Upstream oil and gas

We are very familiar with the practical issues in upstream exploration, development and production such as local content, domestic obligations, state participation and public policy requirements. We advise our clients in the negotiation of effective international granting instruments; seismic agreements; drilling and service agreements; farm-out and joint operating agreements; and off-take arrangements.

We have demonstrable expertise in, amongst other things:

• Concession contracts, production sharing agreements, leasing and other arrangements, risk service arrangements, exploration and production rights, joint operating agreements, unitisation agreements, joint ventures and cost sharing mechanisms.
• Drafting relevant legislation as well as strategies, best practices, and programmes to expand and encourage exploration and production.
• The development, construction and financing of infrastructure.
• Assisting clients in the development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, including shale gas and coal-bed methane.
• Due diligence for transactions involving buyers, sellers, and financial institutions engaged in acquisitions and other hydrocarbon related investments.
• International and domestic dispute resolution.
• Actively counsel on how to capitalise on changes currently affecting the global oil and gas industry, and best practices.
• Unitisation.