Force majeure and contract performance: protecting your position in a conflict environment

This timely series is designed to support businesses operating across the oil and gas sector as they navigate the legal, regulatory, and commercial challenges arising from ongoing regional conflict and heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.

The webinars bring together our leading oil and gas specialists from across the firm, spanning Corporate and M&A, Sanctions and Export Controls, Insurance, Disputes and Arbitration, Regulatory, and Risk Advisory. The sessions are aimed at companies active across the entire oil and gas value chain, including operators, service providers, investors, and joint venture partners.

Regional conflict frequently gives rise to disputes over whether performance obligations have been suspended or discharged by force majeure, hardship, or frustration clauses — yet the drafting of these provisions varies enormously across O&G contracts. This session will analyse how courts and arbitral tribunals have interpreted force majeure in conflict scenarios, identify common drafting pitfalls, and advise on the steps operators and counterparties should be taking now to preserve their contractual positions and mitigate exposure.