In the oil and gas industry, contracts are fundamental to business relationships, defining the terms under which operations are conducted. The standard contracts used vary depending on the country where the project is taking place. Hence, the type of contract used may be decisive for the risk exposure assumed by the parties.

The European trade association Orgalim, which represents Europe’s engineering and technology industries, has been in the forefront of recognising the ongoing need for the development of standard conditions for the supply and installation of products. This is essential for global sale and purchase of mechanical and electrical products generally but also within the shipping and offshore sector. The latest revision of the Orgalim SI standard terms is the Orgalim SI 2024, which was recently published in English.

The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has completed a strategic impact assessment of three of the 20 offshore areas identified as potential sites for offshore wind development in Norway. NVE recommends to increase capacity in the Vestavind F area, to open a new project area in Sørvest F, and to defer any developments in Vestavind B for the time being.

In aviation and other sectors, equipment leasing has long been a recognised tool for companies looking to finance expensive items of equipment. Whilst to date equipment leasing has been less visible in the shipping industry, we are now seeing an increased interest in this type of financing from both shipowners and equipment lessors. However, leasing arrangements do include some inherent risks which the parties should seek to mitigate.

With its history and extensive experience with CO2 management as an oil and gas nation, Norway is a leading country in building a new CCS value chain in the fight against climate change.

Mainland China has become the largest offshore wind market in the world. An overall industry chain has been established which encompasses complete offshore wind installation and operation, as well as maintenance and spare parts manufacturing, presenting an attractive market for both domestic and foreign companies.

According to the report “Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change”, published 4 April 2022, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is essential in order to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and reach the climate goals. When establishing an international value chain for CCS, the industry will have to work within the international rules and framework. This article focuses on the restrictions on export of CO2 in the “London Dumping Regime”, especially the London Protocol.

Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS)

China

Contract Law and Construction

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Ship and rig recycling

Shipping

Shipping Offshore

Partner

Christian is partner in the Shipping Offshore group and lead of Wikborg Rein's New Energy Ventures work from Bergen and Stavanger, as well as lead partner for Wikborg Rein's supply and oil service department. Christian has more than 22 years of experience within the oil & gas sector. 

He has a particular long and vast experience with drilling contracts and supply contracts as well as shipbuilding and offshore projects. His extensive contract and project experience has positioned him uniquely both as a strategic advisor and in new energy venture developments where he has been lead lawyer in several industry projects. He also has significant experience in CO₂ transport and storage projects.

Christian was the Managing Partner of Wikborg Rein's Shanghai office from 2016 to 2019 and has extensive experience in cross border contracts and investment matters. 

Christian is ranked by Legal 500 as a recommended lawyer, and has received the following client testimonial: 

"I have recently worked a lot with partner Christian James-Olsen and associate Jens Drageset. Both provide quick, quality feedback. They are able to convey legal perspectives in a simple, understandable and case efficient manner. They are always available. Even after working long hours, they are in a good mood, and we always find a way forward", Legal 500.

Bergen

Notable practitioner

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Christian is head of Wikborg Rein's Renewables Energy group in Bergen. He primarily works with project development works and contract advice within the shipping, offshore and energy industry.

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Recognitions