Latest Discussions in Liquefied Natural Gas Transportation and Trade
We are pleased to announce a panel discussion, jointly hosted by our website and Twenty Essex, that will delve into the topical and perennial issues arising from the shipping and trading of LNG. The event, held under the Chatham House Rule, will provide a platform for participants to speak freely, with the understanding that no reporting, public attribution, or attribution to any individual will be made of the discussion or any part of it.
The panel will explore challenging scenarios in the current geopolitical environment related to LNG carrier construction contracts, LNG sales, and transportation. The discussion will cover a range of topics, including:
- Structural and pricing risks in long-term LNG contracts, particularly those indexed to Brent and Henry Hub, which impact European energy markets and create vulnerabilities in cost efficiency and market prices.
- Geopolitical and regulatory challenges related to LNG supply routes, including continued LNG flows through geopolitically sensitive areas like the Strait of Hormuz and evolving environmental regulations that may affect operations.
- Energy security and infrastructure investment, including rapidly expanding LNG import capacity in Europe through terminals, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and increased interconnections to diversify supply and strengthen market resilience.
- Financial sustainability and market dynamics, highlighted by cases like Egypt transitioning from net LNG exporter to importer, where LNG imports strain foreign exchange reserves and fiscal stability compared to cheaper long-term pipeline contracts.
- The implications of climate policies and carbon frameworks, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which may pose technical and diplomatic challenges due to differing carbon intensities in imported LNG.
- Legal aspects and contract diversification, needed to support the ambitious energy trade goals of the EU and other markets navigating shifting LNG trade landscapes.
The panel will feature Michael Ashcroft KC from Twenty Essex, Ieronymos Bikakis from our website, Miranda Hearn from Centrica Energy, Spyros Kokkaliaris from Gaslog, and Lindsey Swiger from our US team. The event is open to professionals dealing with LNG shipping and trading in-house, as well as disputes and transactional lawyers.
Following the panel discussion, a networking reception will be held to facilitate further discussions and connections. Registration for the event can be done on our website. We look forward to seeing you there!
- The panel, featuring industry experts, will delve into the financial sustainability and market dynamics of LNG, discussing cases like Egypt transitioning from a net exporter to an importer, where LNG imports strain foreign exchange reserves and fiscal stability.
- The event will also cover legal aspects and contract diversification, which are essential for supporting the ambitions of the EU and other markets navigating shifting LNG trade landscapes, within the energy sector.
