Tunnelling and Underground Works: Modern Procurement, the FIDIC Emerald Book and NEC Forms
Tunnelling underpins much of today’s critical infrastructure – from metro and high‑speed rail networks to water transfer, hydropower and major utility corridors. These projects bring complex ground risk, tight access, stakeholder pressure and delivery challenges that make procurement decisions especially important.
In this first webinar of Hawkswell Kilvington’s 2026 international construction series, Ben Mellors will look at how tunnelling and underground works are procured and managed in practice, with a focus on the FIDIC Emerald Book and NEC forms. The session builds on Ben’s recent work published in the Society of Construction Law Journal and reflects what is happening on real projects today.
This is a short, practical session – 45 minutes plus Q&A – concentrating on the contractual and behavioural factors that influence delivery and risk.
Topics include:
- The characteristics of tunnelling that drive procurement and contract strategy.
- How leadership, behaviours and timing influence delivery.
- Allocation and management of ground risk, including GBRs.
- Practical measures that support better outcomes, from investigations to baselining, risk-sharing mechanisms and incentives.
- Wider considerations such as logistics, performance requirements, environmental obligations, specialist supply chains and insurance.
📅 Wednesday 18 March 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM UK / 12:00 PM CST / 2:00 PM Dubai / 6:00 PM Hong Kong & Singapore
🎥 Live Webinar + Q&A
🔗 Full details and registration: Book here
