Projects and energy: local firms in Singapore

Allen & Gledhill LLP

The energy, infrastructure and projects team at Allen & Gledhill LLP has great depth, offering expertise across a broad range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, petrochemicals, telecoms, transportation, construction and infrastructure. The group reports an uptick in cross-border work involving subsea cables, water treatment, and rapid transit systems. Other key areas of instruction include large regional restructurings, high-value financings, and acquisitions. Kelvin Wong is very experienced in advising on energy and gas sector matters and has a solid track record advising on infrastructure projects across Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia; he jointly heads the practice with Kok Chee Wai, who advises banks and sponsors on domestic and international financings. Tan Wee Meng, who leads the telecoms department, and Boon Kiat Yeo stand out for their experience in project development, negotiations, and PPPs.

Practice head(s):

Kelvin Wong; Kok Chee Wai


Other key lawyers:

Tan Wee Meng; Aloysius Ng; Boon Kiat Yeo


Testimonials

‘The projects and energy group at Allen & Gledhill are very knowledgeable about the renewable energy market in Singapore. Solid legal advice combined with good business acumen makes the team a pleasure to work with for the client.’

‘Boon Kiat was always ready to assist us with understanding the sector specific regulatory requirements for the energy market in SEA. Smart yet most humble, dispensing pragmatic legal advice is Boon Kiat’s strength. He is definitely a go-to for clients in navigating the heavily regulated energy market in Singapore and SEA.’

‘Aloysius Ng and his team has in depth knowledge of industry and cross-border deals. They were exceptionally prompt in responding to the queries and offered solutions to overcome any deadlocks during the negotiation and structuring of deals as we were working on very tight timelines.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted the client with the restructuring of the TuasOne Project, which involved the financing, construction, and operation of a waste-to-energy plant.
  • Advised BCG-SP Solar 1 Joint Stock Company on entering into a facility agreement with a group of financial entities as lead arrangers, concerning a US$31.6 million club term loan to be issued to the client.
  • Advising SP Powerasset on importing electricity between Malaysia and Singapore.

Dentons Rodyk

Dentons Rodyk handles the full range of energy and projects matters. The team is often engaged in complex cross-border work, with a particular focus on the energy sector, and demonstrates strong capabilities in advising on conventional and renewable energy work. The practice is led by Jonathan Guwe, a key name for cross-border energy mandates. Joo Thye Tan regularly handles energy, mining, and infrastructure matters, and Ron Oong is noted for his expertise in energy transactions.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Guwe


Other key lawyers:

Joo Thye Tan; Ipshita Chaturvedi; Ron Oong


Key clients

Samko Timber Limited


Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd


Solar United Network Pte Ltd


Jurong Port Tank Terminals Pte. Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Samko Timber on the development of a biomass wood pellet production line and an adjacent solar power plant, including assisting with the EPC contract and the leasing agreement with the solar service provider.
  • Advised Singapore Aero Engine Services on its procurement of two rooftop solar facilities.

Drew & Napier LLC

At Drew & Napier LLC, the team leverages its multidisciplinary resources to advise on a broad spectrum of matters, including M&A deals, project financings, and complex high-value disputes. The group has considerable experience in handling high-profile projects in the power, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, and construction sectors. The client base takes in a wide range of private, public, and governmental entities. Led by Jimmy Yim, SC, the practice is noted for its expertise in assisting with multijurisdictional litigation. Mahesh Rai handles complex projects and has represented clients from the hydropower, energy, and telecoms sectors. Christopher Chong is noted for his expertise in renewables, construction and engineering dispute resolution work.

Practice head(s):

Jimmy Yim, SC


Other key lawyers:

Mahesh Rai; Christopher Chong; Chua Tju Liang; Renu Menon


Testimonials

‘One of the strongest teams in the region.’

‘Outstanding in every respect.’

‘Jimmy Yim, SC and Mahesh Rai are top-class, and think outside the box for solutions.’

‘Comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations. The firm brings a depth and breadth of knowledge to all key aspects of the disputes process.’

‘Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, who is well-rounded in terms of depth of legal knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless. Chris is backed by a solid team, whether as a whole or individually, who are more than capable of pulling their own weight and delivering value to us in the context of the role they play.’

‘Mahesh is impressive and genuine. He has great analytical skills, able to listen well, and very good in communication. He also always comes up with great strategies.’

‘Christopher Chong is very impressive in renewable projects disputes. He is supported by a solid team of associates.’

Key clients

Goldbell Corporation Pte Ltd


SAMART Comtech Co., Ltd


Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd (now rebranded as DL E&C)


Navayo International AG


Logix Aero Ireland Ltd


ACASS Canada Ltd


Daewoo Engineering & Construction


Royal Group Investments Pte Limited


American Bureau of Shipping


Keppel Singmarine


Creative Technology Limited


Essar Group including Essar Projects (India) Limitedand Essar Projects Singapore Pte Ltd


SK ecoplant (formerly known as SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.)


Emirates National Oil Company (Singapore) Private Limited


Cisco Systems Inc


Vietnam Trading Engineering Construction Joint Stock Corporation


Subash Kabini Power Corporation Limited


Noomadi Resorts & Residences AG


Multi-Gold SSDK Resources Pte Ltd


Alcon group, including Alcon Pte Ltd and CIBA Vision Asian Manufacturing Logistics Pte Ltd


Howden Axial Fans AB


Work highlights


  • Advising the Public Utilities Board on matters relating to the transfer of a desalination plant to the client.
  • Acted as Singaporean counsel to BPIN Investment in relation to its acquisition of shares in Durapower Holdings.

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is well versed in handling complex cross-border mandates within the projects and energy sectors. The team has considerable expertise in advising on regulatory work in the transportation and infrastructure sectors, as well as advising on conventional and green power development projects. The group’s workload includes high-value financings, acquisitions and disposals. Chee Siong Sim heads the practice, and has over two decades of experience in the arena, with noted strength in infrastructure, energy and resources matters. Shemane Chan is a key name for procurement work, and Loh Yong Hui focuses on front-end construction and engineering matters.

Practice head(s):

Sim Chee Siong


Other key lawyers:

Shemane Chan; Soh Lip San; Larry Lim; Loh Yong Hui


Testimonials

‘Deep legal knowledge and experience in advising on projects. Thorough analysis of legal issues. Ability to deal with complex issues and provide practical solutions.’

Key clients

AIMS APAC REIT


Land Transport Authority of Singapore


The appointed receivers and managers for the relevant property of Tuaspring Pte Ltd


Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation


Land Transport Authority


M1 Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted AIMS APAC REIT with structuring, negotiating and finalising agreements for the installation and subsequent maintenance of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems spanning six of its industrial, logistics and warehouse properties.
  • Advising LTA on its appointment of two separate private train operators for the Jurong Regional Line and Cross Island Line.
  • Represented two individuals, who were appointed as receivers and managers by Maybank over the relevant property of Tuaspring Pte, in the sale of a power plant and associated assets of Tuaspring to the subsidiary of YTL Power International Berhad.

WongPartnership LLP

WongPartnership LLP is home to a highly experienced team, which regularly handles some of the region’s largest infrastructure and energy projects. Public-private partnership projects and complex arbitrations are prominent in the group’s workload. The client base includes entities from the oil and gas, petrochemical, power, utilities, and renewable energy sectors. Tay Peng Cheng leads the energy, projects and construction department, and has considerable experience in international disputes and arbitration proceedings. Ian de Vaz heads the infrastructure, construction and engineering practice and brings expertise in front-end construction work, which is also a key area of instruction for Linda Low. Lesley Tan is sought after for her strength in handling contentious mandates.

Practice head(s):

Tay Peng Cheng; Ian De Vaz


Other key lawyers:

Lesley Tan; Linda Low


Work highlights


  • Advised SportsHub on the termination of a public-private partnership with the Singapore government, concerning the ownership and management of a S$1.33 billion sports and recreation district in Singapore.
  • Advised a prominent energy company on a Build-Own-Operate project for the development of 200 MW of battery energy storage systems.
  • Advised a university in Singapore on the drafting and reviewing of an O&M contract with a prominent low-carbon energy company for the operation and maintenance of a district cooling system facility housed within the university’s campus.

Harry Elias Partnership

The team at Harry Elias Partnership advises multiple local and international employers, developers, contractors, and government agencies on infrastructure and energy sector matters. The group is very experienced in handling domestic and international arbitration and litigation, and also advises on marine engineering, dredging, land reclamation and shore protection issues. Transport infrastructure projects are also prominent in the department’s workload. Practice head Tan Chau Yee has extensive experience in construction law. Restructuring law expert Justin Chia is a key name in the group, and Yvonne Foo regularly acts on construction-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Tan Chau Yee


Other key lawyers:

Justin Chia; Yvonne Foo


Testimonials

‘A team of capable lawyers who provide legal opinions and offer the best possible outcome to resolve any dispute that might or will arise.’

‘Communication is the key – the group has outstanding skills in understanding the circumstances and advising on steps to be taken.’

Key clients

AGC Holdings Ltd


BRC Asia Limited (including subsidiary Lee Wielded Mesh Singapore P/L)


CapitaLand Limited


DBS Trustee Ltd as Trustee of Soilbuild Business Space REIT


Gathergates Group Pte Ltd


GlaxoSmithKline Pte Ltd


GlaxoSmithKline Pte Ltd


Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering Contractor (Pte) Ltd


Maritime Port Authority of Singapore


Meinhardt Singapore Pte Ltd


Ministry of Health


National Environment Agency


National Parks Board


People’s Association


Public Utilities Board


Rich-Link Construction Pte Ltd


Singapore Land Authority


Singapore Land Transport Authority


Singapore Turf Club


SMRT Corporation Limited


Standard Chartered Bank / Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Ltd


Straco Leisure Pte Ltd (Singapore Flyer)


Surbana Jurong Consultants Private Limited


Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Co. Pte Ltd


Wee Hur Group of Companies


Work highlights


  • Acting as the Claims Specialist to Surbana Jurong Consultants for the Tuas Terminal Port Project 1, involving advising on the administration of the contract and contractor claims.
  • Appointed by the insurers to defend YTL against claims brought by HSL Constructor and the Public Utilities Board regarding alleged damage to a water pipe and other losses due to ground stress at the site where improvements to Bedok Canal were taking place.
  • Advising the Ministry of Health on reviewing and amending the standard term contracts to be used when engaging contractors, architects and consultants, in relation to senior care centres to be built in Singapore.

Bird & Bird ATMD LLP

Bird & Bird ATMD LLP’s projects and energy practice is noted for its experience in handling all aspects of renewable power projects and energy regulatory matters. The firm has considerable expertise in advising on ESG, construction contracts, competition law, and IP and licensing matters for clients within the energy and construction sectors. Sandra Seah, who has expertise in energy, corporate and commercial law, heads the team. Akshay Kishore focuses on international commercial arbitration work in the energy, mining, construction, and infrastructure sectors.

Practice head(s):

Sandra Seah


Other key lawyers:

Akshay Kishore


Testimonials

‘Bird & Bird has been providing excellent support to us. The team is versatile and provides the support we need. Their ability to give us focused and clear advice is outstanding.’

‘They go out of their way to help us. Sandra Seah is outstanding as a leader. In spite of their busy schedule, they go out of their way to help.’

‘Very professional team with many years of experience working together. Very high availability and flexibility. They make you feel very accompanied and supported in any legal discussion.’

‘Sandra Seah’s leadership is a true benchmark in the energy industry throughout the region. Her technical knowledge, way of communicating and her contacts in the industry allow to make easy the projects that appear to be difficult.’

‘The team at Bird & Bird are not only good at what they do, but they also take the effort to deepen their knowledge of the industry they are working on/with. So as clients, it will be easier when speaking in industry lingo.’

‘Working with Sandra was a breeze. She is super-efficient, and her commercial knowledge of the industry makes it easier to discuss the projects ongoing, and she is able to provide on point advice for us.’

Key clients

Energy Market Authority of Singapore


Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore


Bluefield Renewable


Terrenus Energy


China Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited


Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Association of Singapore (HFCAS)


ICOP Group


Voltas Limited


China Energy Investment Corporation Limited


Denholm Yam Contracting Company LLC


Energetix Pte Ltd


GasHub Pte Ltd


K2 Strategic Pte. Ltd.


Organica Water Solutions Private Limited


Singapore Environment Council


Work highlights


  • Advised the Energy Market Authority of Singapore on its microgrid programme at Pulau Ubin, involving an electricity supply within a microgrid infrastructure using intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
  • Advised the Energy Market Authority of Singapore on a BESS Agreement with Sembcorp.
  • Advised the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore on a consortium agreement between power importers from Singapore, concerning the import of power from Indonesia to Singapore.

Duane Morris & Selvam LLP

The projects, energy and infrastructure team at Duane Morris & Selvam LLP is led by Leon Yee , Ramiro Rodriguez , and Priyank Srivastava . Upstream and downstream oil and gas projects are prominent in the team’s workload, and the group also handles other matters such as regulatory and compliance issues, joint ventures, and licensing. Although the department is active in work across the region, the Singapore practice maintains a visible presence in Myanmar.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee; Ramiro Rodriguez; Priyank Srivastava


Testimonials

‘Duane Morris & Selvam is our go-to firm for all our work. They have a team of very capable and efficient people. The partners and associates have in-depth knowledge of the laws and a great understanding of the client’s requirements. Their fee is commensurate with the work output and clients trust them with their strategy and suggestions.’

‘Priyank Srivastava is a leading lawyer in the industry for projects and energy. He is extremely capable and a very smart lawyer. His knowledge in this field is unparalleled.’

Key clients

Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd


Young Investment Group


Mercantile & Maritime, Singapore


ONGC Videsh Limited


CESI


State Bank of India


Ashro Singapore Pte. Ltd


Shwe Min Gan Finance Company Limited


Beijing Deheng, Sichuan Petroleum and Natural Gas Construction Engineering Co


Indraprashta Gas Limited


Iceberg Holding


Work highlights


  • Advising Sembcorp Utilities on a US$250 million financing of a gas-fired power plant project in Myanmar.
  • Advising the Young Investment Group on potential investments in solar power projects in the region, as well as oil and gas upstream projects in Myanmar.
  • Advising a Singaporean oil and gas holding company on its expansion plans in Southeast Asia.