INSIGHTS

Firmness Is a Strategy: Protecting a Charterer’s Position From Laycan to Arbitration

In shipping disputes, what sinks you is not the loud risk but the quiet erosion of a strong position through "well-meaning" correspondence. The charterer's constant requests for extensions, the endless "just a little longer" — and suddenly a clear right to cancel the contract starts to look arguable.

In our new article, we examine how discipline from the very outset saves the case: why you must never agree to "cancellation by mutual consent," why you should reserve your rights in writing every time, and how we turned leverage into a binding settlement agreement. Five practical takeaways for charterers and shipowners alike — inside . . . Read more

22.06.2026

FOB Wheat Default in the Black Sea: How We Protected a Seller Against a Non-Performing Buyer Under GAFTA 49

Our client, a commodity trading house, entered into an FOB sale of 30,000 MT (±10%) milling wheat, loading one safe port Constanta, Romania. The contract incorporated GAFTA 49 (October 2025 edition) with English law and GAFTA arbitration in London.

The parties negotiated terms over several days, agreed on quality specifications, payment terms (10% deposit within three working days of signature, balance against documents), and a delivery window of roughly two and a half weeks. The contract expressly stated that time of payment was of the essence. The transaction appeared routine. It was not . . . Read more

12.05.2026

When the Money Stops Moving: OFAC, Buyer Default, and the Unforgiven Logic of English Law in Commodity Trade

There is a scenario that is becoming increasingly familiar in international commodity markets, particularly in trades involving the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region: a buyer defaults on payment, not out of bad faith in the traditional sense, but because their funds have been frozen, blocked, or intercepted somewhere within the international banking system. The downstream payment arrives. The upstream payment does not. And the seller — who has delivered or is committed to delivering tens of thousands of metric tonnes of grain — is left holding the contractual risk and wondering whether the buyer's explanation provides any legal shelter. . . Read more

02.04.2026

Quality Issues and Payment Obligations under DAP Contracts

When goods are delivered under DAP terms, disputes often arise over whether the buyer may withhold payment due to quality concerns. As a general principle, quality claims do not automatically release the buyer from the obligation to pay. . . Read more

03.03.2026

When a Counter-party Looks for Excuses – Strong Claims Handling Makes the Difference. 6 million US dollars recovered.

In the recent case our client was the Seller of 30,000 MT of milling wheat under FOB terms, governed by GAFTA 49 and English law. From the very beginning, the Buyer tried to avoid proper performance of the contract. Our team stepped in . . . Read more

25.01.2026

International Sale and Purchase Contracts: What Should Be Considered When Concluding and Performing Them? 

The day-to-day activities of international market operators are connected with the conclusion and performance of contracts with their counterparties. Such contracts, in terms of their characteristics and conditions, may differ significantly depending on the goals and intentions of the parties. Read more

22.12.2025