There is no specific offshore wind law or seabed leasing system yet. Projects would rely on the general power sector framework, including generation licensing by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, procurement and offtake through the Power Division and the Bangladesh Power Development Board, maritime zone legislation, environmental law and the investment regime administered by Invest Bangladesh. This means more of the project's protection must come from negotiated agreements with government. We help developers identify the gaps and propose practical contractual solutions that lenders are likely to accept, rather than assuming a European-style framework already exists in Bangladesh.

Without a leasing round, exclusivity usually depends on an agreement or letter from the relevant ministry or authority, sometimes linked to a feasibility study, memorandum of understanding or unsolicited proposal process. The strength of that right depends on the authority's legal power to grant it, its duration, conditions and the consequences of policy change. We review the legal basis carefully, negotiate clear exclusivity, data ownership and cost recovery terms, and advise on whether the arrangement would survive scrutiny by lenders, future governments and competing offshore wind bidders who may later challenge it.

That is a matter for negotiation and is often the most important commercial point. In some markets the transmission operator builds the offshore or onshore connection, while in others the developer builds and may transfer it. In Bangladesh, the capacity and timing of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh's network reinforcement will be critical. The power purchase agreement and grid connection agreement should clearly state who builds what, by when, and what compensation is paid if the grid is not ready. Without that clarity, an offshore wind project may be completed but unable to sell its power, leaving investors exposed.

The Bay of Bengal has a recognised cyclone season and a monsoon that restricts marine works for part of the year. Contracts should define weather windows, weather downtime allowances, design standards for extreme wind and waves, and the boundary between force majeure and risks that contractors are expected to price. Insurance terms must be consistent with those definitions. We work with technical advisers to align the turbine supply, installation and service contracts so that the same event does not leave the developer exposed under one contract while contractors are excused from liability under another.

Specialist crews will usually need visas and work permits, which are processed through the relevant investment authority or ministry depending on the project and employer. Foreign-flagged installation and survey vessels may need permissions relating to cabotage, port entry, navigation and security, and equipment may require temporary import arrangements to limit customs duty. These steps take time, and a missed installation window can be very expensive. We plan the immigration, customs and maritime approvals with contractors early and build realistic timelines into the offshore wind construction schedule.

Most power in Bangladesh is sold to the Bangladesh Power Development Board under long-term agreements, and that remains the likely route for a first utility-scale project. Arrangements for private sales, wheeling through the national grid and corporate renewable power purchases have been developing, but any such model must be checked against current licensing and tariff rules. Export-oriented manufacturers with renewable energy targets are potential buyers. We advise on whether a private offtake model is legally available for a particular offshore wind project and how to document it with the buyer and the grid operator.

Lenders will look closely at the strength of the site rights, the creditworthiness and payment security of the offtaker, currency and convertibility risk, termination compensation, government support, grid risk, insurance and contractor quality. Development finance institutions and export credit agencies are likely to be involved in early projects and will apply environmental and social standards. We prepare legal due diligence, advise on security over project assets and contracts in Bangladesh, and negotiate direct agreements, helping sponsors present a project that lenders can realistically finance on acceptable terms.

Supply and installation contracts with international contractors typically provide for international arbitration, often in Singapore or London, with technical disputes referred first to an expert or dispute board. Agreements with state entities may provide for arbitration under institutional rules or domestic arbitration, and investment treaties may offer further protection for foreign investors. Bangladesh is a party to the New York Convention, and foreign awards are enforced under the Arbitration Act 2001. We advise on dispute clauses at the outset and act in proceedings and enforcement when offshore wind disputes cannot be settled by negotiation.