COMMODITIES, INTERNATIONAL TRADE, LETTERS OF CREDIT

We advise oil majors, traders and banks on English and French law in relation to all types of hard and soft commodities including oil, grain, cocoa, and coffee in the context of the international sale of goods and related carriage issues, and on the drafting and enforcement of letters of credit. We advise on the INCOTERMS and UCP rules. We have extensive experience of contracts for physical delivery and derivatives. Our lawyers have been involved in:

-Acting for a bank in relation to alleged damage to a cargo of cocoa during the carriage by sea. The case involved arbitration in England, and litigation before the French courts including the conservatory attachment of bank accounts to secure our client’s claim.

-Advising on letters of credit to secure payment in respect of the manufacture of rocket engines.

-Numerous oil trading disputes including quality (for example sulphur content, extent of cracking), and substantial demurrage claims.

-Advising on the title to bulk oil in transit where English or French law could arguably be applicable.