Offshore Energy Legal Bulletin – February 2026

Welcome to edition thirteen of Stephenson Harwood’s Offshore Energy Legal Bulletin.

After a short break over the Christmas period (which already feels many months ago), we are back with a bumper edition to kick off 2026. We’re delighted to welcome a notable number of new readers to our mailing list this month, thank you to our regular subscribers, receiving this on email, for sharing these updates with your colleagues and contacts. Your support helps us reach a wider audience across the sector.

As always, this bulletin provides a snapshot of the latest legal developments applicable to the offshore energy sector. In this edition, we highlight changes to the UK visa sponsored work routes, update you on BIMCO’s new emission trading scheme clause for BARECON, and review some useful recent judgments.

We hope you find this edition useful. As always, if you would like to discuss any of the topics in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

CHANGES TO THE UK VISA SPONSORED WORK ROUTES

Sharp rise in the UK Immigration Skills Charge and higher English threshold ahead for UK skilled worker sponsors. Written by Jessica Smart, Partner

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BARECON REDELIVERY – WHERE DO I GO?

Recent case narrows owners’ redelivery options under bareboat charterparties and clarifies ‘port convenient to owners’ repossession clause. Written by George Lawrence, Associate.

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UK BORDER FORCE CHECKS

Urgent need to tighten crew immigration compliance within 12nm of UK coast. Written by Jessica Smart, Partner, and Elgan Rees Williams, Managing Associate.

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EMISSION TRADING SCHEME CLAUSE FOR BARECON

New BIMCO ETS charterparty clause for BARECON is imminent. Written by Rachel Hoyland, Of Counsel.

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VESSEL OWNERS BEWARE: CAN A MASTER’S INCOMPETENCE RENDER A VESSEL UNSEAWORTHY?

English court confirms masters’ failings can sink owners’ seaworthiness and insurance claims. Written by Petros Vorgias, Trainee Solicitor, and Elgan Rees Williams, Managing Associate.

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