On 21 April 2022 BIMCO released SHIPSALE 22, its new standard contract for sale/purchase of vessels.

Ina Lutchmiah, head of Wikborg Rein's transactional practice in Singapore, is leading the team advising global downstream gas and LNG logistics company, Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific (AG&P).

The English Court of Appeal has in a recent judgment (Hamida Begum v Maran (UK) Limited [2021] EWCA Civ 326) upheld the High Court’s decision to decline to strike out a claim against a UK ship manager for the death of a shipyard worker in Bangladesh following a demolition sale.

We have advised global downstream gas and LNG logistics company, AG&P, on its long-term charter from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) of a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) for AG&P’s new LNG import terminal.

Using LNG rather than fuel oil is one of a range of options available to owners seeking to comply with IMO 2020. Given that shipbrokers have long predicted the emergence of a two-tier shipping market with 'greener' ships commanding a premium over older less eco-friendly vessels, what then is the future for LNG bunkering, and what challenges does it present?

International conventions and local regulations combine to create a complex regime, which is often overlooked. The sale of a ship or rig to an intermediate buyer, who then sells the asset on to a shipbreaking facility, will not necessarily insulate the original owner from future liability or reputational damage.

Maritime and Offshore Emergency Response

Offshore

Oil and Gas

Ship and rig recycling

Shipping

Partner 

Ina is the Managing Director of Wikborg Rein's Singapore office and leads the transactional practice.  She has particular expertise in LNG projects and other shipping and offshore energy transactions.

Her experience includes advising on long-term charters for FSRU and FLNG projects, sale and purchase agreements, sale and leaseback arrangements, joint ventures and corporate structures, shareholder agreements and related documents, business acquisition due diligence, JV partner due diligence, time charters and related service agreements, shipbuilding contracts, EPC contracts, drilling contracts, towage contracts and decommissioning and recycling of offshore assets and vessels in accordance with the Basel Convention regime.

Ina is English qualified and speaks fluent English, Bulgarian and Greek.

Client endorsements:

"Ina Lutchmiah is trusted for her expertise in complex shipping and energy deals. Ina industry knowledge makes her a standout professional in the shipping and energy space, offering a combination of expertise, responsiveness, and practical advice that clients value." (Legal 500)

"Ina Lutchmiah is a top-tier choice for potential clients seeking legal counsel in the energy industry especially in relation to shipping and offshore energy transactions." (Legal 500)

"Ina Lutchmiah is not only a good lawyer, but very solution oriented and focuses on finding a sensible way forward instead of being caught up in the issues." (Legal 500)

Singapore

Managing Director, Wikborg Rein Singapore Pte Ltd

Next Generation Partner

Rising Star

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Ina is the Managing Director of Wikborg Rein's Singapore office and leads the transactional practice. She has particular expertise in LNG projects and other shipping and offshore energy transactions.

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