Offshore construction and supply projects involve
complex contractual arrangements regulating the relationships of
operators, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Although
every effort is made to prevent the occurrence of disputes when
parties enter into contract, it is a fact of life that disputes do
arise. This paper explains the role of engineers in the dispute
resolution process. It highlights the features of disputes which
arise out of the offshore construction and supply industry by way
of inclusion of a description of: the life cycle of a typical
offshore development; a typical engineering, procurement,
construction, installation and commissioning project; the
engineer's involvement in the contractual process; types of
frequently occurring disputes; and the role of engineers in dispute
avoidance. By way of introducing the various methods of disputes
resolution, including litigation, arbitration, adjudication, expert
determination, mediation, the engineers'
