GDANSK, POLAND – Polish energy giant Orlen SA is expressing confidence in its ongoing arbitration dispute with U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier Venture Global, citing a recent arbitration win by BP as a positive precedent. Orlen’s Chief Executive Officer, Ireneusz Fafara, told reporters Thursday that after consulting with legal advisors, the company feels “quite optimistic” about its prospects in the case.

The announcement came alongside Orlen’s quarterly earnings report, highlighting the company’s strategic positioning in Europe’s LNG market. The arbitration concerns allegations that Venture Global failed to deliver LNG cargoes under long-term contracts, instead opting to sell the gas on the more profitable spot market.

Background on the Venture Global Dispute

Orlen is one of several European energy companies, including Shell, that have filed claims against Venture Global. The dispute centers on the Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana, where Venture Global supplies liquefied natural gas under long-term agreements. BP recently won a similar arbitration in October, while Shell’s comparable claim was unsuccessful in August, signaling mixed outcomes for companies pursuing legal remedies.

Orlen Chief Financial Officer Slawomir Jedrzejczyk noted that hearings for the arbitration are scheduled for late 2026, with a final ruling not expected until after that period. The company currently holds two long-term contracts with Venture Global: the first commenced in April 2025, while the second is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Strategic Importance for Orlen and European LNG Markets

Securing LNG deliveries under long-term contracts is crucial for Orlen and other European energy firms facing volatile energy prices and supply disruptions. Arbitration outcomes in cases like these have broader implications for the LNG market, influencing pricing strategies, contract enforcement, and investor confidence.

Fafara emphasized that Orlen remains committed to ensuring its contracted LNG supplies are secured, stating that legal action is part of the company’s strategy to protect both its energy portfolio and the interests of its European customers.

Looking Ahead

As Orlen prepares for arbitration hearings, industry observers are closely watching the case, which could set significant precedents for LNG supply contracts between European energy firms and U.S. exporters. A favorable ruling for Orlen could encourage other companies to pursue similar legal action against suppliers prioritizing spot market sales over long-term contract obligations.