FIDIC Blue Book (2nd Edition, 2016) —officially known as the Form of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works
—is a specialized contract framework designed specifically for the unique risks and operational demands of the dredging industry. IADC Dredging Core Purpose & Best Use Target Projects: Best suited for dredging and reclamation works where the employer provides the design. What it covers:
It is highly effective for projects requiring specialized marine equipment and continuous 24/7 operations. What it avoids: less suitable
for complex marine construction or offshore projects that require elaborate testing and taking-over procedures. IADC Dredging Key Improvements in the 2016 Edition
Compared to the original 2006 version, the 2nd Edition introduces several industry-focused updates: Risk Allocation:
Includes a single, comprehensive list of "Defined Risks" (Sub-Clause 6.1) to promote clear budget management. 24/7 Operations:
Explicitly entitles the Contractor to work continuously (day and night, including weekends and holidays) unless restricted in the Contract Data. Specific Risk Recognition: Now expressly includes risks such as
, exceptional climatic/hydrological conditions, and ship movement interruptions. Enhanced Guidance:
Features 18 pages of detailed "Notes for Guidance" to help employers manage contracts without needing constant legal or specialist intervention. Contract Structure
The document is roughly 53 pages long and follows a concise structure: Agreement: Incorporates the offer and acceptance. General Conditions: 15 simplified clauses (14 pages) focused on clarity. Particular Conditions: For project-specific adjustments. Dispute Adjudication: Includes rules for the Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB). Notes for Guidance: Practical advice for contract administration. Where to Access Official Source:
You can purchase and download the official PDF directly from the FIDIC Bookshop Format Options:
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016!
Here's a compiled text based on the FIDIC Blue Book 2016 (Conditions of Contract for Plant and Design/Build):
Introduction
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016, formally known as the "Conditions of Contract for Plant and Design/Build", is a standard form of contract published by the Fédération Internationale Des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC). This contract is intended for use on plant and design/build projects where the contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of the works.
Key Features
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 includes the following key features:
General Conditions
The contract consists of the following general conditions:
Special Conditions
The contract also includes special conditions that can be amended to suit the specific project requirements:
Claims and Disputes
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 provides a clear procedure for claims and disputes:
Other Provisions
Other provisions in the FIDIC Blue Book 2016 include:
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 provides a well-structured and comprehensive contract for plant and design/build projects, balancing the interests of both the employer and the contractor.
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. fidic blue book 2016 pdf
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
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
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FIDIC Blue Book (officially the Form of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works ) is the international standard for marine projects 2016 Second Edition
updated the original 2006 version to better reflect modern industry practices and provide clearer guidance for employers and contractors Slideshare Key Features of the 2016 Edition Dredgers Contract 2nd Ed (2016 Blue-Green Book) - FIDIC
The FIDIC Blue Book (Second Edition, 2016)—officially known as the Form of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works—is a specialized legal framework designed specifically for the unique demands of marine construction. Developed with significant input from the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC), this edition updates the original 2006 version to better reflect modern industry practices and risk management. Key Features of the 2016 Edition
Unlike the more general "Rainbow Suite" contracts (like the Red or Yellow books), the Blue Book addresses the high-stakes, 24/7 nature of dredging operations.
Industry Specificity: It accounts for the massive capital investment in dredging equipment by allowing for continuous operations (day and night, weekends and holidays) by default.
Balanced Risk Profile: The contract is designed to be fair to both parties, moving away from being purely "employer-favorable" or "contractor-favorable".
Enhanced Guidance: The publication includes extensive "Notes for Guidance" to help non-specialist employers understand technical requirements like soil data, permits, and marine insurance. FIDIC Blue Book (2nd Edition, 2016) —officially known
Flexible Design Options: While most projects follow a traditional employer-led design, the 2016 edition provides clear mechanisms for "design and build" arrangements. FACTS ABOUT FIDIC BLUE BOOK (SECOND EDITION)
One of the most contentious aspects of the 1999 Yellow Book was the perceived erosion of the Engineer’s neutrality. In the 1999 edition, when determining claims, the Engineer was often viewed as acting on behalf of the Employer. The 2016 Blue Book attempts to correct this.
Under Sub-Clause 3.7, the Engineer is now explicitly required to act neutrally when making a "Determination." This is a pivotal shift. The contract mandates that the Engineer consults with both parties and makes a fair determination in accordance with the contract terms. While this restores the "FIDIC philosophy" of the Engineer as an impartial adjudicator, it places a heavy burden on the Engineer to document their reasoning thoroughly.
The FIDIC Blue Book is a specialized standard form of contract published by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) . The 2016 edition is the second edition of the Blue Book, superseding the 1991 first edition (which was often referred to as the "Dredgers’ Contract").
The full title is:
"Conditions of Contract for Dredging and Reclamation Works, 2nd Edition, 2016"
It is designed for works that involve:
Unlike building a bridge or a tunnel, dredging involves working with natural, unpredictable materials. The Blue Book 2016 acknowledges that the ground conditions shown on a survey may change overnight due to storms, silting, or unexpected geological formations.
The FIDIC Blue Book 2016 PDF remains the current edition as of 2025 (no 2022 update like the Red/Yellow/Silver books). FIDIC has announced a possible 2nd edition in the late 2020s to address:
Until then, the 2016 edition is the industry gold standard. FIDIC also offers the Blue Book as a "smart PDF" with fillable forms for the Appendix – Tenders, which is highly recommended.
Between 1991 and 2016, the dredging industry evolved dramatically. New technologies emerged:
The 1991 contract could not adequately address these changes. Moreover, disputes over differing site conditions were rampant. Contractors complained that they were being asked to price "unknown unknowns." The 2016 Blue Book responds by creating a more transparent tendering process, requiring the Employer to provide all available geotechnical data and warranting its reasonable accuracy.
Understanding the differences prevents misapplication.
| Feature | Red Book 2017 | Blue Book 2016 | Silver Book 2017 | |---------|---------------|----------------|------------------| | Design responsibility | Employer | Contractor (mostly) | Contractor (full) | | Payment basis | Bill of Quantities (lump sum) | Measured volume (re-measurement) | Lump sum firm price | | Geotechnical risk | Shared (clause 4.12) | Contractor, with limited relief | Contractor entirely | | Defects period | 12 months typical | 6 months (due to marine corrosion) | 12–24 months | | Dispute resolution | DAAB (standing) | DAAB (ad hoc optional) | DAAB (standing) |
The Blue Book is unique in that it assumes re-measurement – unlike the Red Book which assumes a lump sum. Do not use a Red Book for a dredging project, or you will fight endlessly over variations.