24 October 2007
Sydney, 24 October 2007: Members of the Clayton Utz Major Projects Group today joined the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation ("THSRC") in celebrating the success of its new US$16 billion 'bullet train' service between Taipei and Kaohsiung.
The service, which commenced revenue operation in January this year, was commemorated at a special ceremony today in Taipei attended by a host of dignitaries including senior Government and Japanese officials. Prior to the ceremony THSRC hosted a two-day symposium at which Doug Jones AM, the head of the Clayton Utz Construction & Major Projects Group, was a speaker.
For the last four years, Construction & Major Projects partner Colin Dodd has led a team of Clayton Utz lawyers based in Taipei in advising THSRC on commercial matters connected with the Project, including a range of issues associated with the Civil, Depots, Stations, Track and Core System Contracts. The team included partner Philip Dawson, together with solicitors Paul Tobin and Victor Lau.
THSRC secured the Project on a 'build, operate, transfer' basis and will run the new service for the rest of the 35-year concession period, with trains able to carry more than 900 passengers at a time, travelling at speeds of up to 300 kph.
Mr Dodd described the Project as "unique and challenging in many ways". Not only is it the first time the 'Shinkansen' bullet train has been launched outside Japan, but also the route along which the new line has been built is prone to regular earthquake activity.
Mr Dodd said that for a Project of this scale and magnitude, it was pleasing to be able to bring a host of legal and contractual issues to a successful conclusion within a relatively short timeframe.
"Complex projects involve a raft of issues but working alongside THSRC management, the Clayton Utz team was able to achieve a successful outcome for THSRC enabling it to deliver the Project."
Mr K H Lee, the Executive Vice-President of THSRC, commented: "Clayton Utz was brought on board at a relatively early stage of the Project. That has proved to be a valuable investment as Colin and his team were able to help the Corporation overcome some formidable challenges."
The Chief Executive Partner of Clayton Utz, David Fagan, said the Project was an excellent example of the ability of Clayton Utz to transfer its domestic expertise to assist a key client on a significant regional transaction.
"We are extremely proud to be involved with this unique project. Our ability to place a core team of lawyers to work alongside THSRC for a considerable period of time demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients with the legal services they require wherever they are doing business."
