#USA #Arlington #MCR Oil Tools #Thermite Tools #PHMSA

MCR Oil Tools Achieves Significant Regulatory Milestone

MCR Oil Tools, a prominent player in the oil tooling industry, has recently announced a significant approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This regulatory milestone confirms that MCR's renowned Radial Cutting Torches (RCT) are classified as non-explosive and non-hazardous for shipping purposes. The certification is set to streamline the distribution process of these essential tools used globally in oil well recovery operations both on land and offshore.

The background for this approval stems from a previous ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2024. The court criticized PHMSA's 2022 designation of the RCTs as explosives, labeling it as arbitrary and capricious, pointing out that the classification was based primarily on unfounded complaints from competitors, rather than substantiated evidence. This included dismissals of PHMSA's own testing results and its investigations into the properties of thermite, which the agency conducted itself. MCR's products have maintained a flawless safety record over the past four decades of international maritime transport, reinforcing the legitimacy of the court's ruling.

Back in October 2024, the Fifth Circuit directed PHMSA to reassess its previous classification of MCR's thermite products, highlighting the negative impact such classifications have on shipping timelines and operational costs. Being classified as hazardous or flammable significantly complicates shipping procedures, introducing extensive paperwork and often resulting in delays and increased expenses not only for MCR but across the oil and gas sector. This latest ruling from PHMSA underscores the safe nature of MCR's technology and greatly simplifies the logistics associated with the RCTs, ensuring continued support for oil and gas producers and service companies around the globe.

Mike Robertson, the founder and CEO of MCR Oil Tools, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We are pleased with the outcome of this prolonged battle with PHMSA regarding the accurate classification of our tools. Safety has always been our priority, and we will continue to provide the most effective cutting technology for the energy industry.” He further acknowledged how this decision not only serves the interests of MCR but also benefits the multitude of licensed users and client producers worldwide relying on these tools.

Moving forward, MCR is poised to leverage both the Fifth Circuit's decision and PHMSA's latest approval to pursue legal actions against those who have made false claims regarding the safety of its products. This stance emphasizes the company’s commitment to safeguarding its reputation and ensuring the truth comes to light, especially in light of the thorough evaluations that have consistently confirmed the safety and reliability of MCR's RCTs.

The significance of receiving PHMSA's approval cannot be overstated, as it not only validates the safety of MCR’s products but also enhances operational efficiencies within the industry. As challenges continue to arise in the oil and gas sector, MCR Oil Tools remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that prioritize safety and operational excellence across the board.