Abstract
The paper is concerned with key issues in the new trends and changes in LNG trade and projects with the emergence of new markets such as India, China, Brazil and the resurgence of LNG demand from the United States and Europe. I will briefly review the traditional LNG chain and consider how the entry of these new markets have impacted on the contractual structure and what some of the legal implications are arising from this, particularly in respect of the paradigm of single buyer and seller, increase in short-term and spot sales, onerous take or pay terms and the issues of choice of law. I will focus in greater detail on these last two aspects as with LNG supply entering into new and unfamiliar markets for suppliers, financiers and sponsors alike, the choice of law governing project documentation is vital. I will then look at the change of contractual matrix for some of the new LNG projects.