Andreas Dracoulis
Andreas Dracoulis is a partner in the London office dispute resolution team advising clients in the energy, construction and shipping sectors. He represents clients in arbitrations conducted under many of the commonly used rules, including the ICC, LCIA and LMAA, and in proceedings before the English Courts (the Commercial Court, the TCC and the Court of Appeal).
Recently, Andreas (and fellow partner Glenn Kangisser) led a team in Haynes Boone's largest ever international arbitration, acting for a drilling contractor against a shipyard. The dispute arose out of a complex offshore construction and engineering project.
Andreas is also experienced in the drafting and negotiation of engineering and construction contracts; and his practice additionally includes advising clients on intellectual property rights and the protection of confidential information and trade secrets.
In addition to his law degree, Andreas holds postgraduate degree qualifications from King’s College, London (construction law and dispute resolution) and Oxford University (intellectual property law).
Andreas is a recommended lawyer in the shipping section of the 2022-2024 editions of The Legal 500 UK (Legalease). Previously, Legal 500 reported that he is a “key name” in international arbitration and is “building an excellent reputation for careful case management” in shipping.
Andreas regularly writes and lectures on industry specific issues and he is the co-author of the chapter on Offshore Vessel Construction Disputes within Global Arbitration Review’s Guide to Energy Arbitrations (Fourth Edition). Andreas is currently working with industry bodies to update standard form offshore contracts and to provide practical guidance to members on contracting strategies.
Offshore energy
- Representing a drilling contractor in arbitration proceedings arising out of the disputed termination of a MODU construction contract with combined claims in excess of US$700 million.
- Acting in multi-jurisdictional arbitration and court proceedings in connection with claims arising out of contracts for the construction of two MODUs. (CIMC Raffles Offshore (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Schahin Holding SA (Rev 1) [2014] EWHC 1742 and CIMC Raffles Offshore (Singapore) Ltd & Anor v Schahin Holding SA [2013] EWCA Civ 644)
- Acting for an oilfield services contractor in connection with the disputed ownership of well stimulation equipment and related modifications to a PSV.
- Advising drilling contractor clients in relation to claims arising out of the interpretation of contracts for the charter of a deep-water drillship and a floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel.
- Acting for a drilling contractor in arbitration proceedings concerning the defective/incomplete construction of a MODU.
- Representing a drilling contractor in relation to arbitration proceedings concerning the late delivery of two MODUs.
Onshore energy
- Instructed by a state-owned client in connection with the enforcement of an arbitration award worth US$1.69 billion and arising out of onshore oil mining leases.
- Successfully defending a contractor in the English High Court (TCC) against claims arising out of an onshore gas pipeline project for the Total Laggan-Tormore development in the North Sea. (Van Oord UK Ltd & Anor v Allseas UK Ltd [2015] EWHC 3074).
Shipping
- Acting for a consortium builder in arbitration and court proceedings against a Mexican state-owned corporation following the cancellation of a prototype barge construction contract. (Exportadora De Sal SA De CV v Corretaje Maritimo Sud-Americano Inc [2018] EWHC 224)
- Advising a cruise line operator in relation to the construction and delivery of a luxury cruise ship.
- Representing a shipyard in arbitration proceedings arising out of the disputed termination of a container vessel construction contract.
Renewables
- Advising a German shipyard in connection with disputes arising out of construction works for an offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
Yachts
- Representing a UK-based shipyard in connection with arbitration and court proceedings relating to the construction of the moulded hull of a series of luxury ocean going sailing yachts.
- Acting for both shipyards and owners in relation to disputes arising out of superyacht construction projects (both newbuilds and upgrade projects).
Sale and purchase
- Defending claims by a purchaser of a second hand MODU sold on Norwegian Saleform (NSF) terms.
General commercial
- Advising in relation to London High Court (Commercial Court) proceedings concerning claims arising out of an alleged high level oral agreement.
- Advising in connection with disputed insurance coverage related to the seizure of aircraft in Afghanistan.
- Advising in connection with claims arising out aircraft leasing agreements and the related regime of configuration and maintenance procedures for the aircrafts' jet engines.
- "Law of Shipbuilding Contracts Update 2022," co-author, Haynes Boone brochure, January 5, 2023.
Education
LL.B., University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2000, with honors
M.Sc., Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, Kings College London, 2009
PG Dip (merit), Intellectual Property Law and Practice, University of Oxford, 2021
Admissions
England and Wales
Higher Rights of Audience (Civil)
Haynes Boone London Partners James Brown, William Cecil and Andreas Dracoulis have contributed to the Sixth Edition of the Guide to Energy Arbitrations published by Global Arbitration Review. Their chapter addresses the key issues that arise in disputes concerning the construction of offshore vessels and floating units. Offshore Vessel Construction Disputes The Guide to Energy Arbitrations is a w [...]
Control by a Designated Person under UK Sanctions Legislation: Litasco SA v Der Mond Oil & Gas
December 05, 2023