNA – An oilfield and marine contractor is being sued by an insurance company after it allegedly caught an oil tank platform on fire while doing a welding job in the presence of oil fumes.

Gemini Insurance Co. filed suit against Cajun Oilfield & Marine Contractors Inc. and Onebeacon Insurance Co. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 15.

According to the suit, Gemini Insurance claims Cajun Oilfield & Marine was contracted to do work on an oil tank platform owned by their customer Poydras Energy Partners and located at Main Pass 35 in Plaquemines Parish.

The plaintiff alleges the defendant was contracted to weld a safety steel cage around a ladder on the platform, but the area in which it was ordered to do the work was considered a “no hot work” area.

Despite the presence of warning signs Gemini Insurance asserts Cajun Oilfield & Marine Contractors began welding on the platform while an oil transfer was ongoing and the welder torch ignited oil fumes that caused significant damaged to the platform, according to the suit.

The defendant is accused of negligence, breach of contract and liability in solido.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical damage costs to the barge, sue and labor costs, removal of debris costs, pre and post-judgment interest and cost of the lawsuit.

Gemini Insurance Co. is represented by Karen K. Milhollin of Hall Maines Lurgin PC in Houston.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.

Case no. 729-941.