Andrew White QC

Andrew has dealt with the whole range of issues including claims for loss and expense, defects claims, cost overrun claims and liquidated damages in relation to the design and construction of power stations, airports, shipbuilding and conversion, roads and other transport infrastructure, and town and city redevelopments, including hospitals and schools. Examples of work include:

INTERNATIONAL

Middle East

• Acting for the consortium of contractors who were building the new Dubai Metro which comprised of 40 stations and some 70km of viaduct and tunnels.
• Acting for a contractor involved in the construction of the Pearl Project in Qatar – The world’s largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant and one of the world’s largest, most complex and challenging energy projects ever commissioned. Qatar law and arbitration.
• Acting for the Government of Canada in a dispute concerning the construction of the Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
• Acting in arbitration and in the High Court for a major joint venture contractor in three major disputes concerning the construction of gas liquefaction facilities on Das Island, Abu Dhabi.
• Acting in arbitration under DIAC rules for the contractor in an arbitration concerning cost overruns on a residential development in Dubai Marina. Dubai law.
• Acting for international contractor in arbitration under DIAC rules for the contractor in a dispute concerning the construction of the Dubai International Financial Centre.
• Acting in LCIA arbitration for the contractor in a dispute concerning a water treatment plant in Oman.
• Acting in LCIA arbitration for the contractors on a dispute regarding liquidated damages levied at US$30 million but part of wider disputes relating to the completion of the desalination facility forming part of a combined power and desalination project in Oman.

Far East

• Acting in Hong Kong arbitration for an international contractor pursuing a claim against the government in respect of a viaduct and road construction project in Hong Kong. The claim was for HK$1 billion.
• Acting in a series of related arbitrations heard in Hong Kong relating to final account disputes between a Hong Kong property developer and a Korean construction company arising out of the construction of a hotel, an office block and a serviced apartment block. The issues involved questions of constructions of related contracts, practical completion, delay on the project, liquidated damages, variations and defects.
• Acting in ad hoc arbitration broadly following UNCITRAL/IBA procedures. Claims for liquidated damages by owner for late completion c€70million. Counterclaim by contractor joint venture for extension of time and early completion bonus. Disputes relate to responsibility for delay caused by hydrocarbon contamination of ground-affecting tunnel works.
• Acting in a series of arbitrations in Hong Kong relating to a dispute between the domestic developer and a local contractor concerning issues relating to government consents for tree felling defects loss and expense claims, final account and completion. Acted for one of the biggest contractors in Asia.
• Acting for the contractors on a multi-million-pound arbitration in Singapore concerning a failed foundation piling scheme for a prestigious city centre office development.
• Acting for the contractor in relation to a major dam project in Malaysia which included disputes as to unforeseen ground conditions.
• Acting for employers and contractors in various other disputes concerning the design, construction and reconditioning of several power stations in various parts of the world. These include fossil fuel power stations, fluid bed boilers, tyre burning and combined cycle power stations.

DOMESTIC

• Acting for Mott McDonald defending substantial claim brought by Brookfield in relation to Wembley. Leading a large team of leading and junior counsel, this highly-publicised matter was the largest of all the Wembley disputes with the sums claimed in excess of £280 million and was the largest-ever claim issued in the UK Technology and Construction Court although was settled in June 2010. Brookfield Europe (formerly Multiplex) v Mott McDonald.
• Acting for the contractor on a matter which related to the circumstances in which an injunction can be granted to restrain a call on a performance bond. Simon Carves v Ensus [2011] BLR 340.
• Acting on behalf of parties to contracts made under the UK Government’s PFI initiative. Advising upon, conducting and defending claims on a wide range of large projects relating to the construction of roads, tunnels, hospitals, schools and railways.
• Representing Bovis End Lease, in a case relating to a substantial claim arising from the construction of a Cadbury Chocolate Factory.

Andrew has extensive experience of both domestic and international disputes regarding oil and gas exploration and exploitation particularly in relation to the design and construction of on-shore and off-shore installations including oil rigs, pipelines and FPSO units. Andrew has also acted as counsel in disputes regarding the sale and purchase of oil and gas.

INTERNATIONAL

• Acting for main contractors who are in dispute with their subcontractors over the termination of lengthy section of an oil pipeline in Turkey and the financial consequences that flow from that. ICC arbitration and the seat is London.
• Acting on behalf of the Singaporean owners of a shipyard in Rotterdam who were responsible for the conversion of a drilling rig into a deep-water rig. Clients are part state-owned and the employer is a Norwegian company. The arbitration was conducted under SCIMA rules.
• Instructed by the owners and operators of an oil and gas process facility off the west coast of Russia. The claim was against the designers of the facility. UNCITRAL arbitration with a London seat.
• Acting in LMAA arbitration for the operators of an oil field off the coast of West Africa in relation to a dispute with the company that built and operates the FPSO that processes the hydrocarbons extracted from the field.
• Acting for a Canadian oil company which was in dispute with a Scandinavian shipping company over disputes that have arisen under contracts for the construction and operation of an FPSO which is now in production in Gabonese waters. The issues arising include delay, the allegedly late provision of information, and technical issues relating to the integrated control and safety system, and the soil conditions at the FPSO site.
• Acting in a LCIA arbitration concerning the design and construction of the topsides of an offshore oil and gas processing platform in South East Asia. Claims included wrongful termination, variations, loss of profit, loss of production and defects.
• Acting for the owners in an LMAA arbitration regarding a dispute over the conversion of a 130,000t bulk carrier into the world’s largest dynamically positioned pipe layer the “Solitaire” in what was the described at the time as history’s largest arbitration.
• Acting in an ad hoc international arbitration for a claim for late completion works to a power station in Spain due to hydrocarbon contamination of ground affecting tunnelling works.
• Acting on a UNCITRAL arbitration concerning liability for extensive defects in welds in a newly constructed oil and gas processing facility in Kazakhstan. The sums claimed exceeded £100m, representing the costs of rectifying the defective welds together with associated losses (including a claim for recovery of delayed production losses).
• Acting, in the High Court and in arbitration, for ABB Lummus Global Limited in a dispute with Keppel Fels Limited, concerning the design and construction of the topsides of the Varg FPSO.

DOMESTIC

• Acted for a major Chinese state-owned multinational engineering company against a Fortune 500^® company in one of the largest claims before the TCC arising out of the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of East Anglia. Fluor v Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co, Ltd [2018] EWHC 1 (TCC).
• Instructed on behalf of a Danish contractor which has constructed foundations for two wind farms in the Solway firth.
• Instructed by Amec and Alstom to act on their behalf in a dispute with RWE over responsibility for delay and additional cost incurred by my clients who were the contractors for the construction of a desulphurization project for a power station in South Wales. One aspect of the dispute was the subject of a hearing and judgment by Akenhead J in the TCC.
• Acting for the contractors in defects action in relation to a fuel pipeline from Birmingham to Gatwick Airport.
• Acting for the contractors in cost overrun claims in relation to an ethylene pipeline from England to Scotland. The dispute concerned unforeseen ground conditions.
• Acting in the High Court for Amec Process and Energy Limited in a dispute with Stork BV concerning the design and construction of the topsides of the Anaseuria FPSO.
• Acting for Sovereign Oil Limited in a High Court dispute with Aker Limited concerning the payment of a sail-away bonus in relation to the construction of the topsides of the Banff Ramform FPSO.

Andrew has extensive experience acting for a wide variety of employers and contractors on disputes arising from major road, rail, tram and tunnel infrastructure projects all over the world. His cases include:

• Appearing as counsel in the House of Lords in Balfour Beatty v Eurotunnel and in relation to several disputes arising out of the project.
• Dubai Metro.
• Section of the MTR in Hong Kong – original and more recent extension.
• Hong Kong Airport.
• London Underground – Connect project.
• A major Singaporean expressway.
• Muscat International Airport.
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (formerly known and still commonly referred to as Manila International Airport).
• Croydon Tramlink.
• Manchester Metrollink (trams).

Andrew has a great deal of experience in the professional negligence field acting for claimants, defendants and their indemnity insurers in relation to claims brought against a wide range of professionals primarily, although not exclusively, in the construction and infrastructure industries. In the field of negligence generally, Andrew appeared as counsel in the House of Lords in the landmark decision of Murphy v Brentwood District Council.

Cases include:

• Acting for the employer in a dispute in the courts of Guernsey concerning the construction of a residential and commercial development in St Peters’ Port. A claim was brought by the project managers against the employer for sums due under the contracts of engagement and the employer had a substantial counterclaim for £70m.
• Acting on a US$100 million professional negligence claim in UK High Court relating to design of power station in the Philippines including two successful results in response to appeals to the English Court of Appeal: Mirant Asia-Pacific Construction (Hong Kong) Ltd v Ove Arup and Partners Intl Ltd.
• Wembley Stadium – instructed by Mott MacDonald in proceedings bought by Multiplex.
• Acting on a $900 million claim by consortium of international oil companies against design engineers, concerning design defects in an onshore oil and gas processing facility located on an island off the east coast of Russia, in an area that is ice bound half the year and prone to seismic movement.

Andrew has been instructed in various disputes concerning the design and construction of computers and the development of software. Cases include:

• A lengthy dispute between the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority and Marconi concerning the design and construction of its central mobilising command and control system.
• Instructed on behalf of London Underground in a series of high-value arbitrations concerning contract for installation, operation and maintenance of new telecoms system on underground railway network. A factually complex case involving PFI contract issues, construction disputes and environmental matters, such as detection and treatment of asbestos.

Andrew has considerable experience in disputes under UK and European procurement rules. He was instructed by the Corporate Office of the House of Commons in connection with a lengthy High Court Action brought by the tenderers for fenestration works on the new parliamentary building at Westminster.

Andrew has been appointed to sit as sole and party appointed Arbitrator on numerous occasions both domestically and around the globe. Example cases include:

• Appointed as Chairman on an arbitral tribunal (Adhoc, Nigerian Seat) in respect of an offshore oil field located in Africa and the parties rights under a Unit Agreement. Claims in excess of US$900million.
• Appointed as Chairman on an arbitral tribunal (SIAC, UNCITRAL Rules, Perth Seat) in respect of an iron ore mine located in Australasia. Claims in excess of AUS$350million
• Appointed as party nominated arbitrator (ICC, London Seat) relating to an ethylene plant in the Middle East. Claims over US$50million.
• Appointed as party nominated arbitrator (ICC, Singapore Seat) relating to a geothermal power plant located in Southeast Asia.
• Appointed as party nominated arbitrator (ICC, Geneva Seat) in respect of the construction of an 8km breakwater at a grand port located in the Middle East. Claims in excess of US$330million.
• Appointed as Chairman of an arbitral tribunal (ICC, Paris seat) regarding the agreement for petroleum exploration and production in the Middle East. Claims in excess of US100million.
• Appointed as party nominated arbitrator (LCIA, Trinidad Seat) regarding the construction of a highway located on a Caribbean island. Claims in excess of US$300million
• Appointed as party nominated arbitrator (ICC, Perth Seat) regarding the construction of a Technical Ammonium Nitrate Plant Project located in Australasia. Claims in excess of AUD$105million
• Sitting in London with in a dispute between two large companies concerning claim for sums allegedly due under a contract for the construction in the Far East of steel manufacturing equipment. The arbitration was governed by UNCITRAL rules.
• Sitting as chair of arbitration in Abu Dhabi under ADCAC Rules.
• Sitting as sole arbitrator in London in dispute between Japanese finance company and Japanese contractor to determine liability for failure of pipework in a closed air-conditioning system in a 16 storey office building in the City of London. The dispute involved extensive technical evidence relating to water treatment and its chemistry and the possible interaction between chemicals used for water treatment and the failure of pipe fittings and metallurgy.
• Sitting as party-nominated arbitrator in New York governed by ICC Rules. The dispute was between a German company and Venezuelan company under a consortium agreement for the construction of a sulphur handling project in Venezuela. There were several hearings and three awards.
• Sitting as arbitrator in Wellington, New Zealand within a dispute between the Government of a group of Pacific Islands and a New Zealand contractor concerning the construction of a road. Claims made by the Contractor included unforeseen ground conditions, breach of contract and measurement claims. FIDIC conditions applied. The arbitration was governed by ICC Rules.

Fluor v Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co, [2016] EWHC 2062 (TCC) and also [2016] EWHC 2500 (TCC), [2018] EWHC 1 (TCC), [2018] EWHC 490 (TCC)

Mirant Asia Pacific Construction (Hong Kong) Ltd v Ove Arup & Partners [2004] C/A BLR 75 90, ConLR 40

Lesotho Highland Development Authority v Impreglio SpA and Others [2003] C.A. Lloyds Rep.497

Road Management Services (AB) Plc v London Power Networks [2003] BLR 303

Amec Process and Energy Ltd v. Stork Engineers & Contractors BV [2000] BLR p. 70

Harmon CFEM UK v Corporate Officer of House of Commons [1999] 67 Con LR 1

Balfour Beatty v. Eurotunnel H.L. [1992] 2 Lloyds Rep. 7

Murphy v. Brentwood B.C. H.L. [1991] 1 AC 398

Lampitt v. Poole Borough Council C.A. [1991] 2 QB 545

L.B. Barnet v. London Residuary Body C.A. [1990] 154 LG Rev.

Martin Grant v. Sir Lindsay Parkinson C.A. 29 BLR 31

ABB Lummus Global Ltd v. Keppel Fels Ltd [1999] Lloyds Rep. p. 24

BICC Ltd v. Parkman 78 CLR p. 18

Bovis Lend Lease v. Braehead Ltd 71 CLR p. 208

2018: Appointed to the approved panel of arbitrators at the Astana International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)

2003: Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn

1979: LLB (Hons) Wales, Hardwicke Scholar, Megarry Scholar

Andrew is a member of TECBAR, COMBAR and the Western Circuit.

“He is methodical, calm under pressure and frank and accurate in his advice.”

Construction, Energy and Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021

“The current doyen of construction silks.” “A brilliant strategist. Particularly good on complex, multiparty disputes.” “Great with clients.”

Construction, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021

“Andrew is amazing.” “A brilliant strategist. Particularly good on complex, multiparty disputes.”

Energy, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021

“A smooth operator and an incredibly thorough advocate.” “A dean of the Construction Bar.”

Professional Negligence, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021

“A true class act.” “He is very authoritative with the tribunal.”

International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021

“One of the most highly respected players” “I have found him extremely user-friendly, quick to grasp the essentials of complex matters, and able to provide clear and cogent advice and direction.” “He is certainly one I would have at the top of my list.”

International Arbitration, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021

“He is exceptionally talented and a real details person.”

Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2021

“A superb tactician and uses his immense experience and uncanny ability to read tribunals and opponents to plot clear and effective campaign strategies from the outset.”

International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2021

“A real star for construction work he is exceptionally talented, astute and strategically on the button.”

Energy, The Legal 500 2021

“Andrew is a superb tactician and uses his immense experience and uncanny ability to read tribunals and opponents to plot clear and effective campaign strategies from the outset.”

Construction, The Legal 500 2021

“A highly effective Presiding Arbitrator who commands respect, whilst maintaining a relaxed style.”

International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2021

“Always more than happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in”

Construction, The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) 2021

“Very, very good, busy and effective advocate.” “Just excellent on all fronts and as smooth as silk in his advocacy.”

International Arbitration, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2020

“Has gravitas, confidence and charm and is authoritative with the tribunal.” “Very experienced and knowledgeable.”

International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2020

“He has got a very authoritative manner.” “He has a fantastic reputation and is very user-friendly and approachable. He is good as an arbitrator as well.”

Energy and Natural Resources, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2020

“Andrew is exceptionally talented, and has a good understanding of the commercial imperatives and an ability to articulate the risks and what actions should be taken to manage or mitigate them. He is very astute, strategically on the button and approachable but with an aura of gravitas.”

Construction, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2020

“He’s very experienced, well respected and extremely knowledgeable.”

Professional Negligence, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2020

“Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

Construction, Energy & Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2020

“A superb advocate, meticulous in preparation.”

Construction, The Legal 500 2020

“Happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in; once he gets the bit between his teeth he is unstoppable.”

Energy, The Legal 500 2020

“Exceptionally talented, very astute, and strategically on the button.”

International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2020

“A real details person; he is more than happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in.”

Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2020

“A superb advocate, meticulous in preparation.”

Construction, The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) 2020

“An incredible strategist who is very good in terms of the long game and thinking how the strategy has to be deployed.”

“He loves getting into the detail and understanding the guts of the case. A very impressive performer.”

Construction, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2019

“He is an exceptionally able advocate on his feet, who can turn potentially poor points into winning arguments.” “He’s very clear about what he wants to present and has very good judgement.”

Energy, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2019

“His experience and expertise are quickly apparent to lay clients.”

“He has a very calm manner which really helps.”

Professional Negligence, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2019

“Incredible strategist.” “He has a first-class reputation.”

International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2019

“Tremendously busy” across the Asia-Pacific region. “Excellent, high-quality and user-friendly counsel who is at the top of his game,”. “First-class reputation”. “He is very clear on what his objectives are.”

International Arbitration, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2019

“He’s impressive and adds gravitas.”

Construction, Energy, The Legal 500 2019

“An excellent construction silk.”

International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2019

“He has superb client skills and is a thorough and persuasive advocate.”

Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2019

“Extremely bright and equally personable.”

Construction, The Legal 500 Asia–Pacific 2019

“Instructed in cases with Chinese elements.”

Energy, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2019

The above are a selection of recent client endorsements from the leading legal directories, both UK and internationally. For a complete list of endorsements, please contact the practice management team at Atkin Chambers.