CIS
Our experience advising on major construction, infrastructure and energy projects has meant that we have worked on many major projects in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. This has included a number of projects which make up part of the Kashagan Oil Field and the Shah Deniz natural gas development in the Caspian.
We have represented state entities and authorities as well as acting on behalf of contractors operating in the region. We also have a wealth of experience worldwide in advising clients working on projects within a civil law environment and where claims are made under local law. We work closely with local lawyers (either our client’s existing lawyers or those drawn from our own extensive network of local contacts). This approach provides our clients with the ‘best of both worlds’ in terms of international construction expertise and local law expertise.
Some examples of our work in the region include:
Gas sales and purchase agreements
Advising the State Concern of a Caspian region country in relation to gas sales and purchase agreements for the supply of natural gas to three other countries through a 1400 km pipeline. The total volume of natural gas to be supplied over the 30 year period of the agreements will exceed one trillion cubic metres, generating multi billion dollar revenues per annum. We advised on the gas sale and purchase agreement terms and took an active part in the negotiations through participation in the multilateral technical working group meetings between representatives of the seller client, the three buyer nations and the project sponsor bank.
Power and utilities plant project
Providing project legal advice to the EPC contractor on a combined power and utilities plant project being constructed as part of Kashagan Oil Field development, including disputes with owner and major subcontractor. The EPC contract (FIDIC Silver Book based) was subject to Kazakh law and required local advice from Kazakh legal counsel. The sums in dispute were in the region of US$150million (London Court of International Arbitration Rules).
Associated gas treatment unit/condensate gas treatment unit
Advising a former state oil and gas corporation in relation to claims and contract amendment negotiations on an associated gas treatment plant (AGTU) and a condensate gas treatment plant (CGTU) with a turnkey contract value of US$156 million.
Transit oil pipeline
Advising former state oil and gas corporation on delay and change order claims in relation to a transit/trunk oil pipeline and pumping station. Claims were in the region of US$200million and involved close liaison with local legal counsel.
Gas pipeline project
Acting for a Turnkey Contractor in relation to a claim for an extension of time on a gas pipeline project. Contract value circa US$220 million. Dispute resolution: Kazakh Courts.
City project
Advising a contractor in negotiations with the employer and investors regarding the US$600 million residential phase of a new city project. The contract was based on a heavily amended FIDIC Yellow Book and we provided alternative drafting and specific advice on risk allocation, risk management and payment.
Dispute following pipeline explosion
Advising a state owned natural gas production and supply company on potential disputes with a gas supplier following an explosion in one of the main transit pipelines. Working closely with local government lawyers and Swedish lawyers, we advised on liability and contractual issues and in relation to ongoing correspondence, leading to successful dispute avoidance.
Hydro-electric power station
Representing and providing strategic advice to a specialist hydro-electric manufacturing and installation contractor for delay, limitation of liability and damages provisions in respect of a project under a bespoke EPC Contract applying English law, with dispute resolution under ICC Rules of Arbitration.
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