Hydrocarbons in Peru

CMS Grau

CMS Grau maintains a prominent position in the Peruvian hydrocarbon industry, acting for major service providers, as well as both domestic and international oil companies. The team offers comprehensive assistance with various energy-related areas, including exploration, production, and gas transportation and distribution, while also routinely advising on administrative and judicial proceedings related to alleged breaches of environmental and technical regulations. With significant expertise in permits, regulatory issues, contracting and financing matters, Carlos Hamann jointly leads the practice with Eduardo Guevara, who is noted for handling major operations and investment projects related to Peru's energy sector; and Jesús Abanto, a key contact for matters related to the regulation of natural gas transportation and distribution tariffs. Associate support is provided by Sebastián Orrego, who focuses on administrative sanctioning proceedings; and Melissa Meza, who regularly advises clients on exploration and exploitation contracts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Hamann; Eduardo Guevara; Jesús Abanto


Les références

‘The firm’s lawyers are excellent in their handling of their areas of expertise, providing comprehensive legal support from multiple perspectives.’

‘Jesús Abanto stands out for his extensive knowledge and experience in the hydrocarbons sector. His experience in the regulatory body provides him with a unique perspective that translates into comprehensive and efficient advice for his clients.’

‘The firm has a strong and experienced hydrocarbons team.’

Principaux clients

Enagás Internacional


Cheiron Americas Holding


BP Exploration Operating Company


Schlumberger del Perú


Shell Operaciones Perú


CNPC Peru


SK Innovation, Sucursal Peruana


EDF Perú


Repsol Exploración, (Perú)


Baker Hughes International Operations


Transportadora de Gas del Perú


Peru LNG


Gases del Norte del Perú (GASNORP)


Gases del Pacífico


Tullow Oil


Pluspetrol Perú Corporation


Nouvo Pignone International


Peruvian Branch


SCDM Energy


Olympic Peru, Sucursal del Perú


Procesadora de Gas Pariñas


UNNA Energía


Savia Perú


Consorcio Terminales / Terminales del Perú


International Naval Surveys Bureau


Derco Perú


Compañía Minera Caravelí


Compañía de Minas Buenaventura


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Enagás on an arbitration claim against the Peruvian Government at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based on the breach of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Peru and Spain.
  • Advised BP Exploration on the establishment of a branch in Peru and with the negotiation of Technical Evaluation Agreements for Offshore Acreage, which the company subsequently decided to relinquish due to a change in business strategy.
  • Advised Schlumberger Peru on its merger with Gyrodata Peru, including both corporate and tax matters.

Miranda & Amado

Miranda & Amado boasts a robust team of experienced practitioners, well-versed in providing expert advice on the most complex oil and gas projects. The firm’s comprehensive expertise spans transactional matters, regulatory issues and dispute resolution in the oil-and-gas sector. Hydrocarbons' projects specialist Luis Marcelo De-Bernardis co-leads the practice with Alberto Delgado, who is recognised for his expertise in M&A in the oil and gas industry. The team further includes Guillermo Bracamonte, who has extensive knowledge of the commercial, transactional and regulatory aspects related to energy, oil and infrastructure projects; and counsel Marife Martinelli, who focuses on providing regulatory advice across natural gas transportation and distribution; electricity generation, transmission and distribution; hydrocarbons and sanitation services. At associate level, the experienced César Ramírez focuses on administrative law and regulatory matters concerning energy and project mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luis Marcelo De-Bernardis; Alberto Delgado


Autres avocats clés:

Guillermo Bracamonte; Marife Martinelli


Les références

‘Firm with very good lawyers with a lot of experience and the ability to think outside the box. Always close to the client.’

‘Very good ability to handle complex issues. Always meet deadlines.’

‘Marife Martinelli and César Ramírez  are excellent lawyers with considerable knowledge of the sector.’

Principaux clients

Petróleos del Perú (Petroperú)


Transportadora de Gas del Perú


BPZ Exploración y Producción


Olympic Peru


Gas Natural de Lima y Callao


Refinería La Pampilla


Aguaytía Energy del Perú


Korea National Oil Company


Primax


CNPC International


Peru LNG


Repsol


Ecopetrol


Contugas


Marathon Petroleum Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Petroperú on the development and financing of the Talara crude oil refinery, the first of its kind under development in Peru, as well as on the development of the southwest natural gas distribution pipeline project.
  • Advised Transportadora de Gas del Perú, Peru’s main pipeline operator for natural gas transportation, on various corporate, finance, regulatory, administrative and dispute resolution matters.
  • Advised Contugas on all land access matters related to an approximately 400km coastal pipeline to transport natural gas to its distribution network in and around the city of Ica.

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados maintains a leading position in the hydrocarbons market, offering adept guidance on intricate transactional and regulatory matters throughout the up-, mid- and downstream segments of the industry. The team’s expertise extends into diverse areas, including exploration and production contracts, joint venture agreements, natural gas distribution via pipelines and road haulage, LNG, hydrocarbon terminals and storage plants, as well as fuel stations and LPG. Practice chair Jorge Pérez Taiman is highly active across the board, from production and refining to transportation and distribution, as well as in the LNG sector, notably providing counsel on the negotiation of commercial agreements and cross-border joint ventures. Jenny Caldas specialises in the industry's environmental requirements along with related administrative procedures before regulatory entities; while Piero Scarafone is recognised for his proficiency in issues concerning hydrocarbons transportation and distribution. Carolina Noriega handles complex commercial agreements and regulatory matters linked to natural gas transportation and distribution concessions, along with related administrative procedures before regulatory bodies; and experienced associate Talia Hormaeche contributes valuable support, particularly in the negotiation and execution of concession, supply and EPC agreements related to natural gas distribution, fuel storage and the commercialisation of hydrocarbons.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jorge Pérez Taiman


Les références

‘Jorge Pérez Taiman stands out for his experience and his handling of complicated issues when negotiating.’

‘Jorge Pérez Taiman is highly respected and an authority on the subject.’

‘Jenny Caldas, a partner with expertise in hydrocarbons environmental issues, understands the business fully and always gives the best advice.’

Principaux clients

Marathon Petroleum


Gasvesubio Export


Aguaytia Energy del Perú


Promigas Perú


Aptim Perú


Southern Perú Copper


Exxon Mobil


Matheson Global Hyco Peru


Gases del Pacifico


Gases del Norte del Perú


Orica Mining Services Peru


Transportadora de Gas del Perú


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Marathon Petroleum on its entry in to the Peruvian market, including on the formation of a Peruvian subsidiary; on the preparation of fuel supply and reception, storage and dispatch contracts; and with obtaining all required permits for the wholesale importation of fuels to Peru for local sale.
  • Advised Gasvesubio Export on its efforts to secure commitments from a Peruvian source of natural gas suitable for exportation to Ecuador, and on the negotiation of agreements to transport said natural gas to Ecuador.
  • Advised Southern Peru Copper Corporation during the contracting process for a change of the energy matrix at its refining and smelting facilities located in Moquegua, southern Peru, from LPG to LNG, as part of the company’s emissions reduction efforts.

Vizquerra Córdova & Gálvez Abogados

Celebrating 40 years in the market, 15-strong specialist oil-and-gas boutique Vizquerra Córdova & Gálvez Abogados provides comprehensive advice on a full range of regulatory, transactional and environmental matters across the hydrocarbons sector, as well as offering an industry-focused tax and labour capability. The team is co-led by Luis Enrique Cordova and Carlos Raul Vizquerra, who are recognised both for their expertise in handling complex oil and gas sector M&A, as well as matters the length of the industry's exploration and exploitation production chain.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Raúl Vizquerra; Luis Enrique Córdova


Les références

‘Their partners respond immediately compared to other firms we work with. They are very skilled in their practice.’

‘Luis Córdova and Carlos Raúl Vizquerra have special attention to detail and knowledge of complex negotiations in the hydrocarbon sector.’

‘It is a pleasure to work with such capable and committed professionals as Carlos Raúl Vizquerra and Luis Córdova, who have a great command and knowledge of the hydrocarbons sector regulations and whose opinion is highly respected in the sector. Their knowledge and vast experience are the pillar of an excellent service.’

Principaux clients

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation


CNPC Perú


Hunt Oil Company of Peru


Perú LNG


Petrovietnam Exploration Production Corporation


Petrotal Perú


Sk Innovation


Sonatrach Perú Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Anadarko Petroleum obtain approval of the Declaration of Environmental Impact by the General Direction of Environmental Matters in Hydrocarbons (DGAAH for) related to the acquisition of 3D seismic in the areas of Blocks Z-61, Z-62, and Z-63.
     
  • Advised PetroTal Perú on the negotiation of the trust agreement with Perupetro for purposes of implementing the Development Fund for the District of Puinahua.
  • Assisted Perú LNG on the production and delivery of synthetic e-methane from renewable energy and CO2.

Barrios & Fuentes, Abogados

The twenty-five strong Barrios & Fuentes, Abogados has a broad service offering but is best known for its strength advising clients from across the hydrocarbons industry on matters ranging from oilfield block tender processes farmouts and JOAs, to commercial agreements, environmental permitting, tax structuring and the resolution of social conflicts. With specialisations in oil-and-gas, energy and environmental law, name partner Germán Barrios co-leads the team in conjunction with Renzo Roberti, who is best known for his expertise in regulation, clearances and negotiations concerning natural resources exploration and exploitation activities. Liliana Callirgos is another senior figure of note, particularly for matters related to the negotiation of hydrocarbon contracts and environmental law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Germán Barrios; Renzo Roberti


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a cient on operational agreements, and environmental and regulatory matters related to offshore exploration.
  • Prepared and negotiated farmout, joint-operation and operation agreements on behalf of a client, including associated matters such as accounting procedures, escrow accounts and the tax structure for the farmout procedure.
  • Legal advice regarding the negotiation and signing of multiple Technical Evaluation Agreements.

Santiváñez Abogados

An extensive array of private and state-owned companies and public entities regularly turn to Santiváñez Abogados for its team’s expertise in regulated industries and complex corporate and financial transactions. The firm’s oil and gas practice offers comprehensive advice on a range of international transactions, spanning mergers and acquisitions, project development and financing, structured finance, regulatory consulting, and litigation. Moreover, following the firm's July 2024 merger with Martinot Abogados, it also now has excellent bankruptcy and insolvency-work credentials. Recognised for his prowess in electrical and natural gas issues, regulatory and contractual matters, and concession projects, Paul Sumar jointly leads the practice with Roberto Santiváñez, a key contact for public bidding processes for electrical infrastructure, and regulatory expert Fidel Rocha. Complementing the partners, senior associate Luigi Rossini provides valuable transactional support, covering aspects such as gas supply contracts, transport and distribution agreements, project development and industry regulation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roberto Santiváñez; Paul Sumar; Fidel Rocha


Les références

‘They are knowledgeable about regulation and business in Peru.’

‘They have a robust team made up of excellent professionals.’

‘Roberto Santiváñez has excellent knowledge of the Peruvian energy sector.’

Principaux clients

Ministerio de Energía y Minas


Minsur


Electricité de France – EDF Perú


Softys Peru


Numay


Pesquera Diamante


Sudamericana de Fibras


Cerámica San Lorenzo


Unacem Peru


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Ministerio de Energia y Minas (Minem) on the evaluation and follow-up of the procedure for integral internal installation service provision and the execution of natural gas massification projects within the framework of the programs for the promotion of natural gas supplies financed by the Fondo de Inclusión Social Energético (FISE).
  • Advised Minsur on the structuring of gas procurement and the negotiation of gas supply agreements (commodity, transportation and distribution capacity).
  • Advised Electricité de France – EDF Perú on the structuring of gas procurement, the negotiation of gas supply agreements (commodity, transportation and distribution capacity), and project development.

DLA Piper Perú

DLA Piper Perú's oil-and-gas team is actively engaged in advising clients across various aspects of the hydrocarbons sector, encompassing environmental compliance, sanctioning procedures for hydrocarbon handlers, and contract review and negotiation, as well as the acquisition and sale of hydrocarbons. The practice is led by Ricardo Escobar, a well-known figure - particularly as regards complex transactions and project finance matters in the sector. Primary support comes from up-and-coming mid-level associate Nathalie Málaga, who regularly assisting local and multinational companies with legal and regulatory issues related to hydrocarbons and gas exploitation. However, former partner Jorge Córdova left the firm in February 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ricardo Escobar


Principaux clients

UNNA Energía


Terminales del Perú


Tetra Energies


Tetra Energy Alpha


Checapet


Corporación Rico


OEC Peru Infraestructura


Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Pacifico


Financiera Qapaq


VE Soluciones Logísticas


Ipesa Hydro


Perú LNG


Savia Perú


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised UNNA on ongoing environmental matters including preparing responses to administrative charges (entailing the review and analysis of background information and organising documentation), implementing strategies, and crafting additional reports and written statements.
  • Advised TP on environmental advice, enabling the company to request clarifications, support and counsel in various administrative sanctioning procedures related to hydrocarbons.
  • Advised Tetra Energies on obtaining the necessary qualifications to be recognised as an oil and gas investor in Peru by Perupetro.

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International's team advises clients from the oil and gas industry on a range of matters including concession agreements related to the transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids, and administrative proceedings initiated by OSINERGIM for noncompliance with hydrocarbons regulations. The team is led by Jorge Danós, an expert in administrative law and regulated market matters; and Valentín Paniagua, whose practice revolves around project finance, corporate structuring, acquisitions, divestments, and related matters for major local and international players in the sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jorge Danos; Valentin Paniagua


Principaux clients

Gas Natural de Lima y Callao – Calidda


Contugas


Transportadora de Gas del Perú


Vistony Compañía Industrial del Peru


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Gas Natural de Lima y Callao (Calidda) with reference to fines imposed by OSINERGMIN for the non-fulfillment of certain investment plans.
  • Advised Contugas on several areas of its relationship with the Peruvian State, including analysis of the legality of Osinergmin’s decisions, judgments made by the Judicial Branch, and private agreements reached with some of the concession holder’s clients, in order to determinate what legal measures guarantee the protection of Contugas’ interests.
  • Advised COGA on a judicial process initiated against the effects of the Supreme Decree No. 001-2022-TR (“Self-Applicable Law”), so that it is not applied to COGA’s case, since  said law prohibits the outsourcing of activities that are part of the core business of the user or contracting company.