Case Details

Zenith Energy Africa Ltd., Zenith Overseas Assets Ltd. and Compagnie du Désert Ltd. v. Republic of Tunisia (ICSID Case No. ARB/23/18)

Subject of Dispute:

Oil concessions
Economic Sector:

Oil, Gas & Mining
Instrument(s) Invoked:

BIT United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Tunisia 1989
Applicable Rules:

ICSID Convention - Arbitration Rules

(a) Original Proceeding

Claimant(s)/Nationality(ies):

Zenith Energy Africa Ltd. (British), Zenith Overseas Assets Ltd. (British), Compagnie du Désert Ltd. (British)
Date Registered:

June 5, 2023
Date of Constitution of Tribunal:

December 4, 2023

Composition of Tribunal

President:

Loretta MALINTOPPI (Italian) - Appointed by the Chairman of the Administrative Council
Arbitrators:

Henri C. ÁLVAREZ (Canadian) - Appointed by the Claimant(s)
Nassib G. ZIADÉ (Chilean, Lebanese) - Appointed by the Respondent(s)

Party Representatives

Claimant(s):

Charles Russell Speechlys, Paris, France
Clay Arbitration, Paris, France
Respondent(s):

Ouerfelli Attorneys & Counsels, Tunisia
Language(s) of Proceeding:

French
Status of Proceeding:

Pending
Latest Development:

November 29, 2024 - The Claimants files observations on the request to address the objections to jurisdiction as a preliminary question.

(a) Original Proceeding

Published Decisions

Procedural Order No. 1

Procedural Order No. 2

Available on the ICSID Website

Procedural Order No. 1 (January 19, 2024) French (Original)

Procedural Order No. 2 (January 19, 2024) French (Original)

(a) Original Proceeding

Date	Development
June 5, 2023	The Secretary-General registers a request for the institution of arbitration proceedings.
August 15, 2023	Following appointment by the Claimants, Henri C. Alvarez (Canadian) accepts his appointment as arbitrator.
September 7, 2023	Following appointment by the Respondent, Nassib G. Ziadé (Chilean/Lebanese) accepts his appointment as arbitrator.
November 10, 2023	The Claimants file a request for the Chairman of the Administrative Council to appoint the arbitrator not yet appointed pursuant to Article 38 of the ICSID Convention.
December 4, 2023	Following appointment by the Chair of the Administrative Council in accordance with Article 38 of the ICSID Convention, Loretta Malintoppi (Italian) accepts her appointment as presiding arbitrator.
December 4, 2023	The Tribunal is constituted in accordance with Article 37(2)(a) of the ICSID Convention. Its members are: Loretta Malintoppi (Italian), President, appointed by the Chair of the Administrative Council in accordance with Article 38 of the ICSID Convention; Henri C. Álvarez (Canadian), appointed by the Claimants; and Nassib G. Ziadé (Chilean/Lebanese) appointed by the Respondent.
January 4, 2024	The Tribunal holds a first session by video conference.
January 19, 2024	The Tribunal issues Procedural Order No. 1 concerning procedural matters.
January 19, 2024	The Tribunal issues Procedural Order No. 2 concerning transparency and confidentiality matters.
September 30, 2024	The Claimants file a memorial on the merits.
November 15, 2024	The Respondent files a request to address the objections to jurisdiction as a preliminary question pursuant to ICSID Convention Article 41(2) and ICSID Arbitration Rule 44.
November 29, 2024	The Claimants files observations on the request to address the objections to jurisdiction as a preliminary question.