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Energy Disputes
When energy disputes arise they can often be some of the most complex, requiring knowledge of multi-jurisdictional law and in-depth industry know-how. With more than half of our lawyers and other legal professionals supporting clients on contentious matters, Bond Pearce is a firm dedicated to dispute resolution. We have a team of litigators with a formidable track record of resolving large disputes at the highest level and this team is an integral part of our energy practice.
Our expertise ranges from complex national and multi-jurisdictional disputes to smaller high volume claims, and we are sophisticated users of Alternative Dispute Resolution to help clients reach their objectives. Perhaps most importantly of all, we form close relationships with clients to develop good risk management and to do all that is achievable to prevent disputes ever arising. We understand our clients' industry and business to make sure we are able to recommend options, predict likely outcomes and enable our clients to make informed decisions and manage costs.
Clients recommend us for our ability to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively. As active participants in the firm's energy group, we regularly advise on matters in the sector.
Recent experience includes:
- advising Statoil on a disputed pipeline crossing for the Langled Pipeline
- advising Channel Four Energy on its dispute with Seaway Heavy Lifting relating to delivery schedules for topsides and jackets for platforms being installed
- successfully defending a judicial review in Scotland challenging consent to build the Paul's Hill Wind Farm
- reviewing the gas supply contract for the BTC pipeline from a litigation and risk management perspective
- advising RWE Npower in relation to a contract to supply electricity and steam generated at a local gas powered station
- advising Countrywide Farmers regarding a claim that Countrywide had induced a breach of a Flogas contract for the supply of LPG to a third party
- advising Countrywide Farmers on terminating a joint venture agreement with Esso for the supply of LPG
- advising RES in relation to Glens of Foundland wind turbine blades disrupting TV signals
We have also developed PASS - the "Petroleum Assisted Settlement Service" - with a view to settling disputes quickly, privately and economically. Mediation is still relatively little used in the petroleum industry, but the benefits include:
- privacy and confidentiality
- speedy resolution by negotiated settlement (80-90% of mediations settle after just one day)
- avoidance of prolonged litigation, which can be expensive and damage business relations
- retention of control over dispute resolution, rather than ceding control to a court process
- ability to be flexible and creative in finding a resolution
- only when agreement is reached do the parties enter into a binding settlement agreement
