Brookes & Co. - Experience - Shipbuilding and repair contracts

We have reviewed and negotiated shipbuilding and ship-repair contracts in Europe and the Far East

We have also represented owners in disputes with shipyards, the most notable being the claims against the Boelwerf Shipyard in Temse, Belgium, which went into liquidation twice having only partially completed work on a client's cable-laying vessel.

Negotiation of shipbuilding contracts

Negotiating shipbuilding contracts for a wide range of vessels:

	Cable-laying vessels;
	Chemical tankers;
	Cargo vessels;
	Tugs;
	Bunkering barges.

Negotiating conversion contracts: ro-ro to offshore support.

Advising on specification and fitness for purpose.

Finance

	Negotiating finance for newbuildings.
	Advising on and negotiating subsidies.

Disputes

	Advising owner in respect of bankruptcy of shipyard. Claim for non-performance by shipyard. Enforcement of performance bonds. Arrest of vessel where yard had 77% beneficial ownership as security for counterclaims. Negotiating settlement agreement after restructuring of shipyard and drafting of completion contract and associated performance bonds. Considering relatied EU subsidy issues.
	Acting in relation to allegations of negligent workmanship on an offshore support vessel.
	Advising on dispute in relation to specifications and fitness for purpose of an offshore support vessel.
	Advising shipyard on rights to claim under composite builder's risk insurance policy.