Welcome to the Summer 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 the newly adopted SALEFORM 2025 standard form for vessel sale and purchase, analyse force majeure clauses under English law in the context of geopolitical disruptions and review the Trump administration's unprecedented waiver of the Jones Act permitting foreign-flagged vessels to transport energy commodities between US ports. We also share the most recent Lexology Panoramic: Shipbuilding 2026 guide.
On the energy front, International Arbitration Partner Philipp Kurek, who recently joined Haynes Boone, explains why treaty strategy still matters for energy projects following Energy Charter Treaty withdrawals. We also explore green hydrogen investment in the MENA region, consider contracting differences in the nuclear sector, provide practical guidance on “subject to contract” negotiations and how they can inadvertently become binding, and we analyse the English law disputes arising from the Iran conflict, including force majeure claims and cross-border commercial disputes.
Focusing on offshore oil and gas, we feature our chapter in GAR's Guide to Energy Arbitrations on managing offshore vessel construction disputes through arbitration. We also include an alert looking at risk allocation in FPSO and FLNG contracts and cover Glenn Kangisser's Bloomberg interview on how slow decommissioning activity is impacting the UK's energy transition and highlight the London office's role advising on CB&I's acquisition of Petrofac's Asset Solutions business. In dispute resolution, we highlight key reforms under the 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules.
We also bring news regarding the continued growth of the London office, which welcomed new partners in international arbitration, real estate and fund finance, as well as the firm's first tax partner in London. We are also pleased to announce that the London office has launched its first vacation scheme. Additionally, we share highlights from recent Crisis Management Academy sessions held in London and Aberdeen, the London Legal Walk and our recognition in the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List.
We hope you find these insights valuable for navigating the evolving legal landscape. Should you wish to discuss any of these matters, or suggest topics for future editions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
