The Adaptation of Long-Term Gas Sale Agreements by Arbitrators

The Adaptation of Long-Term Gas Sale Agreements by Arbitrators
Author: Pietro Ferrario
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 217
Release: 2017-04-15
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9041186166

International commercial gas sale agreements are often characterised by a duration of twenty years or more. Consequently, when unforeseen events alter market conditions the contractual equilibrium originally found by the parties is disrupted, giving rise to the necessity to renegotiate and adapt the agreement. If negotiation fails, the parties in most cases submit the matter to arbitration. This comprehensive analysis of what can happen under such circumstances proceeds from an in-depth consideration of the power of arbitrators to intervene on the agreement in the light of arbitrability and procedural law. The author fully explains the complex special nature of gas pricing and contract clauses, and takes into account such features as the following, especially in the wake of the 2009 crisis as it affected the gas sector: - take or pay clauses; - mechanisms for gas price calculation; - price review and price re-opener clauses; - hardship provisions; - problems arising from the absence of a specific clause providing for adaptation/adjustment; - effect on contracts of the emergence and development of spot or traded gas markets; and - trend toward introducing spot-market elements into an oil-indexed price formula. The analysis draws on interviews with lawyers and arbitrators who have been involved in recent proceedings regarding gas sale contract adaptations, and also considers court decisions issued in setting aside or enforcing arbitration awards handed down in energy disputes. A central discussion throughout this book is the possible responses to the question of whether it is possible to determine a principle of law justifying the arbitrator’s power to intervene in contract adaptation. All professionals involved in the production, wholesaling, or distribution of gas will find this book indispensable. It will also be of special value to practitioners, policymakers, and regulators in the fields of energy law and environmental law.

Economic Analysis of the Arbitrator’s Function

Economic Analysis of the Arbitrator’s Function
Author: Bruno Guandalini
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 360
Release: 2020-06-16
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9403522704

Economic Analysis of the Arbitrator’s Function Bruno Guandalini Arbitration has become an important market, where arbitrators are rational economic agents maximizing their utility. Although this is self-evident, it is rarely discussed. This penetrating book is the first to comprehensively analyze the market for arbitrators and arbitrators’ economic role within it. In great depth, the author tackles such salient issues as the following: effect of perceived inefficiencies and high costs on arbitration legitimacy; alleged commercialization of the arbitrator’s function; possible ethical problem raised by financial remuneration for rendering justice; what motivates a person to arbitrate; market for arbitrators’ functioning and failures, providing a better understanding of how actors could behave in such a specific market; structural and artificial entry barriers; effect of an arbitrator’s strategic behavior on the arbitrator’s function; limitations on an arbitrator’s rationality; and preventing and correcting these limitations. Numerous references to customs and procedures in major arbitral jurisdictions and to international laws and conventions affecting the efficiency of the arbitrator’s function are included. Pursuing a non-prescriptive analysis, the author draws on the discipline of law and economics, rational choice theory, behavioral economics, and psychological work on bounded rationality. Understanding the arbitrator’s function as a legal institution that is influenced by the market, this pioneer in developing and systematizing the study of the market for arbitrators and how it works will prove of inestimable value to all stakeholders in the arbitration market. Arbitrators, policymakers, regulators, and academics will be enabled to open the way to a more efficient market for arbitrators and betterment in arbitration worldwide.

Cambridge Compendium of International Commercial and Investment Arbitration

Cambridge Compendium of International Commercial and Investment Arbitration
Author: Stefan Kröll
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 3006
Release: 2023-03-02
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1009302388

The Compendium, like an encyclopedia, contains entries for most of the foundational principles and concepts underlying arbitration. Each entry takes a holistic view of international arbitration, as they tackle core concepts from both a commercial and an investment arbitration perspective, focusing on the fundamental issues underlying the various topics rather than on the solutions adopted in any particular jurisdiction, thus making the Compendium a truly cross-border, transnational resource. This innovative approach will allow readers to identify the commonalities as well as the differences between commercial and investment arbitration, whether and where cross-fertilization has taken place and what consequences it can have. This approach allows the Compendium to be a tool in promoting the creation of a culture of international arbitration that considers commercial arbitration and investment arbitration as part of a whole but with certain distinct features particular to each.

International Arbitration in Latin America

International Arbitration in Latin America
Author: Gloria M. Alvarez
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 462
Release: 2021-04-08
Genre: Law
ISBN: 904119973X

Energy projects in Latin America are a major contributor to economic growth worldwide. This book is the first to offer a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of specific issues arising from energy and natural resources contracts and disputes in the region, covering a wide range of procedural, substantive, and socio-legal issues. The book also includes how states have shifted from passive business partners to more active controlling players. The book contains an extensive treatment and examination of the particularities of arbitration practice in Latin America, including arbitrability, public order, enforcement, and the complex public-private nature of energy transactions. Specialists experienced in resolving international energy and natural disputes throughout the region provide detailed analysis of such issues and topics, including: state-owned entities as co-investors or contracting parties; role of environmental law, indigenous rights and public participation; issues related to political changes, corruption, and quantification of damages; climate change, renewable energy, and the energy transition; force majeure, hardship, and price reopeners; arbitration in the electricity sector; take-or-pay contracts; recognition and enforcement of awards; tension between stabilization clauses and human rights; mediation as a method for dispute settlement in the energy and natural resources sector; and different comparative approaches taken by national courts in key Latin American jurisdictions. The book also delivers a clear explanation on the impact made to the arbitration process by Covid-19, emerging laws, changes of political circumstances, the economic global trends in the oil & gas market, the energy transition, and the rise of new technologies. This invaluable book will be welcomed by in-house lawyers, government officials, as well as academics and rest of the arbitration community involved in international arbitration with particular interest in the energy and natural resources sector.

Arbitrators as Lawmakers

Arbitrators as Lawmakers
Author: Dolores Bentolila
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 275
Release: 2017-04-05
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9041183558

This book analyses how arbitrators make rules that guide, constrain, and define the process and substance of international arbitration. Providing a thorough and multidisciplinary analysis of the actors, process, and outcome of arbitral lawmaking, the study shows how arbitrators create principles of law through consistent arbitral decision-making and through interacting with other members of the arbitral community. This book investigates and responds to the following questions: - What is the relationship between international arbitration and the law and courts of the seat? - What is the role of international tribunals in assisting and controlling investment arbitration? - What is the scope of arbitrators’ freedom in decision-making? - What constraints limit arbitrators’ decision-making and contribute to consistency? - Is international arbitration capable of paying deference to past arbitral decisions? - Which rules have arbitrators created in procedural and substantive matters? - What is the role and status of consistent arbitral decisions? - Is there an arbitral legal system? The answers to these questions are drawn from actual arbitral decisions made available to the public, clarifying important issues about jurisdiction, procedure, applicable law, interpretation of substantive rules and instruments, and remedies. This is the first overarching study of whether and to what extent international commercial, and investment arbitrators create norms and even generate a legal system. As such, it will be of immeasurable and lasting value to arbitrators, practitioners, scholars, arbitral institutions, and international organizations worldwide, for all of whom it will not only clarify our understanding of arbitral decision-making and arbitrator-made rules, but also foster transparency and accountability in arbitral decision-making

Multiple Contracts and Coordination in International Construction Projects

Multiple Contracts and Coordination in International Construction Projects
Author: Jürg Künzle
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 265
Release: 2020-07-16
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9403519940

International Arbitration Law Library, Volume Number 57 Collaboration between multiple parties from different countries is one of the main challenges of almost every international undertaking, and this is especially true in the case of large and complex construction projects, such as airport terminals, interchange subway stations, distribution centers, industrial processing and manufacturing facilities or hydropower plants. This comprehensive analysis of key legal issues arising from interdependencies between multiple contracts methodically lays out, from a Swiss law perspective, the way in which coordination of works in construction projects could or should occur. It also examines the legal consequences of coordination failure and various related aspects of dispute resolution. Topics covered include the following: interfaces and interdependencies across the system boundaries of multiple contracts coordination responsibilities derived from the principle of good faith and from a contextual interpretation of interdependence-related FIDIC Red Book provisions; delegation scenarios; liability for breach of contract and legal remedies in case of delay, disruption, defects, destruction and performance impossibility; direct claims against third parties; taking of evidence under substantively intertwined contracts; and coordination of interrelated arbitration proceedings. The detailed analysis draws on numerous specific real-life examples as well as illustrative Swiss and Unites States case law. An appendix offers very useful practice pointers. Although considering Swiss law, which is a frequent choice for the law governing international construction contracts, the analysis deals with an array of conceptual aspects of multiple contracts and coordination, thereby addressing a great number of issues beyond the limits of national law. With its practical examples, the book is sure to be welcomed by those seeking to avoid or resolve disputes to which project coordination may give rise. It will prove of particular value to practitioners negotiating international construction contracts, arbitrators, in-house counsel representing owners and contractors involved in international construction projects, members of dispute review boards and project managers.

Interpretation of Contracts in Comparative and Uniform Law

Interpretation of Contracts in Comparative and Uniform Law
Author: Ahmet Cemil Yildirim
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 323
Release: 2019-05-14
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9403511044

Due to the globalized nature of modern commerce, arbitrators and legal counsel are often required to interpret contracts according to the rules of legal systems that are different from their own. Thus a thorough comparative examination of the principles of interpretation of contracts in major legal systems and uniform laws, such as this indispensable book provides, becomes an essential resource. The book examines the principles of contract interpretation found in seven legal systems—French, Italian, German, Swiss, Turkish, English, and U.S.—as well as in all applicable uniform laws, drawing on the case law and scholarship aligned with each. In addition to texts intended to unify or harmonize the law at a global level, the European Union’s uniform law texts, which constitute an important reference model for regional codifications, are also presented. The terminology peculiar to each system has been preserved in its language. Specific issues and topics raised include the following: “subjective” versus “objective” interpretation; historical reasons for basic differences in the approaches of individual legal systems; the principle of freedom of contract; good faith and fair dealing; rules that restrict the interpretation of contracts; and commercial usages. The author’s systematic presentation culminates in a proposal of a practical and universal method of interpretation of contracts. Given the importance of the interpretation of contracts in cross-border transactions, every practitioner of international arbitration will welcome this incomparable book’s easy access to the essential literature and case law in the legal systems and uniform laws they are most likely to encounter. Corporate counsel, scholars, and academics will discover the only detailed comparative overview available of the theory and practice of the interpretation of contracts.

Contractual Performance and COVID-19

Contractual Performance and COVID-19
Author: Franz Schwarz
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 610
Release: 2021-11-25
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9403526343

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll, contractual parties have frequently faced significant obstacles in performing their contractual obligations due to unexpected impediments arising from the pandemic and government measures taken in response. This indispensable book – the most comprehensive comparative examination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on contractual performance – discusses the legal provisions and doctrines available to address these issues. The book examines under what circumstances COVID-19-related impediments may excuse contractual performance or lead to modification or termination of the affected contractual obligations in twelve representative civil and common law jurisdictions – the United States, England and Wales, Singapore, Brazil, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, China, and Russia. For each country, the book examines the following aspects in depth: the relevant fundamental legal principles; the various legal emergency valves available to an obligor to respond to COVID-19-related events; any remedies available to the obligee; selected examples for specific government measures related to particular types of contracts (e.g., construction, employment, lease agreements); and how the legal framework applies in typical factual scenarios. As further legal and factual developments occur, and with further jurisdictions being added, this publication will continue to be updated both online and in print. The book provides a detailed explanation under what conditions the emergency valves specific to each jurisdiction may apply. It cuts through the seeming complexity of the various legal rules and doctrines in these jurisdictions and shows that they often produce similar results in practice. The book thus opens up a wealth of insights for businesses, practitioners, and academics around the globe by providing an easily accessible analytical framework across key jurisdictions and typical factual scenarios. ‘Definitely mandatory reading for practitioners and academics alike!’ –Klaus Peter Berger, University of Cologne ‘Everyone who has had or is likely to have a brush with a COVID-19-induced legal issue would be well advised to keep this book within arm’s reach.’ – Davinder Singh, Davinder Singh Chambers LLC, Singapore ‘The “holy book” for all those lawyers whose clients become ensnared in the rising attempts to fix legal liability midst the rampant COVID-19.’ – Charles Brower, Twenty Essex, London

Privity of Contract in International Investment Arbitration

Privity of Contract in International Investment Arbitration
Author: Martina Magnarelli
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 445
Release: 2020-05-21
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9403519908

Is privity of contract the reason why investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) is open to critics, or could it contribute to solving the system’s legitimacy crisis? Privity of contract essentially means that a subject must be a party to a contract, in order to acquire rights and assume obligations, to sue and be sued under that contract. Privity of contract came to land on the shores of ISDS and this has at least on one occasion been described as an ‘original sin’. Arbitral tribunals often need to decide whether they have jurisdiction in cases where a party to the investment contract is not the claimant but a related entity, or not the central government, but a state agency or state-owned enterprise. In light of the deep interconnection between, on the one hand, the criticism today surrounding investment treaty arbitration – be it called judicial activism and regulatory chill, or be it called abuse of law and indirect claims – and, on the other hand, the domains where privity of contract applies, this book’s original and far-reaching analysis clearly lays out, via an in-depth examination of relevant case law, a possible use of the doctrine that can contribute to leading ISDS out of the crisis. The study’s conclusions respond with thoroughly researched authority to such key questions as the following: In which domains of international investment arbitration does the notion of privity of contract operate, and with what effects? How are states and arbitral panels reacting to the persisting unresolved issues raised by the increasing pertinence of this legal doctrine? What solutions are advisable in the midst of the current criticisms surrounding ISDS? The author finds that the doctrine of privity of contract finds application in heterogeneous scenarios, from decisions on jurisdiction where there are forum selection clauses in investment contracts or fork-in-the-road provisions in investment treaties, to consolidation, counterclaims and umbrella clause claims. She proposes a flexible interpretation of the doctrine of privity of contract as a guiding principle arbitral tribunals should consider along with other factors (inter alia the tightness of the relation between the investor and its subsidiary and the host state’s involvement in the organization and function of agencies or state-owned enterprises). The book’s thorough and extensive examination of investment arbitration case law draws comparisons with other international adjudicatory bodies and identifies the most actual and compelling unresolved legal issues. Appendices include lists of many of the arbitration cases, international judgments and national judgments discussed. As a constructive contribution to the current debate, this enquiry is an extraordinary achievement. No other study has conducted such thorough research on the application of privity of contract in investment treaty arbitration. It will be of great interest to arbitration lawyers, arbitrators, foreign investors, host states and scholars in all areas of international arbitration and dispute settlement.

Good Faith in International Commercial Arbitration

Good Faith in International Commercial Arbitration
Author: Sabrina Pearson-Wenger
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
Total Pages: 659
Release: 2024-07-15
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9403507489

From the perspective of users of international commercial arbitration, the uncertainties surrounding the application of good faith by an arbitral tribunal create an unwelcome unpredictability. Acknowledging this prevalent situation, this book is the first to study in depth the available international arbitral awards that have applied good faith, thus providing detailed guidance on how this notion is (and can be) applied by tribunals in international commercial arbitration. Moreover, the author proposes a set of deeply informed guidelines for the future application of good faith by arbitral tribunals to both the parties’ contract and the arbitration agreement. This book provides a comprehensive description of the role and scope of good faith under governing laws in key jurisdictions (England, New York, Switzerland, France, Germany, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Canada) as well as under the CISG, the UNIDROIT Principles, and other uniform law and soft law instruments. The book greatly clarifies the source and role of good faith with respect to the following issues surrounding the arbitration agreement: formal validity of the arbitration agreement; incorporation of the arbitration agreement by reference; interpretation of the arbitration agreement; capacity and power of the parties to arbitrate; extension of an arbitration agreement to a non-signatory party; pre-arbitration requirements to negotiate or mediate; and performance of the arbitration agreement. Proposed guidelines for the application of good faith to each of these issues are included, along with useful figures summarizing the content of the obligations to negotiate or mediate in good faith prior to resorting to arbitration as well as the obligation to arbitrate in good faith. By analysing the role and scope of good faith under different national and non-national laws, this book will prove of inestimable value not only by providing invaluable insight into the recourse to good faith by arbitral tribunals but also by providing guidance on how good faith should be applied to the parties’ contract in international commercial arbitration. Arbitrators, as well as users of arbitration, will welcome the clarity on how good faith is applied to the various issues surrounding the arbitration agreement and, in particular, to the pre-arbitration requirements to negotiate or mediate as well as the performance of the arbitration agreement.