Welcome to the Spring 2026 Shipping and Energy Newsletter.
In this edition, we bring you a thorough review of the legal and commercial developments shaping the shipping and energy sectors.
In our shipping coverage, we examine a range of significant recent decisions, including guidance on the classification of refund guarantee obligations in shipbuilding contracts, force majeure declarations during geopolitical conflict and market rate recovery for late vessel redelivery. We also review the court’s approach to contractual risk allocation for unseaworthiness in related contracts.
On the energy front, we outline the UK Government's new Advanced Nuclear Framework, which provides a clearer pathway for private advanced nuclear projects. Additionally, we feature an in-depth discussion on financing battery-storage projects. This edition also features our commentary on a recent Court of Appeal decision clarifying waiver of termination rights.
Focussing on offshore oil and gas, we explore the critical policy challenges facing the UK North Sea and examine how gross-negligence and wilful-misconduct carve-outs are reshaping traditional knock-for-knock indemnities with important implications for insurability and contractual certainty. We also analyse the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on "repeated defaults" termination provisions and consider the practical pitfalls of battle-of-the-forms disputes.
There is also news regarding the London Office, featuring longtime London Managing Partner William Cecil becoming the firm’s first UK General Counsel and a round-up of past and future events.
We hope that you will find these insights valuable for navigating the evolving legal landscape. Should you wish to discuss any of these matters addressed, or if there are topics you would like us to cover in future editions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
