Guillaume Hess

Represented a major contractor in Qatar in three disputes arising out of the construction of a residential project for the FIFA World Cup. These disputes also involved complex jurisdictional issues due to anomalous contract drafting. The total value of the claims is circa US$300 million. The arbitrations are seated in Qatar (ICC Rules).

Represented the project company and the building contractor on a major PPP project in Qatar. Assisted the clients in managing claims, drafting correspondence, proposing amendments to contracts, issuing notices, and other matters to mitigate the risk of disputes.

Represented the State of Qatar in multiple disputes arising out of the construction of the airport, a US$15 billion project. This engagement required project counsel services and serving as lead counsel in international arbitrations and ADR proceedings. The claims were estimated at approximately US$4 billion.

Represented the employer in a dispute brought by the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor in a major petrochemical project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The claims arose out of the construction and the commissioning of a US$22 billion integrated petrochemicals complex in Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest chemical plant ever to be constructed in one phase. Claims related to scope of works, performance issues, and delays. Total value of the claims circa US$680 million. The arbitration was seated in London (ICC Arbitration). Also advised the employer on all contentious construction matters arising out of its contracts for the construction of the project.

Represented the employer (same project as above) in a dispute brought by a Lump Sum Procure and Build (LSPB) contractor in two separate arbitrations. Total value of the claims circa US$350 million. The arbitrations were seated in London (ICC Arbitration).

Represented the employer (same project as above) in a dispute brought by a Lump Sum Procure and Build (LSPB) contractor. Total value of the claims estimated at US$60 million. The arbitration was seated in London. Acted as lead lawyer and first chair and secured a favorable award for the employer (ICC Arbitration).

Represented the employer to defend a series of claims brought by two contractors arising out of the construction of a mixed-use project in Jeddah. Arbitration proceedings are likely once the project is completed.

Represented a contractor in a dispute against the employer arising out of the construction of a power station in Al Nasiriya in Iraq. Due to the Islamic State uprising, completion of the contract was frustrated by war. The client commenced a LCIA arbitration seated in Amman, Jordan against the Ministry of Energy. Total value of the claims circa US$800 million.

Assisted a client in settlement discussions in the context of a dispute arising out of the termination of an international hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The settlement resulted in successfully avoiding arbitration proceedings.