Vitol SA v Beta Renowable Group SA (Rev 1) [2017] EWHC 1734 (Comm) (07 July 2017)

Vitol SA v Beta Renowable Group SA (Rev 1) [2017] EWHC 1734 (Comm) (07 July 2017)

Beta was in renunciatory breach; Vitol did not accept breach by non-nomination but did by notice of 7 July 2016. Vitol's obligation to nominate was not a condition precedent given Beta's admitted inability to perform. Damages awarded on market value basis, not hedging losses.

Citation
[2017] EWHC 1734 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant: Vitol S.A.; Defendant: Beta Renowable Group S.A.
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 July 2017
Procedural Posture
Commercial Contractual Dispute / Post Trial Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for claimant
Legal Topics
Breach of Contract, FOB Contracts, Damages, Condition Precedent, Hedging Losses, Market Value Damages

Case Brief

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Parties

Vitol S.A.

Claimant

Beta Renowable Group S.A.

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Commercial Contractual Dispute / Post Trial Judgment

  1. 1 Whether Beta was in repudiatory/renunciatory breach of contract
  2. 2 Whether Vitol accepted Beta's breach by failing to nominate a vessel
  3. 3 Whether Vitol's obligation to nominate was a condition precedent to Beta's obligation to deliver

Ratio Decidendi

Beta was in renunciatory breach; Vitol did not accept breach by non-nomination but did by notice of 7 July 2016. Vitol's obligation to nominate was not a condition precedent given Beta's admitted inability to perform. Damages awarded on market value basis, not hedging losses.

Court Disposition

Judgment for claimant

Orders

  • Beta to pay Vitol US$351,830.25 in damages
  • Parties to agree supplementary matters including interest and costs