Training Course on International Oil and Gas Law and Contracts

Training Course on International Oil & Gas Law & Contracts

Introduction

The global energy sector is rapidly evolving, with international oil and gas operations playing a crucial role in powering economies and sustaining industrial development. As exploration and production ventures expand across borders, understanding International Oil & Gas Law and Contracts becomes indispensable. Training Course on International Oil & Gas Law & Contracts offers a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks, commercial contracts, and regulatory policies that govern oil and gas operations globally. By combining real-world case studies with best legal practices, participants will gain a robust foundation in negotiating, drafting, and interpreting petroleum agreements across jurisdictions.

Designed for legal professionals, engineers, government officials, and industry stakeholders, this course leverages trending developments in energy transition, ESG compliance, and cross-border investments. Participants will explore key elements such as PSAs, JOA, risk service contracts, and host government agreements to navigate the legal risks and opportunities within this dynamic industry.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the legal framework governing international oil and gas operations.
2. Analyze and interpret Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs).
3. Evaluate different types of petroleum fiscal regimes.
4. Master the components of Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs).
5. Identify and mitigate cross-border legal risks in oil and gas transactions.
6. Examine the role of host government contracts and licenses.
7. Explore environmental, social, and governance (ESG) legal implications.
8. Learn strategies for dispute resolution in energy contracts.
9. Understand the impact of energy transition policies on legal frameworks.
10. Draft enforceable and clear oil & gas contracts.
11. Gain insight into emerging markets and local content requirements.
12. Review case law precedents and international arbitration outcomes.
13. Improve negotiation tactics for cross-cultural and multinational contracts.

Target Audience

1. Legal advisors in the oil & gas industry
2. Government officials and regulators
3. Energy sector consultants and analysts
4. Petroleum engineers and project managers
5. Compliance and risk officers
6. Contract managers and negotiators
7. International law students and academics
8. Investment and finance professionals in energy markets

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to International Oil & Gas Law

• Definition and scope of oil & gas law
• Evolution of global petroleum law
• Overview of upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors
• Key global players and jurisdictions
• International conventions and treaties
• Case Study: Legal evolution of the North Sea oil sector

Module 2: Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs)

• Structure and components of PSAs
• Legal obligations of IOCs and host states
• Cost oil vs. profit oil concepts
• Fiscal stability and renegotiation clauses
• Risk allocation mechanisms
• Case Study: Indonesia’s PSA transformation journey

Module 3: Concession and License Agreements

• Definition and legal framework
• Rights and obligations under licenses
• Duration and renewal clauses
• Government take and royalties
• Environmental and local obligations
• Case Study: Nigeria's Deep Offshore Licensing round

Module 4: Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs)

• Parties and roles in JOAs
• Operator duties and liabilities
• Decision-making procedures
• Cost-sharing and billing mechanics
• Default and withdrawal clauses
• Case Study: UK Continental Shelf JOA disputes

Module 5: Risk Service and Hybrid Contracts

• Definition and global use
• Legal comparison with PSAs
• Risk allocation between parties
• Economic implications and cost recovery
• Contract enforceability in unstable regions
• Case Study: Mexico’s migration to service contracts

Module 6: Environmental and ESG Considerations

• Legal mandates on environmental impact
• ESG reporting obligations
• Host country environmental legislation
• Climate change and decarbonization laws
• International best practices for sustainability
• Case Study: Shell’s climate litigation in the Netherlands

Module 7: Host Government Agreements (HGAs)

• Legal significance of HGAs
• Infrastructure development contracts
• Stabilization and arbitration clauses
• Fiscal incentives and exemptions
• Impact on sovereign policy changes
• Case Study: Chad-Cameroon pipeline agreement

Module 8: Legal Risks in Cross-Border Projects

• Political and expropriation risks
• Jurisdiction and choice of law
• Enforcement of foreign judgments
• Currency and tax regulation risks
• Contractual remedies and force majeure
• Case Study: Trans-Saharan pipeline dispute

Module 9: Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

• Arbitration vs. litigation
• Role of ICSID, UNCITRAL, and ICC
• Selection of forum and applicable law
• Evidence gathering and procedural rules
• Enforcement of awards
• Case Study: Chevron v. Ecuador arbitration

Module 10: Local Content and Compliance

• Definition of local content
• Legal mandates by host countries
• Impact on bidding and contracting
• Monitoring and reporting obligations
• Legal consequences for non-compliance
• Case Study: Ghana’s Local Content Act enforcement

Module 11: Drafting Oil & Gas Contracts

• Key clauses and terminology
• Structuring obligations and deliverables
• Clarity in performance and penalties
• Confidentiality and IP rights
• Drafting enforceable dispute clauses
• Case Study: Comparative analysis of two PSA drafts

Module 12: Fiscal and Taxation Frameworks

• Petroleum revenue management laws
• Royalties, bonuses, and income tax
• Tax treaties and double taxation risks
• Transfer pricing in oil transactions
• Legal audit and compliance
• Case Study: Angola’s oil tax reforms

Module 13: Legal Framework for LNG Projects

• Legal lifecycle of an LNG project
• Key contracts: SPAs, EPCs, and tolling agreements
• Maritime law and shipping regulations
• Environmental compliance for LNG
• Jurisdictional challenges for LNG exports
• Case Study: Mozambique LNG legal framework

Module 14: International Case Law and Precedents

• Role of judicial decisions in shaping law
• Landmark international oil & gas cases
• Application of international legal principles
• Precedent value in arbitration
• Interpretation of stabilization clauses
• Case Study: Mobil Oil v. Government of Libya

Module 15: Future Trends in Oil & Gas Law

• Legal implications of energy transition
• Hydrogen and carbon capture regulation
• Regulatory changes under net-zero goals
• International cooperation on climate law
• Renewable energy integration into contracts
• Case Study: EU Green Deal’s impact on energy law

Training Methodology

• Instructor-led interactive sessions by legal and industry experts
• Real-life case studies from global energy markets
• Workshops on contract drafting and negotiation
• Use of mock arbitrations and legal simulations
• Pre- and post-training assessments for knowledge evaluation
• Access to updated digital legal resources and templates

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.