At the FIDIC International Contract Users Conference in London
late last year, the pre-release of FIDIC's Yellow Book
("Second Edition") was revealed, with the objective of it
being officially released late in 2017. FIDIC also announced that
revised versions of the Red Book and Silver Book would follow later
this year, but no further details have been provided at this
stage.
Many would agree that the Yellow Book, which is now 17 years
old, was due for a refresh. The proposed changes, however, are very
extensive. While the contract remains lump sum, the length of the
General Conditions has almost doubled, and there is a marked
emphasis on contract administration procedures (such as the
addition of a new "advance warning" mechanism and more
streamlined claims and dispute resolution procedures). This sees a
shift in the role of the Engineer who will be required to take a
more proactive and engaged approach throughout the duration of the
Project to knuckle out and
