Team size: 10 (including inhouse counsels, paralegals as well as compliance, QA/risk, security and ICFR experts)

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Renaming and rebranding: one of the key projects in 2024 was the renaming and rebranding of our company from Höegh LNG to Höegh Evi. This change was driven by our strategic shift towards accelerating the energy transition and positioning ourselves as a leading advocate for clean energy solutions. Evi stands for Energy Vector Infrastructure, symbolising our commitment to innovative energy solutions. Additionally, ‘Evi’ is inspired by the Norwegian word ‘evig,’ which means ‘eternal,’ reflecting our dedication to sustainability and long-term impact. This process involved a comprehensive review of our brand identity, IP strategy, legal documentation and communication strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

M&A process: I played a pivotal role in a structured M&A bidding process, in which Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners sold their ownership in Höegh Evi to funds managed by Igneo Infrastructure Partners. This transaction, announced in December 2024, involved facilitating extensive due diligence by several bidders, structuring and regulatory compliance.

Litigation: reaching an amicable settlement in an arbitration proceeding with an Indonesian customer, an oil and gas major, in relation to a charter for a vessel operating as an LNG terminal in Indonesia. The charter contract for the vessel remains in full force and effect and each party covered their own costs in relation to the terminated arbitrations.

The legal team was also involved in several business and finance transactions in 2024, which included the successful commissioning of a new LNG import terminal in Brazil, one in Egypt and re-location of one FSRU to a new site in Germany as well as negotiation and closing of a new seven-year loan facility of $625m, consisting of a $375m term loan and a $250m revolving credit line.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

When considering the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess, it is essential to recognise that, while the core qualities remain largely unchanged, the pace at which these skills must be applied is increasing. Business acumen continues to be crucial, as understanding the business and aligning legal advice with strategic goals is fundamental. Adaptability is more important than ever, given the rapidly evolving legal landscape and the need to stay ahead of industry trends. Effective communication skills are indispensable, enabling the counsel to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders and excel in negotiation and advocacy. Upholding the highest standards of ethical integrity remains a cornerstone, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining a strong ethical framework. Additionally, problem-solving skills are vital, as modern in-house counsel must be strategic thinkers capable of finding innovative solutions to legal challenges. The ability to work collaboratively with other departments and think creatively is increasingly important in today’s fast-paced environment.