Emma Skakle

Emma Skakle is an energy disputes specialist who supports major players in the international trade, natural resources, and shipping sectors. Her clients include trading houses, energy companies, and insurers, who rely on her expertise in navigating multi-jurisdictional disputes. Emma's in-depth understanding of the commodities markets makes her a sought-after advisor in London arbitrations and High Court litigation.

Emma's core areas of practice are commodity trading disputes (oil and gas, metals, grains, sugar, and biofuels) and related charterparty, bill of lading, and letter of credit issues, often involving sensitive and complex issues such as fraud. She represents clients in arbitrations under all the major rules (LCIA, ICC, LMAA, GAFTA, FOSFA, RSA and SAL), as well as handling disputes arising out of company or asset disposals/acquisitions, share purchase agreements, and joint venture agreements. 

• International grains trader LMAA arbitration and High Court - off-hire dispute following piracy capture

  Represented successful intermediate charterers in LMAA arbitration and High Court appeal defending a claim by head owners for damages arising out of off-hire payments following the capture of the vessel by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.

• Ukrainian fuel trader LCIA arbitration – ULSD sale contract dispute  

  Represented Ukrainian oil trader in two LCIA arbitrations relating to its sale to a company with Russian links of multiple shipments of Ultra-Low-Sulphur Diesel, including investigating sanctions issues and prospects of ancillary injunctions such as freezing orders in respect of possible fraud claims.

• Italian multinational energy trader Assistance following Red Sea Houthi attacks 

  Advised Italian oil major following missile attack by Houthi Rebels in the Red Sea in December 2023, including advising on risks/obligations under sale contract and charterparty, general average, and transhipment.