Andreas Dracoulis is a partner and disputes lawyer helping clients resolve problems in the energy, shipping and construction sectors. Andreas mostly advises on complex international projects ranging between the construction of offshore units and ships, upstream exploration and production and major infrastructure works. He has represented clients in international arbitrations conducted under many of the commonly used rules and in the English courts. He regularly acts for owners, contractors, shipyards, oilfield services providers and other energy companies.

Andreas is a recommended lawyer in the 2019 edition of The Legal 500, Legalease, which reports that Andreas is a "key name" in international arbitration and is "building an excellent reputation for careful case management” in shipping.

In addition to his degree in law, Andreas also holds a postgraduate master’s degree in construction law and dispute resolution from King's College, London. Andreas regularly writes and lectures on industry specific and international arbitration related topics including most recently at the Offshore Decommissioning Conference 2018. He is also a co-author of the chapter on Offshore Vessel Construction Disputes within Global Arbitration Review’s Guide to Energy Arbitrations (Third Edition).

Bar Admissions

England and Wales, 2004

Education

LL.B., University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with honors
M.Sc., Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, King's College London

Significant Accomplishments

Defending a Chinese shipyard in London arbitration proceedings against claims for the return of pre-delivery instalments following the disputed cancellation of a contract for the construction of a container vessel. Involved considering and responding to a number of complex technical shipbuilding issues.

Successfully defending a multi-national offshore pipelay and subsea construction company in the English High Court (Technology and Construction Court) against claims by subcontractors for delay and disruption. The claims arose out of a contract for the laying of onshore gas pipelines in relation to the Total Laggan-Tormore development in the North Sea. Judgment in relation to the same can be found at Van Oord UK Ltd & Anor v Allseas UK Ltd [2015] EWHC 3074 (TCC).

Acting for a buyer in London arbitration proceedings against a Mexican state owned corporation following the cancellation of a prototype barge construction contract. The dispute involved allegations of bribery and corruption and gave rise to complex issues relating to capacity and the applicable jurisdiction (and which involved managing and directing foreign lawyers in the conduct of related overseas litigation).

Acting for a drilling contractor in relation to a London arbitration arising out of the defective/incomplete construction of a semi-submersible drilling rig built at major shipyard in Korea. The client sought substantial damages for loss of hire and the cost of remedial works.

Advising a German shipyard in connection with disputes arising out of construction works for an offshore wind farm in the North Sea. The disputes were multi-jurisdictional in nature and were ultimately settled according to the terms of a multi-party settlement agreement.

Representing a UK-based shipyard in connection with London arbitration proceedings and anticipated related English High Court proceedings relating to the construction of the moulded hull of a series of luxury ocean going sailing yachts.

Advising drilling contractor clients in relation to claims arising out of the interpretation of provisions (including day rate provisions and exclusion/limitation of liability provisions) contained in contracts for the charter of a deep water drillship and a floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel.

Advising in relation to London High Court (Commercial Court) proceedings concerning claims for the payment of commission following the conclusion of a substantial drilling contract. The dispute arose out of a disputed high level oral agreement.

Acting for a Chinese shipyard against a Brazilian oil and gas company and claiming unpaid instalments under two shipbuilding contracts and defending allegations of misrepresentation and breaches of contract. The claims arose out of the construction of two semi-submersible drilling rigs and were subject to two sets of London arbitration proceedings, London High Court proceedings and New York litigation and arbitration.

Representing a drilling contractor in relation to London arbitrations concerning the late delivery of two semi-submersible drilling rigs built at a major shipyard in Korea. The client sought substantial sums by way of liquidated damages for delayed delivery.

Defending claims by a purchaser of a second hand semi-submersible drilling rig sold on Norwegian Saleform (NSF) terms. The purchaser sought substantial sums by way of damages for repair and replacement costs and in relation to loss of hire.

Acting for both shipyards and owners in relation to disputes arising out of superyacht construction projects (both newbuilds and upgrade projects). Includes advising in a connection with hull coating disputes, alleged negligent design and generally in relation to post-delivery warranty claims.