"Keating on Offshore Construction and Marine Engineering Contracts" is a comprehensive guide written by Adam Constable, a member of Keating Chambers, and published by Sweet & Maxwell. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Offshore Construction Contracts: The book provides in-depth guidance on the agreements involved in the construction of ships, rigs, and other offshore vessels and structures. It covers all aspects of modern shipbuilding and offshore engineering contracts, making it a definitive resource for marine construction lawyers.

2. Jurisdictional Scope: The book includes jurisdictions such as Australia and Singapore, expanding its scope to cover a broader range of legal contexts.

3. Dispute Resolution: The Dispute Resolution chapter is significantly expanded, offering detailed analysis and strategies for resolving disputes in offshore construction contracts.

4. Insurance: The book delves into the topic of insurance in greater depth, providing insights into the various insurance mechanisms relevant to offshore construction projects.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to cover various critical aspects of offshore construction and marine engineering contracts. The table of contents includes:

• The Nature of an Offshore Construction Contract: An introduction to the fundamental principles and characteristics of these contracts.
• Introduction to the Standard Forms: An overview of the standard forms used in offshore construction contracts.
• General Principles of Contract: A detailed examination of the general principles governing these contracts.
• Payment and Damages: Discussions on payment terms, damages, and other financial aspects.
• Performance: Analysis of the performance obligations and expectations.
• Change: Management of changes to the original contract terms.
• Time for Delivery and Completion: Time-related issues, including delays and disruptions.
• Termination: Conditions and procedures for terminating the contract.
• Guarantees, Bonds, and Insurance: The role of guarantees, bonds, and insurance in securing the contract.
• Passing of Title, Risk, Liens, and Delivery Up: Legal considerations related to title transfer, risk management, liens, and delivery procedures.
• Dispute Resolution: Strategies and mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is widely recognized as a definitive guide for marine construction lawyers. Its comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis make it a valuable resource for practitioners in the field. The inclusion of expanded chapters on dispute resolution and insurance indicates a high level of expertise and relevance to contemporary legal practices.

Editions and Updates

The book has undergone updates, with the latest edition being the third edition, published in 2024. The second edition introduced significant changes, including an expanded dispute resolution chapter and deeper analysis of insurance topics. The third edition likely builds upon these updates, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge resource for offshore construction and marine engineering contracts.