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.
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 Employer bears the risk for:
The Contractor bears the risk for all other loss, including damage to dredging equipment from unmarked obstacles (unless Clause 4.12 applies).
Before you finalize your search, consider these alternatives if the Blue Book does not fit:
| Contract | Best For | Key Difference from Blue Book | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | FIDIC Green Book (Short Form) | Small dredging jobs (e.g., marinas, small channels) | Simpler, but lacks detailed volume measurement rules. | | CESSM (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement) – used with NEC4 | Dredging in the UK or Commonwealth | NEC4 Option C (target cost) shares risk more aggressively than FIDIC. | | IMDC / IADC Dredging Contract | Very large capital dredging (e.g., Suez-type projects) | Less common in international arbitration; heavily favors employer. |
For most international, cross-border dredging and reclamation works between a public or private employer and an experienced contractor, the FIDIC Blue Book 2016 remains the gold standard. fidic blue book 2016 pdf
To obtain and use the FIDIC Blue Book 2016 PDF:
If you only need to reference a specific clause for academic study, check if your university library has a FIDIC subscription or physical copy.
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. Understanding the differences prevents misapplication
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.
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) This is the heart of the 2016 update