Commodities
We provide an unparalleled insight into the law of commodities trade. Whether you work with energy, metals and mining or agriculture, we offer access to best practices relied upon by household names in the market.
Supporting spot deals, building from ground up a new trading operation or helping busy in-house teams through retainer arrangements – please rest assured we have the required experience and a relevant product to hand.
Our team breathes day in and day out with the commodities market and we shine when working in a fast-paced, high stress environment We have extensive experience covering a multitude of scenarios – from urgent off-takes to complex miner restructurings – and are ready to deal with most challenging circumstances
All commodities
We advise on all types of commodity, including energy, mining & metals and agriculture
Awareness
We need no introduction to the business: AHK, GAFTA 124, 3/3 OBL, QP, NoR, SSHEXUU, WSMD – these (and many others) are part of our daily language
Geography
We cover Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the CIS and, of course, Europe
Ready for challenges
Difficult negotiation? Unorthodox deal structure? Non-performing supplier? Force-majeure? We are well prepared to advise in each event
Services
01
Shipping, Logistics and Demurrage
01
Shipping, Logistics and Demurrage
Disputes and claims in the logistics chain arise far more frequently than in any other area of the commodities trade. Having sound arrangements as to carrier’s, shipper’s and receiver’s rights, obligations and liabilities is paramount to a successful trading operation
02
Force Majeure
02
Force Majeure
Often misunderstood and neglected, force majeure clauses have recently received much prominence due to the pandemic and armed conflict. And almost equally as often such clauses failed to meet parties’ expectations. Our view: a force majeure clause is almost always worth the attention
03
Storage and Throughput Agreements
03
Storage and Throughput Agreements
Are scheduling obligations clearly set out? Must the terminal accept your vessel on time? Is the storage operator liable for any resulting demurrage or idle time? Are loss and shrinkage ratios acceptable? A well negotiating agreement can make all the difference between a trade being a horribilis casus and a transaction with a steady profit
04
CIF, FOB and other Incoterms
04
CIF, FOB and other Incoterms
A common occurrence is where the Incoterm first considered turns out not to fit well with the transaction. The resulting upset – should a dispute arise – could be quite significant. In addition, sellers and buyers may not quite expect the terms implied at law into fob and cif contracts
05
Commercial Agreements
05
Commercial Agreements
Off-takes, consignment, distribution and marketing agreements – each commercial arrangement for the flow of commodities has its place, its advantages and shortcomings. We can help chose the right structure and implement it
06
Energy, Metals and Softs
06
Energy, Metals and Softs
We cover crude oil, petroleum products, coal, base and precious metals, grains, seeds and oils