Ben Smith

Partner Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

London +44 (20) 74445419

Ben Smith

Ben Smith is an energy lawyer based in London. He has a particular focus on the LNG and gas sector.

Ben advises on long term LNG sale and purchase and the development of liquefaction and regasification projects. He has also advised on the acquisition and disposal of LNG businesses.

Ben’s regulatory experience includes advising incumbents on regulatory change, and regulators on the terms of licences.
In relation to energy transition Ben advised on the first ever long term LNG sale and purchase agreements to track green house gas emissions and he has advised in respect of one of the world’s largest green hydrogen projects.

Ben was based in Asia (Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore) for eighteen years and relocated to London in 2023.

Professional experience

Representative experience

Pavilion Energy - on a procurement process to purchase “green” LNG on a long term basis under a framework that required the reporting of, and incentivised the reduction over time of, greenhouse gases emitted in the production, liquefaction and delivery of the LNG cargoes.
Vopak - on the development of the Vopak Victoria LNG Terminal in Port Philip Bay, Australia.
Novatek - on the LNG marketing structure and strategy for the Arctic LNG 2 Project in Russia.
InterContinental Energy - on its sell down of equity in the Asian Renewable Energy Hub, a green hydrogen project in Western Australia that will develop upto 26GW of renewable energy generation.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. - on the development of the Cameron LNG Project in Louisiana and the marketing of LNG from that project.
Toshiba - on its marketing of LNG from the Freeport LNG project and the sale of its LNG business.
Pavilion Energy - on its purchase of the LNG business of Iberdrola S.A to form Pavilion’s European gas business headquartered in Madrid.
TotalEnergies - on the establishment of its LNG bunkering business in Singapore.
Gas Malaysia Berhad - on the introduction of gas deregulation in downstream markets in Malaysia and the separation of its infrastructure holding business and its gas sales business.

Rankings and recognitions

Chambers & Partners Asia 2024

“Ben Smith has significant expertise pertaining to LNG sale and purchase agreements and regulatory issues. He possesses further experience advising clients on international renewable energy mandates."
"He's a hands-on lawyer who is great to work with, and he is results-oriented and delivers a product you can immediately use."
"Ben is a great lawyer and does really well supporting his client's positions."
"He was outstanding in delivery, engagement and commercial awareness."
"He offers a high level of client service, responsiveness and sophisticated commercial advice."

Education

1997 - Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, College of Law, London
1996 - Diploma in Law, College of Law, London
1994 - B.A., Medieval & Modern History, Royal Holloway & Bedford New College, University of London
Ben was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 2000
Ben was admitted as a solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong in 2015

Admissions

Solicitor, qualified in England & Wales
Solicitor, qualified in Hong Kong

Publications

“Destination Clauses: Are reports of their death exaggerated?” LNG Business Review, June 2015
Co-author, “Legal risks in China shale opening”, Petroleum Economist, October 2014
“Asia-Pacific's Shifting LNG Market”, Petroleum Economist, November 2010
“LNG Buyer, Beware”, Energy Risk, Q1 2009
“Are More Warranties Needed for LNG Sale and Purchase Agreements?”, LNG Business Review, January 2009
“LNG: First Glimmers of a New Dawn for Long-term Buyers?”, LNG Business Review, October 2008
“The Role of Short Term Trading in the LNG Markets of the Future”, Oxford Energy Forum, November 2004