The offshore construction and shipbuilding practice at BAHR was bolstered by the arrival of Eirik Høiby from Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS and shipping law expert Øystein Meland from Wikborg Rein in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Geir Gustavsson leads the shipping and offshore practice, and is well known for his expertise in handling international shipbuilding projects and contracts. Morten Smørdal heads up the offshore construction team, and advises on floating, production, storage and offloading contracts, as well as contractual matters involving the construction of ships and rigs. Jan Einar Barbo
‘s practice focuses on contract law and dispute resolution.
Offshore construction and shipbuilding in Norway
BAHR
Practice head(s):
Geir Gustavsson; Morten Smørdal
Other key lawyers:
Eirik Høiby; Øystein Meland; Jan Einar Barbo
Testimonials
‘Provides very high quality legal services, very hands-on, has great availability with quick/easy access to broad range of expertise, and has excellent collaboration capacities.’
‘The people we work with have tremendous intellect and tenacity.’
‘What makes this firm different is their very deep bench of practitioners who are able to approach very complicated matters and turn documents around very quickly, efficiently and effectively. It is the nature and quality of the work they do and the performance and delivery of the same and always most pleasantly and collegiately. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’
‘They are very professional and collegiate. The work is always energizing but there is also an exchange of intellect and friendship. This is very important in the very fast and complicated environment in which we have to function. They are respectful, friendly and highly intelligent which makes for a particularly good relationship.’
Key clients
Aker BP ASA
Northern Drilling Limited
Torghatten Nord AS
Moreld AS
MHWirth AS
Equinor AS
Akastor AS
Østensjø Rederi AS
Kvaerner ASA
Aker Solutions AS
Future Technology AS
Aker Oilfield Services AS
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to clients involved in offshore construction projects on renegotiating and amending contracts following the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Assisting Østensjø Rederi and Edda Wind with ordering six new-build Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) from the Spanish shipyards Astilleros Gondan and Astilleros Balenciaga.
- Acting for offshore drilling company Future Production Holding in a dispute against Atle Korsmo and Hag Invest AS.
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS‘ team ‘has a unique knowledge of the offshore industry, and experience in the challenges the industry meets in their operations and in their contracts.’ Shipbuilding work continues to be a growing area of instruction for the group. Arbitrator and litigator Mikal Brøndmo is the main name for handling offshore construction and shipbuilding disputes, and is well versed in advising on contractual matters within the sectors. Practice head Christopher L. Sveen stands out for providing ‘unique strategic advice‘ to a client roster of oil and gas companies, and Bård Sandstad regularly assists oil and gas, shipping and offshore clients with M&A mandates. At senior associate level, Martine Linge Johnsen is active in offshore contractual and regulatory work, while Silje Helene Bakkevig Dagsland and Sarah-Ann Kvam focus on shipbuilding and offshore construction contracts.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Mikal Brøndmo; Bård Sandstad; Martine Linge Johnsen; Silje Helene Bakkevig Dagsland; Sarah-Ann Kvam
Testimonials
‘The team delivers on time and they also have a solid understanding of the commercial aspects of contracts, which enables us to negotiate better terms with our counterparties.’
‘Haavind has unique and thorough experience in the offshore maritime (energy) sector, both construction and regulatory matters.’
‘Mikal Brøndmo and his team deliver quick responses, provide in depth legal analysis in a simple, to-the-point manner, and are also pragmatic and cost aware. The communication is always very pleasant.’
‘The team is always up to date and informed about difficult subjects in offshore construction contracts and their advice is accurate and clear.’
‘Mikal Brøndmo is our connection within the firm and he is always fast, reachable, professional and very approachable.’
‘They are very professional and solution-oriented.’
‘Christopher Sveen has great understanding both of our business model and our industry. He provides insightful advice. You can trust that he always takes the work seriously, and his advice is based on good legal work.’
‘Christopher Sveen and Bård Sandstad stands out as they are heavily involved in several public/industrial activities and initiatives on a national level and have backgrounds from the industry, which gives them technical and business insight like few other competitors.’
Key clients
Aker Solutions
Barents Naturgass AS
Broadview Energy Solutions B.V.
Helgeland V&M
Heerema Fabrication Group B.V.
Heerema Marine Contractors
Hurtigruten
Noble Installation
Norsk Industri (The Federation of Norwegian Industries), Oil & Gas
Marine Aluminium
Miros
Nova Sea
Pronav
TechnipFMC
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence
Work highlights
- Advised TechnipFMC on its acquisition of Island Offshore Management AS’ 49% stake in TIOS AS, a former joint venture between the two companies.
- Providing ongoing assistance to Nova Sea AS regarding the development and construction of the Spidercage concept, a floating fish farming facility for harsh environmental offshore conditions.
- Advising Norsk Industri on the development and implementation of new standard contracts for deliveries to the Norwegian Continental Shelf, among other initiatives.
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS
Jointly led by Nicolai Myren and Norman Hansen Meyer, the practice at Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS is well known for its specific focus on, and expertise in, the full range of offshore construction and shipbuilding matters. Myren is well versed in advising oil and gas companies on contractual work, transactional mandates and disputes, and Meyer assists shipowners and shipyards with newbuild projects and litigation, while Christian Steen Eriksen is very experienced in arbitration and litigation proceedings. At senior associate level, Cecilie Hjorth and Andreas Kyllingstad are names to note. In 2020, Odd-Arne Kleveland and Gro Løge left to take up in-house positions, and Eirik Høiby moved to BAHR.
Practice head(s):
Nicolai Myren; Norman Hansen Meyer
Other key lawyers:
Christian Steen Eriksen; Cecilie Hjorth; Andreas Kyllingstad
Testimonials
‘My experience with Selmer’s offshore construction and shipbuilding team is very positive. They have managed to solve very complex and critical matters with short deadlines. Their team is very competent and provided pragmatic solutions. They communicate well and have a very good understanding of their client’s business. They are proactive and service minded.’
‘Their knowledge about the industry combined with excellent legal expertise makes the communication swift and professional – and the process to understanding of our legal position and suggested way forward clear.’
‘Nicolai Myren: in depth legal coverage combined with industry knowledge and strong commercial understanding.’
‘High efficiency. Excellent understanding of the legal issues combined with a commercial insight. Availability. Transparent and fair billing.’
‘Norman Meyer: High efficiency.’
Key clients
Deep C Solutions
Tersan Shipyard
Altera Infrastructure (former Teekay Offshore)
SCF Geo
Green Yard Kleven shipyard (former Kleven Verft)
Westcon Group
Acta Marine
Reach Subsea
Havfram (former Ocean Installer)
COSL
Halliburton
Swire Energy Services
Fjord1
Sevnor Limited
Brønnbåt Nord
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
Operating out of the firm’s multiple offices, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s offshore department has established expertise in handling offshore construction contracts and high-profile shipbuilding projects. In Stavanger, Gunnar Espeland advises oil companies and contractors on prominent offshore construction projects. Oslo-based Erlend Lous has longstanding expertise in shipping and offshore transactions, financings, M&A and restructuring work; and shipping expert Jan Vablum in Bergen is very experienced in dispute resolution. Lars Inge Ørstavik, also based in Bergen, advises ship owners, shipyards and supplier companies on a range of contractual matters, and Oslo-based Yannis Litinas is noted for his expertise in assisting with shipbuilding and construction contracts, including contracts for specialised vessels.
Practice head(s):
Erlend Lous; Jan Vablum; Kenneth Mikkelsen; Gunnar Espeland
Other key lawyers:
Lars Inge Ørstavik; Yannis Litinas
Key clients
Seatankers Management Company Limited
Offshore Merchant Partners
DVB Bank SE
Endur ASA and its subsidiaries
Westcon Yards AS
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., DNB Bank ASA, NIBC Bank N.V.
Nordea Bank AB
Yinson Production
Fjord 1 AS
Volstad Maritime AS
Fosen Yard AS
Oma Baatbyggeri AS
Marinacc AS.
Songa/Blystad group
WLR/TRF
Maersk Supply Services
GC Rieber Shipping AS
G2 Ocean AS
Wergeland Group AS (including Solund Yard)
Yara Norge AS
Eidsvaag AS
Grieg Logistics
Kleven Yard
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Yara Norge AS regarding its autonomous cargo solution system project, including the construction of the Yara Birkeland, the world’s first autonomous zero emission vessel.
- Assisting Fosen Yards with the ongoing completion of a RoPax vessel at its yard in Norway.
- Advising Westcon Yards on a shipbuilding contract entered into with Rimfrost AS concerning the building of a krill factory trawler vessel.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ offshore construction and shipbuilding department is praised for its ‘deep industry knowledge‘. Shipowners, shipyards, rig-owners, supplier companies and contractors are included in the firm’s client base, and complex transactional mandates and restructurings remain prominent in the team’s workload. Pål Lieungh ‘has excellent negotiations skills driven by his commercial mindset and hands-on approach‘; he jointly leads the practice with Henrik Hagberg and Mads Haavardsholm. Construction expert Jacob F Bull advises on offshore oil and gas and renewable energy projects.
Practice head(s):
Pål Lieungh; Mads Haavardsholm; Henrik Hagberg
Other key lawyers:
Jacob F. Bull
Testimonials
‘Jacob Bull is exceptional, and a true all-rounder in construction matters whether onshore or offshore. He is well trusted by colleagues and clients, also serving as an arbitrator which serves as a further solid testimony to his capabilities.’
‘Top qualified people – expedient and top quality results.’
‘Jacob Bull – very good understanding of the business. Has a commercial mindset, and broad experience base. Draws on all of this while giving solid legal advice. Also good with people – quickly builds trust and a good negotiation atmosphere.’
‘Mads Haavardsholm in Thommessen is a pleasant and likable person, but can take the bad cop position when that is required. Such personal capabilities combined with the legal and commercial skillset sets him apart from other lawyers I know.’
‘Pål Lieungh has excellent negotiations skills driven by his commercial mindset and hands-on approach.’
Key clients
Equinor ASA (previously Statoil ASA)
Myklebust Verft
DNO International ASA
Island Offshore/Borgstein
RAK Petroleum PLC
Enhanced Drilling AS
ConocoPhillips
Kongsberg Gruppen
NYMO AS
Viken Shipping
Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” S.A.
Vard Group AS
Fearnley Advisors AS/Transportation Recovery Fund
Apollo Asset Ltd/Hunter Group ASA
Arne Blystad/OHT ASA
Qatar Navigation – Milaha
Econnect Energy AS
Island Drilling AS
OHT Alfa Lift AS
TECO 2030 AS
Wellesley Petroleum AS
France Pelagique SAS
J.D. Irving, Limited / Atlantic Harrier Limited Partnership
Southern Wind Shipyards (PTY) Limited
Westcon Yards AS
Green Island Shipholding
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Westcon Yards AS in an appeal hearing against Prosafe Rigs Pte Ltd, arising from a NOK800m dispute concerning the conversion of the tender support vessel Safe Scandinavia.
- Advising OHT Alfa Lift AS on negotiations with China Merchants concerning a newbuild contract for the construction of a semi-submersible offshore windfarm foundation installation vessel.
- Assisted the Alsaker Group with the whole process of the construction of a live fish carrier vessel, which was built at the Astilleros de Murueta shipyard in Spain.
Wikborg Rein
The practice at Wikborg Rein is distinguished by its ‘incredible knowledge of the industry‘. Jointly led by the firm’s deputy head of the global shipping and offshore group Øyvind Axe and Gaute Gjelsten, who is highly regarded for his litigation and arbitration expertise, the team has been kept busy handling shipbuilding contracts, transactional mandates and contentious matters. Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen is the key contact for shipping and offshore projects, and Bergen-based Morten Valen Eide advises on the construction, operation, financing and sale/purchase of ships and rigs. Christian James-Olsen is another name to note in Bergen. Øystein Meland moved to BAHR in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Gaute Gjelsten; Øyvind Axe
Other key lawyers:
Morten Valen Eide; Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen; Christian James-Olsen
Testimonials
‘Christian James-Olsen. Excellent on details and providing usable advice.’
‘The employees are knowledgeable and their advice is specific to our firm’s challenges. They are also able to attain new knowledge when appropriate. Communication with the main contact, as well as other on case to case basis, is always prompt and followed up as agreed. Strategic advice on specific cases is reliable. The people we collaborate with know our firm, what we do and how we work.’
‘The Wikborg Rein team provides everything you need – legal opinions, quality reviews, and strategic advice – always swiftly and with high quality.’
‘Morten Valen Eide is excellent in communication and strategy. His negotiation skills along with his knowledge of international business makes him a strong asset in negotiations.’
‘Incredible knowledge of the industry.’
Key clients
ASKO
Beerenberg Services AS
COSL Drilling
Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS
Fjord 1
Fred. Olsen Windcarrier
Havfram AS
Odfjell Drilling
Solstad Offshore
Ulstein Verft AS
Work highlights
- Advising ASKO AS on the construction, purchase, delivery and domestic operation of two electric autonomous ferries.
- Assisting infrastructure group Fjord 1 ASA with its fleet renewal programme, involving multiple newbuilds from various yards in Europe.
Arntzen de Besche
The offshore construction team at Arntzen de Besche stands out for its ‘great legal knowledge‘. Led by Karl Erik Navestad, the group is well known for advising clients from the aquaculture and fisheries and oil and gas sectors on a range of non-contentious and contentious matters. Shipping work is also prominent in the department’s workload. Ole Skeidsvoll Moe advises on offshore oil and gas projects, and Anders Rødland is praised for his ‘excellent commercial understanding‘.
Practice head(s):
Karl Erik Navestad
Other key lawyers:
Ole Skeidsvoll Moe; Anders Rødland
Testimonials
‘Always available and positive.’
‘Combination of exceptional good understanding of the legal framework with a commercial mindset and negotiation skills.’
‘Anders Rødland provided good support during negotiations when things got complex. He understands the game and is excellent in handling difficult people.’
Key clients
Altera Infrastructure Production AS
Nordlaks
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Nordlaks concerning its projects for the development and construction of large offshore aquaculture farms.
- Advising Norsk Fisketransport AS on a newbuild program for three service vessels for the aquaculture business.
Advokatfirmaet Glittertind AS
Under the leadership of Geir-Arne Borgestrand, who ‘brings important insight and guidance‘ to offshore construction mandates, Advokatfirmaet Glittertind AS‘ practice acts for a range of clients in the oil and gas, and oil services sectors including Crudecorp and Subsea 7. Newly promoted partner Knut Solum also contributes to the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice is diverse with vast senior experience as well as top talent. Glittertind’s business culture seems to be attracting the right talent. The variety in experience between senior partners makes Glittertind a natural choice for both commercial legal advice as well as dispute resolution.’
‘Geir Arne Borgestrand with his previous experience from the Energy Sector brings important insight and guidance in our business area. He contributes on a wide scale form strategic business advice to legal advice.’
Key clients
Crudecorp
Eureka Pumps AS
FPE Sontum AS
Safe Artic AS
Caera AS
DynatecSMV
Subsea 7
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
Jointly led by oil and gas expert Jens Brede and Yngve Bustnesli, who regularly advises on offshore contracts, the practice at Kvale Advokatfirma DA has established expertise in acting for oil and gas companies in international offshore construction projects, as well as large-scale disputes. The group reports an increase in instructions from offshore wind companies. Other key practitioners include Gry Bratvold, who has a track record in advising on international offshore projects; Lilly Kathrin Relling, who handles contracts for shipping clients; and senior associate Marte Roen, who is noted for her expertise in dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Jens Brede; Yngve Bustnesli
Other key lawyers:
Gry Bratvold; Lilly Kathrin Relling; Marte Roen
Testimonials
‘Great team. Customer focused and friendly.’
Key clients
Iberdrola Renovables
Equinor
BW Offshore
Kongsberg Maritime
Maersk Drilling
Techouse
Statnett SF
Solution Seeker
WR Berkley Insurance (Europe)
Lancashire Insurance
Eagle Burgmann Norway
Work highlights
- Advising energy company Iberdrola on contractual negotiations regarding the construction of the Flagship Project, a 10MW floating wind turbine and a semi-submersible floating concrete structure in Norway.
- Assisted BW Offshore with negotiations for a new contract for the lease and operation of the floating, production, storage and offloading vessel BW Pioneer, which operates in the Gulf of Mexico.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt
At Advokatfirmaet Schjødt, practice head Henrik Aadnesen advises shipping companies, yards and contractors on transactional matters, as well as assisting with Norwegian and international litigation and arbitration. Trond Sollund is active in representing oil and gas companies in contentious matters, and fields expertise in offshore construction contracts and rig contracts. In the Ålesund office, Stian Tennfjord specialises in assisting shipyard clients with contractual and corporate work. Senior associate Rebecca Lund Nakkim is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Henrik Aadnesen
Other key lawyers:
Trond Sollund; Stian Tennfjord; Rebecca Lund Nakkim
Testimonials
‘Excellent legal competence and industry knowledge.’
Key clients
Ocean Yield ASA
Aker Energy AS
Höegh LNG AS
Vard Group AS
Transocean Ltd.
GC Rieber Shipping ASA
Prosafe SE
Spar Shipping AS
Volstad Shipping AS
Intership AS
Work highlights
- Acted for shipyard Vard Group in securing a design and construction contract for three offshore wind support vessels with North Star.
- Assisted Ocean Yield ASA with the purchase of two suezmax newbuild tankers, with ten-year bareboat charters to Nordic American Tankers Ltd., structured as sale and lease back transactions.
- Assisted a shipyard with the delivery of its new support vessel Antarctic Provider, built by China’s CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd.
Wiersholm
At Wiersholm, the team continues to be kept busy advising shipbuilding clients on contractual matters, negotiations, delivery and financing issues, as well as assisting domestic and international oil services contractors with a broad range of offshore construction work. Helge Morten Svarva primarily focuses on offshore construction projects and has an excellent reputation for handling contracting disputes within the sector. Svarva jointly leads the team with newbuild projects expert Karl Even Rygh. Managing associate Mattias Grieg is noted for his expertise in offshore and shipping transactions.
Practice head(s):
Karl Even Rygh; Helge Morten Svarva
Other key lawyers:
Mattias Grieg
Testimonials
‘Great team. Fantastic service and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Hurtigruten AS
Equinor ASA
Avance Gas Holding Ltd
Golden Ocean Group Limited
DNV GL
The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
SFL Corporation Ltd
Frontline Limited
Archer Limited
ABB Group Ltd
Flex LNG Ltd
DESS Aquaculture Shipping AS
Østensjø Rederi
Sinoceanic Shipping AS
Siem Industries
Viking Supply Ships
Moss Havn KF (the port authority of Moss)
Lindblad Expeditions
Liberty Mutual Insurance SE
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing assistance to The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (as sole legal adviser) regarding its full-scale carbon capture and storage project.
- Acting as counsel for Liberty Mutual concerning the ongoing restructuring of the yard group Havyard Group, as well as the bankruptcy of Kleven Yard.