SimonBellas

Partner

Melbourne + 61.3.9101.6871

Simon Bellas is an international disputes authority whose practice is focused on large-scale construction projects, especially in the energy and resources and infrastructure sectors. He has particular experience working with owners and with overseas EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contractors. Simon is a highly ranked arbitration and construction lawyer and has managed some of the largest international arbitrations and litigation in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to large-scale transnational disputes, Simon is regularly engaged during project execution as "project counsel" with a mandate of avoiding and minimizing claims and disputes. With more than 15 years experience, notably in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining, Simon is a leading industry professional and has an in-depth working knowledge of many of the technical engineering and commercial issues that underpin projects and the claims that commonly arise from them.

Simon has significant experience with extension of time, variation, and delay and disruption claims as well as advising on contract termination issues. His practice is distinctively international having been based in several continents, including Australia, Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and regularly working on international arbitrations. Simon previously worked in-house for a global offshore LNG contractor in Singapore.

Simon is a member of Jones Day's arbitration team recognized by Global Arbitration Review as a leading international arbitration law firm in the GAR 30 (2020 edition).

Experience

  • Duro Felguera prevails in international arbitration arising out of Roy Hill Iron Ore ProjectJones Day successfully acted for Duro Felguera Australia Pty Ltd. in a significant international arbitration with Samsung C&T Corporation arising out of the US$10 billion Roy Hill Iron Ore Project.
  • CSJV litigates disputes with Field Deployment Solutions Pty LtdJones Day acts for the Clough Seatrucks Joint Venture (a joint venture between SC Projects Australia Pty Ltd and Seatrucks Australia Pty Ltd).
  • MacDow defends subcontractor's claims for breach of contractJones Day is defending breach of contract claims made against McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd (MacDow) by a subcontractor performing works for MacDow at the Mooka Ore Car Repair Shop Project.
  • SK seeks advice on potential disputes with joint venture partner and clientJones Day advised SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad (SK) on the resolution of potential disputes relating to its work as part of a joint venture with Clough (Thailand Co., Ltd) for Mubadala Petroleum on the Pearl Manora Field Development Project.
  • E&I subcontractor seeks ongoing project adviceJones Day provided ongoing advice to an E&I subcontractor on various issues arising in connection with a contract for the performance of E&I works at a US$10 billion Roy Hill Iron Ore Project in Western Australia, including the recovery of unpaid amounts and the defense of a potential call on security.
  • International offshore contractor manages disputes with owner and subcontractorJones Day is advising an international offshore contractor in relation to alleged defects procured by a subcontractor on the Ichthys Project.
  • U.S.-based international construction contractor defends claims of misleading conductJones Day acted for a U.S.-based international construction contractor in respect of allegations made against it arising from a contract where the U.S.-based international construction contractor was also engaged to perform consulting engineering services.
  • Speaking Engagements

    • March 16, 2021
      Construction Law: Developments and Lessons from 2020
    • March 4, 2021
      Construction Law Update - Lessons from 2020 in Review
    • July 2020
      Construction Projects and Disputes: Looking Past the Lockdown - 2020 and Beyond
    • April 16, 2020
      Navigating Major Projects Through the Pandemic
    • April 14, 2020
      Navigating Through the Pandemic - APAC
    • April 8, 2020
      Steering Major Projects Through the Pandemic
    • November 2019
      Peking University Teaching Program in Beijing
    • September 20, 2019
      Singapore Management University - The Importance and Key Issues in the Appointment, Challenge and Removal of an Arbitrator
    • August 6, 2019
      Singapore Management University - Jones Day Professorship of Commercial Law Lecture
    • August 3, 2019
      SoCLA - International Arbitration of Construction Disputes - Strengths, Weaknesses and Alternatives
    • July 3, 2019
      SCL - Mistakes to be repeated and lessons not learned on international infrastructure projects
    • April 17, 2019
      International Arbitration and Transnational Dispute Resolution for Overseas Investment
    • February 26, 2019
      Panel Discussion on Comparative Merits and Future of Arbitration, Mediation and Litigation as Dispute Resolution Methods in APAC
    • November 13, 2018
      An Exclusive Evening with Andrew Liveris AO
    • November 21, 2017
      5th International Arbitration Conference (within Australian Arbitration Week 2017)
    • 2015
      Guest Lecturer Masters of International Arbitration University of Western Australia
    • 2014
      Guest Lecturer Masters Course - Oil and Gas Development - University of Western Australia