Natural resources businesses face complex challenges as they navigate global markets, regulatory demands and the transition to a low-carbon future. Achieving commercial success in oil and gas, LNG, mining and metals requires not only technical expertise but also a clear understanding of shifting risks and opportunities.
Clients in this sector need support to optimise investment, manage risk, resolve disputes and secure the right outcomes across every stage of the value chain. Whether developing new projects, restructuring assets, entering new markets or responding to regulatory change, clients value advice that is practical, commercially focused and aligned with their strategic priorities.
Stephenson Harwood works alongside international energy companies, state entities, investors and service providers to deliver tailored solutions across upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas, LNG infrastructure, and mining operations. We bring deep sector insight, cross-border capability and a collaborative approach, drawing on experience in project finance, M&A, joint ventures, regulatory compliance and high-value disputes. Clients benefit from seamless support across multiple jurisdictions, with a focus on delivering practical results and minimising disruption.
They choose us for trusted advice that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term objectives, helping them achieve commercial success in a changing sector.
Our Services
Clients in the LNG sector need advice that goes beyond technical legal guidance. They seek practical solutions to navigate regulatory frameworks, secure investment, manage risk, and capitalise on emerging opportunities worldwide. As an international law firm, we are at the forefront of the gas sector.
We work alongside multinational corporations, regulatory bodies, and enterprises at every stage of the LNG value chain. Our team brings deep sector knowledge and a collaborative approach, drawing on firm-wide expertise in corporate, finance, regulatory, and dispute resolution.
We regularly advise clients on:
- Upstream
Transactions
Disputes
Upstream Construction and Offshore Project Development - Trading
- LNG Carriage
- Regasification FSRU and floating
- Regasification onshore experience
- Financing
- Shipbuilding and conversion
- Disputes
Recent experience includes:
- Advising a private Swiss company regarding a farm-in deal for 50% participation rights in two PSCs in offshore Indonesia with a 2C Contingent Resource >210Bcf (P50), presently held by an ASX listed company. Also advising the client regarding financing, corporate structuring and offtake options.
- Advising the trading arm of a global LNG trading and shipping corporation for review and advising on LNG Master Sale and Purchase Agreements, together with related spot confirms.
- Advising energy company on the terms for a long-term charter for shipment of LNG to UK, including advice on joint-venture and ship management structures.
- Advising on the first ever offshore regasification project, drafting terms for numerous LNG FSRU projects and advising on performance warranties, compliance with local regulations, and advising on related modification, JV and management contracts.
- Representing one of Korea's largest shipowners in a US$400 million dispute concerning defects in the construction and purchase of two LNG vessels.
For LNG-related legal advice, please contact Nick Dingemans, John Zadkovich or Kirsti Massie.
The oil sector is defined by its scale, complexity, and exposure to shifting geopolitical, regulatory, and market forces. Businesses operating in this environment must respond to evolving risks and opportunities while maintaining operational resilience and commercial focus.
We support independents, majors, state oil companies, global service providers, national oil companies and financial institutions at every stage of the value chain. We deliver tailored advice on mergers and acquisitions, project finance, joint operating agreements, and complex dispute resolution, including international arbitration and asset tracing. Our expertise in maritime, LNG, and offshore contracting further strengthens our ability to address the sector’s most specialised needs.
We regularly advise clients on:
- Upstream (including transactions, disputes and upstream construction and offshore project development)
- Midstream (including transportation and pipelines, trading, and trading disputes)
- Downstream (including retail, refining, petrochemicals and lubricants)
Recent experience includes:
- Advising several international oil and gas companies in relation to potential investor-state treaty claims against a sovereign SE state arising out of potential expropriation of offshore E&P fields.
- Advising an oil company on building an oil storage terminal in Singapore and subsequent disputes arising from the design and construction of the storage tanks; negotiations on leasing the foreshore and access to jetties owned by third party interests and dredging and blasting works needed to improve access to the terminal.
- Advising a global terminal and storage provider on the $400 million development of a refined oil product storage and jetty, together with customer supply contract and pipeline contract with a supermajor. (Stolthaven Singapore)
- Advising Vitol in relation to the acquisition of a 50% interest in the Cockett Group, one of the world’s largest resellers of marine fuels, and the related joint venture arrangements covering the global operations.
- Advising a UK IOC on the standardisation of its lubricant distribution arrangements in 25 jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
For oil-related legal advice, please contact Nick Dingemans or John Zadkovich.
In addition to our LNG experience (link) we also advise on the full gas value chain. We support state entities, corporates, infrastructure operators, and investors across the gas value chain. Our team brings deep sector knowledge and practical experience in upstream, midstream, and downstream projects, including pipelines, storage and power generation.
We regularly advise clients on:
- Upstream
- Midstream (including gas processing, pipelines and transmission, gas storage, trading and trading disputes)
- Downstream (gas to power, distribution)
Recent experience includes:
- Advising Asian Development Bank on its first natural gas distribution network project. The loan facility is part of ADB's US$150 million financing package comprising of "A loan" and "B loan” lending, partnering with twelve commercial banks.
- Acting for the contractor in a US$50 million dispute relating to the expansion of the Habshan Gas Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
- Advising a major global energy provider on its negotiations to acquire all the gas storage capacity in a new onshore gas storage facility to be constructed in the UK. (EDF Energy)
- Advising international consortia regarding a multi-million-dollar gas supply dispute with off-taker (BANI arbitration), successfully settled.
For gas-related legal advice, please contact Nick Dingemans, John Zadkovich or Kirsti Massie.
For our expertise in gas to power visit our Power & Utilities page.
We are perfectly placed to advise on a full range of mining related matters, with significant experience of advising international clients on exploration and development of mining projects, project/asset finance, capital markets, regulatory and international disputes. Our global network enables seamless collaboration across key mining markets, including London, Dubai, Singapore, Africa, Australasia and Asia.
We regularly advise clients on:
- Upstream (including licencing, exploration and production)
- Midstream (including transport of ore and trading)
- Downstream (including refining and processing)
- Finance
Recent experience includes:
- Advising an Australian private mining company on the proposed reopening of a gold mine in Alaska by the reprocessing of tailings and navigating the BLM (US).
Advising a Danish shipping company on a long-term transhipment contract for manganese ore in Gabon. (NORDEN A/S) - Advised Patagonia Gold Plc on its AIM IPO and subsequent secondary fundraisings and on its acquisition of mining assets in Argentina and associated royalty exchange.
- Advising a private UK cobalt mining company regarding its IPO (ASX) and capital raise for cobalt and copper assets in Cyprus.
- Acting for a Swiss commodity trading house in relation to an Indonesian gold financing with an underlying physical off-take agreement and a cash-settled commodity derivative.
- Advising and representing mining groups sellers and off-takers of coal and iron ore in litigation and arbitration under ICC and LCIA with respect to; issues under concessions agreements, regulatory, force majeure, illegality, quality, price review determination, shipments, termination, non and late delivery.
For mining and metals-related legal advice, Nick Dingemans or John Zadkovich.
Awards and Recognition
"Stephenson Harwood’s responsive, practical and adaptable practice is considered top for disputes in the oil and tanker business."
"Stephenson Harwood has provided a first-class service in our complex project. The team has been exemplary in their dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism."
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