JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

   1

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT


         We, the signatories of the statement on Schedule 13D filed with respect
to the Common Stock of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., to which this
Agreement is attached, hereby agree that such statement is, and any amendments
thereto filed by any of us will be, filed on behalf of each of us pursuant to
and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-1(k) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.


                                   FIRST RESERVE FUND VIII, L.P.

                                   By:      First Reserve GP VIII, L.P., General
                                            Partner
                                            By:      First Reserve Corporation,
                                                     General Partner



                                            By:      /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Name:  Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                                     Title:  Managing Director

                                   FIRST RESERVE GP VIII, L.P.

                                   By:      First Reserve Corporation,
                                            General Partner



                                            By:      /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Name:  Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                                     Title:  Managing Director

                                   FIRST RESERVE CORPORATION



                                   By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
                                       Title:  Managing Director