New Orleans maritime attorney Frederick William (“Billy”) Swaim III led an insightful roundtable discussion at the 2025 Energy Insurance Americas conference that gathered energy industry insiders, insurance professionals, and legal professionals to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector today. Swaim, who also represents clients in the oil, gas, and energy industries, focused on the evolving landscape of supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and the growing importance of critical minerals, all crucial issues impacting the energy industry.
Energy Sector Discussion
Swaim guided the group through discussions on how insurers might respond to China’s recent restrictions on rare earth minerals vital to both traditional and renewable energy sectors. The conversation explored potential U.S. based and global strategies for the energy sector’s key players, including increased domestic production and mining operations, and how insurers could support this shift.
The round table also delved into the lessons learned and how key players can shape the energy sector’s approach-to risk management in light of recent major supply chain disruptors such as the U.S.-China trade war, the war in Ukraine, and the Suez Canal crisis. The conversation touched on practical solutions, such as stockpiling critical minerals, onshoring mining and processing, and establishing new trade partnerships, as well as how insurers can help companies navigate these shifts.
The dialogue included thought-provoking questions about the role of the insurance industry in facilitating changes as the U.S. pivots toward new strategies for energy and mineral supply chains. Through a unique blend of legal expertise and industry knowledge, the roundtable gave attendees, ranging from insurers to energy executives, valuable perspectives on how to navigate the complex risks facing the energy industry today.
Galloway’s Energy Representation
Galloway has extensive experience dealing with the complex challenges that the energy industry faces with high stakes and time sensitive contracts, complex obligation structures based on application of state vs. federal law, and the unique challenges that arise from dealing with both U.S. and international business interests.
Contact Billy Swaim for more information on the conference and on Galloway’s energy representation in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast.
