ABSTRACT

A key feature of offshore construction contracts is that the facility is not usually fit for operations until it is transported to a specific location or has been installed at that location. It is common for the task of transporting and installing the facility to be performed by a specialist 'T&I' contractor, usually as a subcontractor of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) contractor. Irrespective of the method of transportation deployed, it is normal for the transportation to be performed by a specialist contractor who will be employed as a subcontractor either by the Company or the head Contractor, depending on who is responsible for transporting the unit to site. It would be advisable for the Contractor to attempt to ensure that the force majeure clauses are as back-to-back as possible, such that the transportation contractor is not relieved of its obligations to the Contractor unless and to extent the Contractor is relieved of its obligations to the Company.