Construction

What we can do for you

We provide a full range of legal services: from the drafting of project documentation and negotiating complex construction contracts, to partnering and framework agreements. Whether it be harbour related construction projects, engineering work, (FIDIC-based) infrastructure,  energy projects, data centers or large scale housing projects, our Construction lawyers have the experience to offer legal and commercially minded solutions to help your construction project succeed.

When it comes to the resolution of disputes arising out of projects you can count on our extensive litigation and arbitration experience. We have represented our clients in Dutch state courts and at relevant arbitration institutes such as the Netherlands Arbitration Institute, the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry and at the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC.

Our Construction lawyers work as an integral part of the Construction and Real Estate team, focusing on meeting our clients’ business objectives in an efficient manner. Our team understands the importance of assessing the legal landscape, reaching out to key decision-makers, advising on regulatory requirements, and assisting in expediting the project development process altogether.

‘Excellent in-depth legal knowledge of construction law and current practices within the Netherlands. Flexibility and availability to support our demands.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘Ploum's construction law team has a strong focus on construction-related matters including various forms of contracts (FIDIC, UAV, Bespoke) and dispute resolution through arbitration and litigation. The team is therefore highly experienced in construction law and consists of true specialists.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘We have had a pleasant working relationship with Jacob Henriquez. He is professional, carefully listens to his client and advises properly. He understands the value of expert contributions and has the ability to get to the bottom of complex issues quickly.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘Ploum's services stand out due to their in-depth sector expertise and a hands-on approach from senior partners. We as client have benefited from consistent, reliable, and valuable support, with the team focusing on both technical and commercial complexities. Their strength lies in providing tailored, proactive solutions.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘Particular mention to Jacob Henriquez. He stands out for his exceptional commitment, reliability, and hands-on involvement throughout our project. His ability to deliver timely results, combined with sharp negotiation skills, made a significant impact. Jacob’s management of internal teams and resources was also highly efficient.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘Jacob Henriquez prioritises contact with clients. He is driven and an expert in his field.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘We work with Jacob Henriquez and Lisa Orvini. They both have more than enough experience and expertise. Jacob is an excellent sparring partner, knows our business and has an eye for the right strategy for solving legal matters with the other party. Lisa is a hard and accurate worker.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

‘Jacob Henriquez has been supporting us for multiple years now and we couldn't wish ourselves a better construction lawyer. Jacob can explain implications of difficult negotiations very quickly in layman terms, always lays out various options/avenues for how we could approach a situation and works extremely quickly.’  - Legal 500 EMEA 2025

Representative matters

• Acting as counsel for a Dutch tank terminal in ICC proceedings about the termination of a FIDIC contract;
• Acting as lead counsel for a Dutch tank terminal company in multiple summary proceedings at the Rotterdam Court, as well as a successful appeal procedure at the Court of Appeal in The Hague regarding the termination of a FIDIC Yellow Book contract for the design and build of storage tanks in the port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands;
• Conducting summary proceedings for a Dutch technical services company in the (petro)chemical and energy sector against a German company. The dispute concerned geothermal drilling and the transportation of waste;
• Acting as Dutch co-counsel for a Dutch company in the railway industry against a Belgian railway infrastructure management company in summary proceedings at the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry regarding issued bank guarantees;
• Prejudgment attachment of company shares and conducting subsequent summary proceedings at the District Court of Amsterdam for a German real estate investor regarding a well-known real estate project in Berlin;
• Acting as lead counsel for a market leader in the field of underfloor heating and underfloor cooling in a dispute with a contracting party regarding the termination of an agreement. The construction project was one of the largest in its kind in a major Dutch city;
• Various arbitration proceedings regarding delay and disruption, claims for additional works, damages, defects etc. including commercial and residential housing projects;
• Acting as lead counsel for several municipalities in disputes with dredging companies. The arbitral proceedings were held at the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry;
• Advising a major UK law firm on the Thames Oil Port contracts and NAI arbitration to be conducted in the Netherlands;
• Acting as lead counsel for a large Dutch construction company in a dispute with an African State (successful negotiations). The dispute concerned the renovation of the embassy buildings of the African State in The Hague;
• Advising a representative of a Middle Eastern State following a dispute with a contractor.