The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 (officially titled the Form of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works, Second Edition) is the global industry standard for marine construction projects. Developed in collaboration with the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC), this edition updates the original 2006 version to better align with modern dredging practices and the broader FIDIC "Rainbow Suite". Key Features of the 2016 Second Edition
The 2016 update introduced several critical changes to improve risk allocation and project management:
"Exceptional Events" Replacement: Following the lead of the Gold Book, the term "Force Majeure" was replaced with "Exceptional Events" to avoid jurisdictional confusion.
Defined Risks (Clause 6.1): All risks are consolidated into a single list, including specific marine risks like piracy, ship interruptions, and hydrological conditions.
Dredging Quantities (Clause 7.3): Unlike the first edition, the 2016 version explicitly allows for extensions of time if actual dredging quantities exceed those stated in the contract, a vital feature for re-measurement contracts.
24/7 Working Rights (Clause 7.5): Reflecting industry reality, contractors are now explicitly entitled to work day and night, including weekends and holidays, unless stated otherwise in the Contract Data.
Limitation of Liability (Clause 13.3): The liability regime was simplified to exclude indirect or consequential losses and include a cap on total liability, aligning it with the Red and Yellow Books. Contract Structure and Use fidic blue book 2016 pdf
The Blue Book is designed to be user-friendly, concise (15 clauses), and suitable for non-native English speakers.
Scope: Primarily for dredging, reclamation, and ancillary marine works. It is less suitable for complex offshore projects that require extensive testing procedures.
Administration: While the Employer often provides the design, the form is flexible enough to accommodate Contractor-designed works.
Engineer's Role: Despite being a two-party contract, it includes an "Engineer" to manage variations, certify payments, and oversee work execution. Dredgers Contract 2nd Ed (2016 Blue-Green Book) - FIDIC
FIDIC Blue Book (2nd Edition, 2016) , officially known as the Form of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works
, is a specialized standard form designed for marine construction projects. Updated from the 2006 original, this edition aligns more closely with the "Rainbow Suite" while maintaining a straightforward approach for the specific technical requirements of the dredging industry. IADC Dredging Key Features and Updates The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 (officially titled the
The 2016 edition introduced several critical updates to better reflect international practice and simplify administration: Alignment with Rainbow Suite
: Terms were updated for consistency across the FIDIC family, such as replacing "Appendix to Tender" with Contract Data Exceptional Events
: Following the Gold Book model, the term "Force Majeure" was changed to "Exceptional Events". Defined Risks
: One of the book's primary strengths is grouping all "Defined Risks" in Sub-Clause 6.1, providing a clear and balanced risk allocation between the Employer and Contractor. Enhanced Guidance
: The "Notes for Guidance" were expanded significantly (to approximately 18 pages) to help users prepare contract documents without needing extensive legal oversight. Valuation Options
: It offers flexibility in payment methods, allowing for lump sum, unit rate, or cost-plus arrangements. IADC Dredging Structure and Content Key Characteristics of Blue Book Projects
The contract remains concise, typically spanning about 15 clauses. Key sections include: FACTS ABOUT FIDIC BLUE BOOK (SECOND EDITION)
The FIDIC Blue Book (Second Edition, 2016) is a specialized contract for dredging and reclamation projects, featuring a balanced risk allocation and clear, tailored procedures for marine environments. It includes key updates such as a dedicated "Defined Risks" section and provisions for financial evidence to enhance project management. For a detailed review, see the IADC Dredging article.
A Review of the FIDIC Blue Book (Second Edition) - IADC Dredging
If your project involves a fixed, above-ground structure (like a bridge or building), use the Red Book. If it involves marine excavation, use the Blue Book.
Whether you are a port authority tendering a $50 million channel deepening, a dredging contractor bidding on a land reclamation project in Singapore, or a legal advisor drafting marine contracts, the FIDIC Blue Book 2016 is your essential toolkit.
Its clauses specifically address the volatility of underwater construction – from unexpected boulders to shifting sandbanks. However, a contract is only as good as its execution. Downloading the official FIDIC Blue Book 2016 PDF from an authorized source, customizing it with robust Particular Conditions, and training your team on Clauses 4.12 and 12 will save you from catastrophic measurement disputes and arbitration costs.
This is the heart of the 2016 update. If the Contractor encounters physical conditions that are unforeseeable (i.e., could not have been predicted by an experienced contractor on the date of tender despite examining all provided data), the Contractor is entitled to an extension of time and cost recovery.
The Blue Book includes unique schedules not found in other FIDIC books:
