Ben Holland

Partner, K&L Gates

Described as a “true energy disputes lawyer”, and “excellent for tricky, high-value disputes”, Ben Holland specialises in handling multijurisdictional large-scale dispute resolution for energy-sector clients around the world.

Ben works exclusively on energy-related disputes, with a particular emphasis on natural gas. Recent editions of The American Lawyer’s Arbitration Scorecard have recognised three of Ben’s gas-sector arbitrations as among the largest in the world.

Ben is a recognised expert on hydrocarbon supply and pricing disputes under long-term international oil, gas, LNG and coal sale agreements and the impact of economic and regulatory change on the commercial balance under them. He also focusses on disputes arising out of fluctuations in the price of crude oil and the consequential impact on the price of oil products, natural gas, LNG, coal and other commodities.

Active in the oil, LNG, power and utilities, renewables and mining sectors, Ben advises on disputes concerning the construction, operation and decommissioning of oil, gas and LNG production facilities and equipment, pipelines, onshore and offshore engineering, power and renewables facilities. He also handles international trade and shipping disputes.

Contributed to

2

Decommissioning Disputes

Practice notes

This Practice Note provides an overview of the main issues in decommission of oil and gas installations and pipelines that may give rise to disputes between interested parties, including Section 29 Notices, decommissioning security agreements (DSAs) and contractor disputes in relation to delay, variation, force majeure and indemnity provisions covering property damage and pollution.

Energy

Force majeure and frustration in offshore oil and gas drilling, decommissioning and service contracts in response to a significant market disruption

Practice notes

This Practice Note provides guidance to offshore oil and gas industry participants who seek to rely on force majeure or frustration relief in relation to their offshore oil and gas drilling, decommissioning and service contracts, as a result of a significant market disruption, such as coronavirus (COVID-19). It provides an overview of force majeure and frustration under English law, includes practical considerations and steps in relation to claiming such relief, and analyses the application of relevant provisions in a sample of commonly used industry contracts. While this note focuses on COVID-19 as the context for the market disruption, the issues it addresses will be applicable to other disruptions affecting the offshore energy sector in the future, including possible future pandemics.

Energy