Infrastructure and Construction Arbitration

Our global team combines an understanding of construction and engineering issues with extensive experience of international arbitration under all major rules. We act in commercial arbitrations and investment treaty disputes, as well as adjudications and expert determination.

Our global practice covers the full range of construction and engineering projects, including oil and gas infrastructure, power plants, transport and utilities infrastructure, industrial facilities, commercial and residential developments and mining. Our experience spans the globe.

During the construction phase of a project, working closely with our market-leading Projects practice, we help clients develop contract management policies and deploy strategies to prevent disputes. Should disputes arise, we aim to resolve them quickly, efficiently and commercially.

Our seasoned construction arbitration specialists bring extensive experience of construction law as well as international arbitration, including expert advocates. We regularly advise clients in mediations, adjudication and expert determinations, and act for both employers and contractors, giving us insight into the approach both sides take.

Our experience includes advising:

• South Stream Transport, a Gazprom subsidiary, in its ICC arbitration with Saipem relating to a now-cancelled pipeline project to transport gas from Russia, under the Black Sea, to various European countries. More than EUR1.5 billion was in dispute and the case was ultimately settled.
• An Asian oil and gas company, as respondent, in ICC arbitration proceedings arising out of an offshore dredging contract for the development of one of the world’s largest offshore gas fields. The contractor’s claims (valued at around USD150 million) included claims for EoTs and variations, including in relation to allegedly unforeseen ground conditions. A successful award was obtained.
• A major global port operator in DAB, mediation and ICC arbitration proceedings relating to the expansion of a container terminal in the Middle East. Claims arose out of the disputed termination of a construction contract. An award was obtained in our client’s favour and a challenge to that award was defeated in the English courts.