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Practice Areas

• OUR SERVICES
• ENERGY
• SHIPPING
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
• OFFSHORE CONSTRUCTION
• LNG TRADING & TRANSPORTATION
• POWER GENERATION & DISTRIBUTION

Energy: Offshore Construction

We have very significant experience in the area of offshore construction contracts, principally for floating equipment such as semi-submersible drilling and production rigs and vessels, and an international reputation for our work in this field. We have been involved in some of the largest offshore vessel construction projects undertaken in recent years. The depth of our experience in conventional shipbuilding and ship conversion complements our understanding of the legal issues arising in relation to offshore construction.

The primary focus of our services in this sector is the procurement of tonnage for shipowners and contractors operating or employing floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessels, a market that has recently seen a huge increase in demand in light of rising oil prices and declining field reserves. We advise on a broad range of legal and contractual issues arising out of construction and conversion of FPSOs through the design and engineering phases, the construction/conversion, the procurement of topsides and other systems and the installation and commissioning of the completed unit at the field. It is obviously vital in this context to ensure that the construction and other related contracts for this type of tonnage are, as far as possible, harmonised with the terms of the employment contracts for the completed FPSO unit.

We support our clients throughout the project to delivery/completion. Our dispute resolution team works closely with our Offshore Team in resolving any client disputes and beyond in resolving any disputes that may arise over cost overruns, delays or warranty claims.

We also understand the particular dynamics of the offshore drilling market, particularly the construction of newbuilding drilling rigs and drillships. Our lawyers have extensive experience of negotiating with the leading offshore yards, particularly those in Singapore, Korea and Japan, contracts for the construction or conversion of such units.

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