As population growth and urbanisation continue, cities require greater connectivity and infrastructure to support societal and economic demands. Metros, light rail, conventional and high speed rail each play a pivotal role in connecting people and transporting goods, often in the most environmentally friendly way.
Our multi-disciplinary team of world-leading rail specialists and regional experts provide practical legal advice based on a deep and thorough knowledge of the rail sector. We work alongside our clients and, as part of their team, enable them to achieve their objectives whether:
- investing in a train operator or infrastructure owner
- the successful funding or delivery of a rail project
- a station development or other redevelopment scheme associated with a rail project
- the operation, maintenance or renewal of existing rail infrastructure such as signalling and communication systems
- procuring or leasing rolling stock
- dealing with environmental, health and safety issues or other operational issues
- navigating complex regulatory frameworks or
- commercial arrangements such as passenger rail franchises
Our understanding of the complexities and nuances of the rail sector means that we are ideally placed to advise clients if disputes arise. Our rail team includes dedicated rail disputes experts who understand the specific industry dispute resolution arrangements and who have leading expertise in all forms of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration and adjudication.
By acting for clients on some of the world’s largest rail projects, M&A transactions and commercial arrangements, we are at the forefront of legal and industry developments.
We advise project sponsors, train operating companies, governmental bodies and regulators, infrastructure funds and other investors in the rail sector, rolling stock leasing companies, infrastructure owners and developers and public and private sector funders. This experience gives us a unique insight and understanding that allows us to develop innovative solutions and meet our clients’ objectives.
Recent Experience
HIGH SPEED 2 RAILWAY - THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RAILWAY PROJECT IN THE UK AND EUROPE
Advising High Speed Two (HS2) on the procurement of the infrastructure, stations and rolling stock for phase 1 of the new HS2 railway
€800 million European rail project arbitration
Advising a member of a consortium of international contractors in relation to an ICC arbitration against the employer in respect of the early termination of a €800 million construction contract for a high profile European rail project
PROCUREMENT OF XTRAPOLIS TRAINS AND NEXT GENERATION TRAMS
Advising the Victorian Department of Transport in Australia on the AUS$1.48 billion investment to design, manufacture and maintain 100 next generation trams with associated stabling and maintenance yards and also the procurement of new Xtrapolis trains.
GAUTRAIN RAPID LIGHT RAIL PROJECT
Advising Bombela on all legal aspects of its successful bid for the Gautrain Rapid Light Rail PPP - the first light rail PPP in Southern Africa.
Haramain High Speed Railway Project
Advising the Al Shoula consortium on all legal aspects of the construction and operation of the project linking the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the commencement of the bidding process through all the project's milestones
Kazan High Speed Rail Project
Advising a consortium of investors on the construction of a High Speed Rail Project between Moscow and Kazan (High Speed Rail Line 2 project)
Insights and updates
