Houlder provides expert witness services and forensic engineering in arbitration and litigation cases. Our subject matter experts and supporting engineers provide insight in the technical and operational aspects of contractual negotiations, yard disputes and accident investigations.  We can manage a team of experts to address all issues whilst keeping a clear direction ensuring a consistent approach and strategy to the case at hand.

Examples include:

Dispute resolution over multiple complex ferries 

As advisors for the yard, we supported the negotiations to avoid costly and lengthy arbitration. By providing detailed insight of the situation at hand and drafting a way forward, an agreement was reached between the yard and their client that lead to delivery of the vessels and agreed payments.

Yard dispute over drillship delivery

As expert witness on behalf of the buyer, our experts addressed the technical issues surrounding the causes of late delivery of a drillship. The aspects covered include inter alia: drilling equipment, fire safety and electrical design.

Yard dispute over jack-up delivery

As expert witnesses on behalf of the yard, our experts addressed the technical and operational aspects of the specification contract, specific components and interpretations of Flag State, IMO and Class requirements.

Dispute regarding the build and lease of a floating production unit

Our experts supported the legal team with addressing issues around the late delivery, variation orders and contractual interpretations. The topics addressed the marine and process engineering aspects of the project as well as project management and operational issues.

Our Experts

Our in-house capability includes drilling, electrical, naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering and structural engineering expertise. We also have a network of  associates. This comprises highly capable technical experts with decades of experience in their field. We employ them for specific tasks on a case-by-case requirement. Typical associate specialisms include quantum and delay, tribology, fire investigation, welding, and heavy-lift specialists.