Oiltanking Partners LP (FRA:4OT) Quality Rank

Oiltanking Partners LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed in March 2011. The Company engages in the terminaling, storage and transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. Its terminal assets are strategically located along the upper Gulf Coast of the United States. At December 31, 2013, the Company had nearly 22 million barrels of total active storage capacity at its Houston and Beaumont facilities. These integrated facilities are strategically located and directly connected to 23 key refining, production and storage facilities along the Gulf Coast and the Cushing, Oklahoma storage interchange through dedicated and common carrier pipelines. In addition, its facilities provide its customers deep-water access and international distribution capabilities. The Company provides services to integrated oil companies, distributors, marketers and chemical and petrochemical companies, typically under long-term commercial agreements that include minimum volume commitments and inflation escalators. It operates as a third-party crude oil and refined petroleum products terminals on the Houston Ship Channel. It provides integrated terminaling, storage, pipeline and related services for third-party companies engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of crude oil, refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. The Company faces competition from a variety of international, national and regional energy companies, including large, diversified midstream partnerships, global terminal operators and large multi-national energy companies of varying sizes, financial resources and experience. The Company's operations are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the release of materials into the environment, health and safety aspects of its operations, and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Compliance with these laws and regulations may require the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities; restrict the type, quantities and concentration of wastes or other pollutants that may be emitted, discharged or disposed into or onto to the land, air and water; apply specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection; and impose liabilities for pollution from operations.