Revisiting force majeure in 2026 for international engineering construction

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty, increased risk, and unplanned cost for businesses and projects around the world.

In this webinar, we will explore the implications of force majeure in engineering construction contracts, considering both common law and civil code perspectives. While force majeure provisions are often relied upon in times of disruption, in practice they rarely deliver a satisfactory commercial outcome for the parties involved.

Our expert panel will examine

• How force majeure operates in international engineering and construction contracts

• The limitations of relying solely on contractual provisions in times of crisis

• Alternative legal and practical options available when unexpected events arise

• How parties can work collaboratively outside of strict contractual frameworks to safeguard projects and manage risk

• Approaches to maintaining project momentum and protecting investment in uncertain geopolitical environments

The discussion will offer a practical and commercially focused perspective, helping organisations navigate disruption while maintaining focus on successful project delivery.

Speakers

• John Fotherby, Partner, Kingsfield Academy - discussion facilitator

• Carmen Velasco, Managing Partner, Kingsfield Academy

• Alex Johnson, Partner, Freeths

Further Reading

For additional background, you may find this LinkedIn article helpful - The Middle East Wars 2026: Revisiting Force Majeure.

This webinar is ideal for professionals involved in international engineering and construction projects, particularly those operating in or exposed to volatile markets and geopolitical risk.