A major offshore energy dispute has escalated into a federal lawsuit after Natural Resources Worldwide, LLC (NRW) accused pipeline operator American Panther, LLC (AmPan) of illegally and retaliatorily shutting down a critical crude oil transportation line in the Gulf of America. The sudden, unauthorized closure has stranded NRW’s oil production, leading to claims of federal law violations.
A federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (Lafayette Division) is challenging the actions of a major pipeline operator, alleging an unlawful and punitive shut-in of a crucial crude oil transportation route. Natural Resources Worldwide, LLC, a Texas-based energy company, has brought suit against American Panther, LLC, a Houston-based pipeline operator affiliated with Third Coast, arguing that AmPan’s actions violate federal mandates ensuring fair and open access to federally regulated infrastructure.
The core of the complaint revolves around an incident on September 26, 2025, when, according to NRW, AmPan personnel landed a helicopter unannounced under the guise of routine maintenance and “physically locked a critical valve.” This act, described by NRW as an “unauthorized pipeline shut-in,” effectively halted the only viable route for the company's oil production from its offshore assets to reach shore, stranding their supply.
NRW asserts that this aggressive move was purely retaliatory. The lawsuit claims it was executed after NRW declined what it characterized as “onerous and discriminatory” contractual demands from AmPan. Furthermore, the pipeline closure allegedly came in direct response to NRW’s demand that AmPan reactivate another major route, the Tiger Shoals Pipeline, which has been offline for months.
The filing argues that AmPan’s conduct is a violation of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), a federal law designed to ensure pipelines on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf provide non-discriminatory transportation services. NRW’s legal documents include key exhibits supporting their claims, such as a Throughput and Deficiency Agreement between the two parties and NRW’s September 25 demand letter which explicitly invoked federal non-discrimination mandates.
Beyond the breach of federal law, NRW contends that the shut-in runs counter to government guidance that encourages the maximization of oil and natural gas flow through the Gulf of America.
NRW is seeking immediate judicial relief, including an injunction to restore pipeline access and prevent ongoing disruption to its operations. In addition, the company is seeking a declaratory judgment confirming AmPan’s violations of federal law and contractual duties, alongside substantial damages to cover the losses incurred from the forced production halt.
American Panther and its affiliate, Third Coast, have not yet publicly responded to the allegations in the lawsuit.
