International arbitration

Our international arbitration team advises corporates, financial institutions, high net worth individuals and government bodies on complex, high-value disputes across the globe. We provide strategic, commercial advice at every stage of the arbitral process, from drafting and reviewing agreements to bringing or defending proceedings and enforcing or challenging arbitral awards. Our lawyers act under all major arbitral rules and regularly handle specialist commodities and shipping arbitrations.

Multi-jurisdictional dispute expertise

As business becomes ever more global, so does the potential for international disputes. Whether seeking to avoid a dispute or to resolve one efficiently, businesses need advisers who combine legal excellence with commercial insight. Our international arbitration team helps clients protect their interests and achieve their objectives through strategic, practical and results-driven advice.

Arbitration offers a flexible, confidential and internationally recognised means of resolving disputes. Our team guides clients through every phase of the arbitration process, from drafting and reviewing arbitration agreements to selecting arbitrators and managing complex jurisdictional and procedural issues. We are focused and pragmatic in our approach, with a wealth of experience in international enforcement of arbitral awards and other judgments. Our expert litigators assist clients with applications to the court for interim relief or challenges to an arbitral award.

Our lawyers have extensive experience under all the leading arbitral rules, including the LCIA, ICC, CAIP, European Court of Arbitration, CIIAM, OIC-AC and SIAC. We represent clients under UNCITRAL and ICSID rules, including in investor state arbitrations. Many of the matters we handle involve parties, assets and evidence spread across multiple jurisdictions. Drawing on the firm’s European and Singapore offices, as well as our international networks, Multilaw and the European Law Group, we provide coordinated cross-border support and deliver seamless solutions.

Penningtons Manches Cooper displays a commercial awareness that is second to none, particularly when it relates to international litigation.

We act for clients across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors, including finance, international trade, shipping, energy, mining and natural resources, technology, telecommunications, aviation and aerospace. Our team is particularly experienced in specialist sector arbitrations, including aviation and aerospace, shipping matters under LMAA and SMA rules and commodities disputes under GAFTA, FOSFA and MMTA rules. In every case, we tailor our strategy to our clients’ commercial objectives, and the industry and regulatory environment in which they operate.

With a combination of strategic insight, international reach and sector-specific expertise, we help clients navigate complex arbitration proceedings with confidence and achieve successful outcomes in some of the most challenging disputes worldwide.

How we help our clients

Validity and effect of arbitration clauses

Jurisdictional issues and strategy

Strategic advice on pre-emptive steps, including pre-arbitration attachment of assets

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before or during arbitration

Arbitral rules and institutions

Selection and appointment of arbitrators

Preparation of proceedings and written arbitral submissions

Challenging arbitral awards

Settlement and mediation

Applications for anti-suit injunctive relief in support of international arbitration proceedings

Enforcement and applicability of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York 1958)

Penningtons provides a truly 360-degree service that considers all commercial and regulatory aspects. Strength in depth and a fantastic practice. A brilliant team.

Penningtons Manches Cooper has a widely respected team of disputes lawyers in Singapore, noted for its offering in litigation, arbitration and mediation.

The firm is knowledgeable on the arbitration process and has a good understanding of the complexities of commodities trading.

Its international trade and commodities group is well known for its sector expertise and diverse client base.

Recent work highlights

Landmark arbitration on implied indemnity

Successfully acting in a charterparty arbitration over cargo damage claims relating to a soyabean shipment. The case established a significant precedent on the scope of implied indemnity, marking the first known apportionment of liability on this basis rather than under the Inter-Club Agreement.

UNCITRAL arbitration in transport sector

Acting for a leading European transport services provider in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings, brought by a multinational energy group, concerning fee entitlement at the end of a long-standing commercial relationship. We secured a favourable resolution and an ongoing collaboration framework.

US$28 million punitive damages dispute

Acting for a major international insurer in a London arbitration concerning punitive damages arising from a sky diving accident in Missouri. We successfully defeated claims worth US$28 million and secured a costs award of approximately £3 million.

Mining sector investment treaty arbitration

Advising investors on a potential BIT claim against a Central Asian state under the ICSID or UNCITRAL arbitration frameworks. The matter concerns alleged state interference affecting high-value mining assets and associated business interests.

SIAC arbitration in LNG shipbuilding dispute

Acting for a shipyard in a SIAC arbitration concerning the performance of a reliquefaction system installed on an LNG carrier during construction. The dispute involves complex technical, contractual and engineering issues relating to specialist marine equipment.

LMAA arbitration following container vessel fire

Representing major container carriers in LMAA arbitration proceedings arising from a significant vessel fire. The dispute involves complex vessel sharing agreement issues, including cross-claims between slot charterers and substantial cargo, salvage and maritime liabilities.

Sanctions issues in cross-border energy trading

Acting for a Singapore-based oil trader in an English law arbitration against a UAE counterparty arising from a diesel spot sale contract. The dispute raises issues over contractual performance, international trade and the potential impact of sanctions compliance.

ICC arbitration over Ugandan business acquisition

Acting for the claimant in an ICC arbitration arising from the acquisition of a Ugandan business. The dispute involves English contractual interpretation and Ugandan tax law, including VAT receivables and post-completion adjustments. We are challenging an expert determination on the basis of manifest error.

Parallel commodities trading arbitrations

Advising the Refined Sugar Association on parallel arbitrations involving a leading sugar trader and a China-based business. The disputes concerned arbitral jurisdiction, implied contractual terms arising during dealing, and the impact of international regulatory frameworks on cross-border trading.

Strategic guidance on potential state interference

Advising a high-profile industrialist on alleged state interference affecting substantial manufacturing, automotive and media interests. The matter involves alleged asset expropriation and unfair state conduct, highlighting our expertise in investor-state disputes and international arbitration strategy.

Successful challenge to arbitral award

Overturning an arbitral award in a complex partnership dispute involving property ownership, fiduciary duties and surplus proceeds. This was a significant legal and commercial outcome for our clients as the bar for challenging an arbitral award in the High Court is notoriously high.