Drilling

Acting for a shipyard in a dispute arising out of the construction of two ultra deepwater drill ships for a US contractor, involving a claim of approximately US$220 million and a counterclaim for the costs of completing the second vessel.  The dispute, in which we were successful in the Court of Appeal, also involved the design responsibilities of the parties under the construction contract.

Negotiating contracts for construction of two sixth-generation drilling units, including acquisition of hulls & OFE, and completion at UK facility.

Acting on behalf of Norwegian drilling contractor in successful claim before English High Court in dispute concerning repeated wash-outs caused by down-hole conditions.

Advised in relation to the design, construction and sale of a series of four semi-submersible drilling rigs; and represented in an arbitration, in which the client claimed liquidated damages of US$179 million alongside a request for repayment of damages of US$22 million.

Acting for the client in relation to contracts for the construction and delivery of drillships to Angolese buyers, including delays and potential cancellation scenarios. Expected value US$200-300 million.

Negotiating terms of 5 year charter of US$700 million newbuild drilling unit on behalf of drilling contractor, together with drilling services management contract.

Advice and support on various issues to Owner of a 6^th generation drillship built for operation in Brazil, including advice on termination and assignment (2014-2016).

Successful claim in London arbitration for unpaid hire and repair costs relating to operation of drilling-rig offshore India on behalf of US drilling contractor. 

Acting for shipyard in $300 million+ arbitration in respect of major cost overruns and delay following defective design for a series of four bespoke semi-submersible drilling rigs, including working closely with technical experts on design issues (2014-2016).  

Acting for shipyard in $300 million+ arbitration in respect of major cost overruns and delay following defective design for a series of four bespoke semi-submersible drilling rigs, including working closely with technical experts on design issues (2014-2016).

Advised in relation to the design, construction and sale of a series of four semi-submersible drilling rigs; and represented in an arbitration, in which the client claimed liquidated damages of US$179 million alongside a request for repayment of damages of US$22 million.

Advised in relation to the design, construction and sale of a series of four semi-submersible drilling rigs; and represented in an arbitration, in which the client claimed liquidated damages of US$179 million alongside a request for repayment of damages of US$22 million.

Acting for the client in relation to contracts for the construction and delivery of drillships to Angolese buyers, including delays and potential cancellation scenarios. Expected value US$200-300 million.

Acting for the client in relation to contracts for the construction and delivery of drillships to Angolese buyers, including delays and potential cancellation scenarios. Expected value US$200-300 million.

Represented 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 an independent oil company on a dispute arising under a drilling contract which concerned the safety of the rig and the legitimacy of instructions given by the oil company to suspend performance.

Advising on the contractual terms and conditions and insurance arrangements for a change in the delivery of a rig from the shipyard in China to Holland.

Advising on the contractual terms and conditions and insurance arrangements for a change in the delivery of a rig from the shipyard in China to Holland.

Advising on a dispute concerning the ownership of a drilling rig.

Advising on a dispute concerning uppaid debts and the arrest of a drilling rig.

Represented a drilling contractor in an ICC arbitration in a dispute in relation to the non-payment of invoices for additional services carried out during the drilling campaign.

Represented an oil and gas company in an ICC arbitration regarding its rights to take and sell gas from joint gas fields in Argentina.

Represented 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.

Represented an oil and gas company in the English Commercial Court in relation to rig idle costs and breach of the joint venture agreement.

Drilling rig dispute – UNCITRAL arbitration

Advised a large South American state-owned oil and gas company in a high value dispute relating to an ongoing drilling contract.