Oliver Barnes brings nearly 30 years of experience advising clients in large-scale construction and engineering projects on delay analysis, disruption, work front, productivity analyses. During his 30 years includes more than ten as a project engineer and construction programmer/scheduler, and 17 years as an expert delay analyst and advisor, where he also develops project schedules for pre-construction and construction phases in oil & gas, power, nuclear, buildings, and infrastructure projects for contractors and client organizations.
Mr. Barnes has been engaged by multinational clients, joint ventures, and contractors on significant domestic and international construction disputes including: solar farms and HV/LV electrical installations in South Africa, LNG storage vessels and port in Finland, Ras Lafan LNG plateau maintenance in Qatar, the Elefsina refinery upgrade in Greece, and the SIDRA hospital, and the downtown Doha City development in Qatar.
In the UK, clients retain Mr. Barnes on multimillion pound developments, including city redevelopments, football stadia, and luxury hotels, all of which include significant infrastructure as well as mixed-use and high-rise projects. He has also been involved with several high-profile infrastructure and energy disputes over solar, coal-fired, and nuclear power plants and the electricity interconnectors between countries.
Mr. Barnes applies his knowledge of construction and straightforward, practical approach to resolve difficult scheduling and analysis issues. He frequently testifies as an independent expert witness in ICC & SCC arbitrations in Europe and to DABs including in South Africa. He has provided written evidence in London’s Technology and Construction Court (TCC). His experience spans the following sectors: oil & gas, power, nuclear, rail, highways/bridges/airports, hospitals, stadiums, high-rise commercial/residential, education, processing facilities, manufacturing facilities, and luxury yacht building.
Mr. Barnes is frequently appointed as an independent expert for disputes in arbitration, litigation, adjudication, mediation, and formal contract negotiations. He has extensive global testimony experience on large, high-profile international disputes.
Who’s Who Legal recognizes Mr. Barnes in Consulting Experts 2021, stating he “gains widespread recognition from sources who say he is – absolutely excellent and definitely deserves to be on the list”.
In Construction Expert Witnesses 2022, it quotes peers and clients:
“Oliver’s practical knowledge and experience of working in the industry allows him to master complex issues”
“He offers clear and accessible advice with pragmatic recommendations”
“He has the ability to interface between legal, technical, and commercial issues towards ensuring an accurate and sustained assessment”
Mr. Barnes is “extremely well regarded” by peers and clients, who highlight him for his strong track record in construction disputes and exceptional technical background.
Experts – Construction – Quantum, Delay & Technical
His Peers and clients say:
“Oliver is very experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to delay analysis”
“He produces his expert opinion clearly, thoroughly and on time”