BAHR’s team is noted for is expertise in the energy transition, harnessing the firm's wider strength in the energy sector, while also providing advice across the span of offshore construction mandates. Practice head Morten Smørdal has a broad practice extending to offshore wind power and carbon capture matters, while Inglin Sognnæs has broad experience in contract negotiations and disputes, including EPC contracts. Eirik Høiby has a proven track-record in disputes in the energy arena, while Haakon Flaatten takes point on project developments and FPSO contracts, and Geir Gustavsson handles project-related work. The team strengthened its regulatory offering in May 2024 with the recruitment of Jens Naas-Bibow from 1,5 Advokatfirma AS.
Offshore construction in Norway
BAHR
Praxisleiter:
Morten Smørdal; Inglin Sognnæs
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eirik Høiby; Haakon Flaatten; Jens Naas-Bibow; Geir Gustavsson
Kernmandanten
Aker BP ASA
Northern Drilling Limited
Akastor AS
Aker Solutions AS
Future Technology AS
Ventyr SN II AS
Aker Carbon Capture
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the Ventyr consortium, comprising the leading offshore wind developer Parkwind (part of the Jera Nex group) and Ingka (IKEA’s renewable investment arm), on the Sørlige Nordsjø II project.
- Advising Aker Carbon Capture in respect of the the first large scale carbon capture project in Denmark.
- Advising Aker BP in respect of the Norwegian Ministry of Energy’s award of a CO2 storage licence, the Poseidon licence, in the North Sea to Aker BP ASA and OMV (Norge) AS.
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Praised for its ‘expert knowledge’, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS has an impressive client roster including large high-profile contractors, energy corporates, and aquaculture companies, and the team maintains its strength in energy development projects and contentious matters within the sector. Practice head Christopher Sveen is a trusted adviser to the oil and offshore industries for both domestic and cross-border transactions and disputes, while Mikal Brøndmo is a seasoned litigator. Silje Helene Bakkevig Dagsland, who focuses on dispute resolution within the industries, and Sarah-Ann Kvam Holte, who specialises in offshore construction and shipbuilding contracts, are also recommended, and Bjørn Gisle Grønlie aptly assists with contract negotiations.
Praxisleiter:
Christopher Sveen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mikal Brøndmo; Silje Helene Bakkevig Dagsland; Sarah-Ann Kvam Holte; Bjørn Gisle Grønlie
Referenzen
‘Very good understanding of the offshore construction industry.’
‘Christopher Sveen provides clear and practical advice that provides value.’
‘Haavind AS has extensive knowledge of governmental and public procurements. The Company covers all necessary topics to achieve a good negotiation result and at the same time ensure that the contract is in line with National laws and regulations.’
Kernmandanten
Aker Solutions
Norsk Industri/The Federation of Norwegian Industries
Miros
Technip Energies
Nova Sea
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence
Renewables Norway
Seafood Norway AS
Jarle Bergs Sønner AS
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting Ingka – the Swedish furniture giant IKEA’s investment branch – with its investment in offshore wind in Norway.
- Assisted Nova Sea AS in the drafting and negotiations for the procurement of a closed floating fishfarm structure to be designed, built and delivered by FishGLOBE.
- Acting as legal and strategic adviser for Norsk Industri on the development and implementation of the new standard contracts for deliveries to the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and various other initiatives for development of the oil and gas and offshore industries.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is sought out by an impressive roster of clients including suppliers, rig owners, energy companies, and infrastructure operators for contentious and non-contentious work in the offshore space. The practice group is co-led by Pål Lieungh, who advises Norwegian companies undertaking international projects; and Jacob F Bull who takes point on complex development projects. Other key practitioners are Mads Haavardsholm, who heads up the shipping practice and focuses on corporate shipping matters, and Henrik Hagberg, who is a good contact for contentious and non-contentious matters across the industry.
Praxisleiter:
Jacob F Bull; Pål Lieungh
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mads Haavardsholm; Henrik Hagberg; Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik; Alexander Aarthur Stulien
Referenzen
‘One of the most predominant teams in Norway on offshore energy. They have experience going way back, but also have gained and impressive track record in offshore wind, onshore wind, and PV solar.’
‘Jacob Bull is standing out as a beacon of talent and trustworthiness. You want this guy on your team at all times, and his younger team to support.’
‘The most important for us is the relation to Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik and her extensive experience with the type of issues we are addressing. Kristine is also excellent in supporting her team to make sure we got the best possible support.’
Kernmandanten
Equinor ASA
Myklebust Verft
DNO International ASA
Island Offshore/Borgstein
Enhanced Drilling AS
ConocoPhillips
Kongsberg Gruppen
AS Nymo
Viken Shipping
Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” S.A.
Vard Group AS
Fearnley Advisors AS/Transportation Recovery Fund
Apollo Asset Ltd/Hunter Group ASA
Arne Blystad/OHT ASA
Qatar Navigation – Milaha
Econnect Energy AS
Island Drilling AS
OHT Alfa Lift AS
TECO 2030 AS
Wellesley Petroleum AS
France Pelagique SAS
J.D. Irving, Limited / Atlantic Harrier Limited Partnership
Southern Wind Shipyards (PTY) Limited
Green Island Shipholding
Optime Subsea AS
Pareto Securities ASA
Vestfrakt Shipping AS
Vestland Shipping AS
Seadrill Offshore AS
WintershallDea
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Nymo in the contract negotiations and the contract follow-up of three contracts with respectively Aker Solutions, NOV, and Parat.
- Represents the Norwegian Coastal Administration in a dispute against Consto Anlegg Nord AS and Multiconsult AS.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt
Praised for its ‘very good understanding of the offshore construction industry’, Advokatfirmaet Schjødt covers the full range of offshore construction work, standing out for complex offshore construction contracts and disputes. The practice group is co-led by Trond Sollund, who specialises in litigation and arbitration in the oil and gas energy sector; and Camilla Bråfelt, who is a key name for advising on the conversion of FPSOs and FSRUs. Experienced litigator Erlend Holstrøm handles complex offshore construction disputes, while Norman Hansen Meyer is a contract specialist. Other notable practitioners include Andreas A. Johansen, who takes point on the late phases of projects, and Bernhard Slagsvold.
Praxisleiter:
Trond Sollund; Camilla Bråfelt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Erlend Holstrøm; Norman Hansen Meyer; Andreas A. Johansen; Bernhard Slagsvold
Referenzen
‘Very good understanding of the offshore construction industry.’
‘Andreas A Johansen provides quick clear and practical advice that provides value.’
‘This law firm provides excellent legal services in a timely manner. They have a deep understanding of our business areas, allowing them to tailor their advice to our specific needs.’
Kernmandanten
Vard Group AS
Yinson Production AS
BW Offshore
Vår Energi ASA
Moreld Offshore Wind AS
VårGrønn AS
Norsk Havvind AS
Total E&P Norge AS
Wintershall Dea Norge AS
Neptune Energy Norway AS
Reach Subsea ASA
Altera Infrastructure AS
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Reach Subsea AS on drafting and negotiating contracts for multiple subsea and offshore projects across Norway, Scotland, France, the US, and Singapore, including offshore installation, construction, and subsea intervention operations.
- Assisted Moreld Offshore Wind AS in drafting and negotiating standard contracts for engineering, goods, and fabrication services for offshore wind projects in Norway and the UK.
- Advised SLB in negotiating contracts for fabrication services and the purchase of engineering services and goods as part of the creation of a joint venture with Subsea 7 and Aker Solutions, integrating these services within the OneSubsea family on a global scale.
Selmer
Selmer’s practice is singled out for its ‘highly dedicated, very experienced team’, sought after by contractors and suppliers on traditional oil and gas projects and offshore renewable projects. Nicolai Myren leads the team and regularly advises on contract negotiations, project follow-up and transactions, while fellow practice head Martin Tandstad Ege is a key name for contracts.
Praxisleiter:
Nicolai Myren; Martin Tandstad Ege
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andreas Kyllingstad; Gina Amalie Kleveland
Referenzen
‘The team strives to provide their services in the clear context of our business’s operations and objectives and this often results in the firm making valuable proposals for opportunities that otherwise may not have been recognised.’
‘Nicolai Myren is notably in tune with our complex operational requirements and his understanding of the diverse and complicated nature of our operations is commendable.’
‘Nicolai Myren is brilliant – he is personable, responsive and great to deal with.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised TechnipFMC on the contract negotiations for delivery of the first all-electric subsea system for carbon transportation and storage specifically tailored for a carbon capture project in the UK’s East Coast Cluster.
- Advised COSL in connection with the negotiation of the two multi million contracts awarded by Vår Energi for long-term drilling operations in the Barents Sea and the Balder Area with the semisubmersible drilling rigs the “COSLProspector” and the “COSLPioneer”, respectively.
- Advised Ocean Installer on a significant contract with TotalEnergies EP Angola for the GIR FLEX project, an extension program aimed at extending the operational life of the FPSO at the Block 17 field offshore Angola.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
With offices in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Singapore, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig leverages its shipping, offshore and oil and gas strength to advise shipowners, financers, shipyards and oil companies. In Oslo, Yannis Litinas heads up the ocean team and has expertise in contracts for specialised vessels and projects, while Erlend Lous and Christine Rødsæther focus on shipping transactions, and Jan Vablum oversees the Bergen construction team. For offshore construction projects, Stavanger-based practice head Gunnar Espeland is recommended. Lars Inge Ørstavik and Hågen Hansen left the team in 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Yannis Litinas; Jan Vablum; Gunnar Espeland
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Erlend Lous; Christine Rødsæther
Referenzen
‘Christine Rødsæther is attentive, highly skilled and provides practical feedback on basis of her knowledge and long experience within the finance and shipping sector.’
Kernmandanten
Offshore Merchant Partners
Endur ASA and its subsidiaries
Westcon Yards AS
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., DNB Bank ASA, NIBC Bank N.V.
Nordea Bank AB (publ) filial I Norge
Yinson Production
Fjord 1 AS
Volstad Maritime AS
Fosen Yard AS
Oma Baatbyggeri AS
Marinacc AS.
Songa/Blystad group
WLR/TRF
Uthalden AS
RFOcean Ltd
Eurazeo
Clarksons/Hercules Supply AS
GC Rieber Shipping AS
G2 Ocean AS
Grieg Shipping II AS
Grieg Shipowning AS
Wergeland Group AS (including Solund Yard)
Yara Norge AS
Eidsvaag AS
Grieg Logistics
Lunasol Polaris AS
Kleven Yard
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing DNB Bank as agent for a syndicate of banks and Export Finance Norway in connection with the financing of two purpose-built wind turbine installation vessels under construction at a Chinese shipyard.
- Representing Hercules Supply, a new entity set up by CPF and Clarksons Project Finance Shipping, in connection with the largest PSV order for a decade.
Wikborg Rein
Delivering ‘excellent, commercial, and quality advice on any subject’, Wikborg Rein has particular strength in cross-border work as well as disputes relating to offshore projects. Practice head Øyvind Axe is well-versed in transactions within the shipping and offshore fields, while fellow practice head Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen focuses on agreements for construction and conversion for offshore clients. Elsewhere in the team, Christian James-Olsen heads up the renewables energy group, and Morten Valen Eide and Stian Holm Johannessen are recommended for disputes in the industry.
Praxisleiter:
Øyvind Axe; Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christian James-Olsen; Morten Valen Eide; Stian Holm Johannessen
Referenzen
‘The legal team demonstrates a deep understanding of the market and its key players, providing valuable insights rooted in practical experience. Their advisory approach is hands-on, ensuring that they remain closely engaged with the specifics of each matter.’
‘They are approachable and communicate complex legal issues in a clear and easily understandable manner. The team consistently exhibits out-of-the-box thinking, showing creativity and strategic foresight in problem-solving. Overall, their innovative and strategic mindset sets them apart as a trusted legal partner.’
‘Christian James-Olsen’s advice has consistently delivered successful outcomes, and he demonstrates a great deal of patience in listening to and understanding the client’s needs. I have complete trust in the team’s expertise, particularly in matters concerning the relevant Offshore market.’
Kernmandanten
Aas Mek. Verksted
Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted
Fjord 1
Lerøy Seafood
Floatel International
Fred. Olsen Windcarriers
Gram Car Carriers
Solstad Offshore
Norwegian Royal Navy
BW Offshore
Macro Offshore
Jacktel
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for offshore service supplier Beerenberg in the conclusion of a $1.2bn long-term service contract with ConocoPhillips for the provision of various offshore services in the North Sea.
Arntzen de Besche
Arntzen de Besche stands out within the oil and gas industry with competence in both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Karl Erik Navestad oversees the team, with broad expertise spanning offshore development projects, FPSO projects and construction contracts, while Ole Skeidsvoll Moe advises on international projects and developments, and Anders Rødland assists on projects, disputes and deals.
Praxisleiter:
Karl Erik Navestad
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ole Skeidsvoll Moe; Anders Rødland
Referenzen
‘Karl Erik Navestad – very solid and works efficiently with large and complicated cases.’
Kernmandanten
Gassco AS
Fuella AS
Aqualoop AS
Andfjord Salmon
Gaia Salmon Holding AS
KSR ANS
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting Aqualoop AS with its development of the “Big Dipper”, a solution for farming at sea which is optimal for the biological production of salmon and other species regardless of weather conditions.
- Assisting Gaia Salmon AS with the process of developing a state-of-the-art land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility at Træna, Norway.
- Assisting Norwegian start-up company Fuella with its Skipavika plant, the first green ammonia project to be developed.
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
Under the leadership Kristian Lindhartsen, Kvale Advokatfirma DA‘s practice handles the full range of offshore construction issues, with particular strength in offshore disputes. Gry Bratvold is a key name for international offshore projects, including oil, gas and wind projects, while Lilly Kathrin Relling is a good name for building, subsea, drilling and seismic contracts. Other notable practitioners are Andreas Stang Lund and Jostein Moen.
Praxisleiter:
Kristian Lindhartsen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Gry Bratvold; Lilly Kathrin Relling; Andreas Stang Lund; Jostein Moen
Referenzen
‘Very dedicated and professional team with both transactional and dispute capacities.’
‘Kvale’s Offshore Construction practice is characterised by its solid expertise and practical approach to legal issues within the industry. The team has a strong understanding of the complexities involved in offshore projects and provides clear, concise advice that is tailored to the client’s needs.’
‘Working with individuals like Kristian Lindhartsen and Lilly Relling has been a positive experience. They stand out for their professionalism, thoroughness, and commitment to understanding the nuances of each case. Their clear communication and attention to detail make complex legal matters more accessible. I have valued their practical advice and the collaborative approach they bring to their work.’
Kernmandanten
Havila
Fearnlys Offshore
Bourbon Offshore Norway
First Marine
Brit Syndicate 2987
Nørresundby Rederi & Shipping af 2017
Vilma Oil
Hardangerfrakt
Clarksons Platou
Kongsberg Maritime
Noble Corporation (formerly Maersk Drilling)
Statnett SF
Solution Seeker
WR Berkley Insurance (Europe)
Lancashire Insurance
Eagle Burgmann Norway
BW Offshore
Iberdrola Renovables