Side Events

Default and termination in commodity & shipping contracts: drawing the line between commercial pressure and repudiation – Followed by a networking cocktail

Commercial litigation | Commodities and shipping

This session would examine the fine line between legitimate commercial pressure and anticipatory/repudiatory conduct in commodity and shipping contracts. It will explore when a party may lawfully terminate a contract without exposing itself to claims of wrongful termination, drawing on practical examples involving non-nomination of vessels, late shipment, and failure to open letters of credit.

Key discussion points:

  • Understanding the threshold for anticipatory/repudiation in commodity and shipping contracts.
  • Common fact patterns: performance delays, missed laycans, documentation failures.
  • How arbitral tribunals distinguish between tactical negotiation and anticipatory breach.
  • The role of timing, communication, and mitigation in assessing default.
  • Practical lessons from GAFTA, FOSFA, and LMAA awards on right to terminate and damages.
  • Risk management strategies: drafting clear termination triggers and notice provisions.

Followed by a Q&A session and a networking cocktail

 

Speakers

Cyrus Siassi
Founding Partner, SMBC Law
Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales
Attorney-at-Law, admitted to the Geneva Bar

Christina Charemi
Of Counsel, SMBC Law
US attorney / disputes specialist

Amanda Andrade
Senior Associate, SMBC Law
Brazilian-qualified lawyer

 

Registration

Standard pass, day pass or transferable pass needed.
Open registration.

Schedule

Tuesday 10 March
14:30 – 16:00

Location

Chambre de commerce, d’industrie et des services de Genève (CCIG)
Boulevard du Théâtre 4, 1204 Genève
Map

Speakers

  • Amanda Andrade

    Senior Associate, SMBC Law
  • Christina Charemi

    Of Counsel, SMBC Law
  • Cyrus Siassi

    Founding Partner, SMBC Law

Organized by

  • Logo SIASSI McCUNN BUSSARD CAMPBELL
  • Hill Dickinson logo