Oil and gas

Representing a drilling contractor against an oil and gas company in a LCIA arbitration in relation to whether demobilisation could be undertaken during the term of the contract, and if so, what demobilisation fees and early termination fees were applicable.

Advising Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on defending the enforcement of a US$400 million plus Nigerian arbitral award in England. The ground-breaking 14-year dispute with projects company, IPCO (Nigeria) Ltd, concluded following referral to the Supreme Court. This is a leading case in England and indeed worldwide on the enforcement of New York Convention arbitration awards. 

Representing a Nigerian member of a consortium which holds an Oil Production Licence over a Nigerian oil block on a multi-jurisdictional claim for around US$50 million brought by a Chinese finance provider seeking to recover funds.

Acting for a West African sovereign state in English High Court proceedings to challenge a US$8.6 billion arbitration award concerning the supply of gas.

Representing an international energy and infrastructure company in connection with a debt recovery claim under a settlement agreement under which the respondents were jointly and severally liable to repay the monies owed in respect of the purchase of gas oil delivered to Nigeria.

Advising the government of India in a US$4 billion energy arbitration.

Representing a listed Singapore company in proceedings arising out of a confidentiality agreement concerning an oil and gas concession granted by a Southeast Asian state.

Acting for the investor in a Bilateral Investment Treaty (ICSID) claim against a Caribbean State concerning the redevelopment of an offshore oil field.   

Advising on major LCIA arbitration proceedings relating to substantial refit and refurbishment contract for an FPSO vessel (including issues such as termination rights, critical path delay, prolongation claims, the variations regime and scope of work).

Representing a drilling contractor against an oil and gas company in an AAA arbitration in relation to whether the increased costs associated with new tax legislation were for contractor's or employer's account.

Successfully discharging a $12 billion freezing order in England on behalf of PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company, in connection with ICSID and ICC arbitrations brought by a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil, with related proceedings in several jurisdictions including New York. Acting for PDVSA on a series of high-value disputes concerning an agreement with a contractor for the drilling of oil wells.

Acting for a Geneva-based oil trader in LCIA arbitration proceedings in successfully defending claims by an oil major in relation to the alleged non-delivery of a shipment of base oils on grounds of force majeure.

Instructed by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to act in CIArb’s intervention as an interested party in the appeal brought by the oilfield services giant, Halliburton, in the UK Supreme Court, following a highly controversial Court of Appeal decision holding that, although the arbitrator should have made disclosure at the time of his appointments, it cannot be concluded that there was a real possibility of bias.

Advising an Omani company (as claimant) in respect of a debt claim arising from a contract for the sale of fuel oil.

Representing the respondent/counter claimant in an arbitration concerning the engineering and construction of an LNG plant in Yemen.

Acting for the contractor on a series of disputes with the main employer and subcontractor relating to a gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi leading to a mediation and ICC arbitration.

Advising a UAE oil trader in a US$4.5 million LCIA Arbitration regarding a dispute under a contract for the sale of MSFO and LSFO from refineries in Turkmenistan. Successfully procured the discharge of an emergency injunction obtained by the buyers, preventing our clients from dealing with cargo the subject of the dispute.

Representing an international energy and infrastructure company in two LCIA arbitrations and two ad hoc arbitrations (to be consolidated under one arbitration) worth approximately US$8,900,000. Each arbitration has been commenced under four separate contracts for the sale of Jet A1/Gasoil and the dispute concerns monies owed under the contracts.