Construction projects across the globe have been heavily affected by COVID-19.  Delays to completion have resulted, but in most instances, the predominant impact is one of Disruption. 

In this session, our panel will discuss both technical and legal perspectives on the issue of Disruption, with particular focus on:

• methodologies available to assess disruption;
• a review of landmark cases that dealt with disruption and the Courts’ perspective on the methodologies applied;
• contractual provisions that can be typically relied upon for disruption claims;
• common pitfalls in Contractor’s disruption claims; and
• tips & tricks to ensure that disruption events are properly assessed.

Webinar participants will be able to watch and listen to (via computer audio, recommended for security reasons, or telephone line) the video presentation and Q&A discussion on their screens, as well as participate in the Q&A discussion by sending in their questions to the moderator via text using the built-in Q&A function.

Immediately following the webinar, SCL(S) will hold a virtual networking session hosted by members of the SCL(S) Council. Anyone interested in participating in the networking need only stay on after the webinar. Each person in the group will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and say who they are looking to make business connections with. All you will need to do to join is indicate in your attendance in your webinar registration.

Simon Bellas is an international disputes authority whose practice is focused on large-scale construction projects, in particular, in the energy and resources and infrastructure sectors. He has particular experience in working with overseas, EPC contractors. Simon is a highly ranked arbitration and construction lawyer and has managed some of the largest international arbitrations and litigation in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to large-scale transnational disputes, Simon is regularly engaged during project execution as “project counsel” with a mandate of avoiding and minimising claims and disputes. With more than 15 years experience in LNG and mining, Simon is a leading industry professional and has an in- depth working knowledge of many of the technical engineering and commercial issues that underpin projects and the claims that commonly arise from them.

Jonathan Shahady is Chairman of the TBH Group which, since the 1960s, has been Australia’s leading specialist project planning and management consultancy. He joined TBH in 1986 and was appointed a Director in 1999. Jonathan is a civil engineer with over 35 years’ of international experience. He specialises in the provision of project and contract planning and management services across all industries. Jonathan has amassed considerable project experience working with and advising Governments, Owners, Consultants, Contractors and their Legal Advisors. Jonathan is an industry respected and recognised program, project, engineering and construction planning, delivery and management advisor. His planning and management skills have been developed across multiple industries and working with some of the best industry leaders and managers. Jonathan is a recognised expert in the planning and delivery of all levels and phases of the program and project life cycle including feasibility, planning, design, procurement, implementation, commissioning and operations. Jonathan has provided project planning and management services and advice on over 500 commissions involving over 50,000 projects across the globe. In addition to general project, engineering and construction management experience, Jonathan's background has led him into the specialist fields of project time, cost, risk, value and facilities management as well as commercial and contract management. He is a recognised industry expert in contractual matters and dispute resolution. Jonathan is regularly called upon as a recognised expert and experienced expert witness in many countries. Jonathan is a published author, university lecturer, presented and chaired industry conferences. He has contributed to industry standards and recommended practice papers. Since 1990, Jonathan has been preparing and assessing delay, acceleration and disruption claims for his clients and their legal advisors. 

About the Chairperson:

Samuel is a director in Accuracy’s Singapore office, leading the Disputes practice in Asia. He specialises in the provision of live project support and advice; the analysis and compilation of forensic claim submissions; and the preparation and provision of expert opinion in relation to construction disputes. His work typically involves assessments relating to project overrun/delays, contract administration, construction logistics, construction methodology, construction strategy and risk management. Samuel has over 20 years’ professional experience in Building & Construction, Transportation, Oil & Gas, Process Plants, Renewables, Land Reclamation and Infrastructure projects. He has extensive live project experience, acquired over a period of over 10 years’ in the UK, before he relocated to the Middle East in 2010 and to Asia in 2014. Samuel is a Fellow of the CIArb, Member of the SIArb, has an MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration, and a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management. He has been appointed as an independent expert on matters of planning and delay. He has testified under cross-examination and has experience in expert witness conferencing (“hot-tubbing”).