Two major infrastructure projects in Bermuda are a step closer to completion following an extensive planning process in which Gowling WLG served as a key legal adviser.

The Bermuda Land Development Company (BLDC) recently launched a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to plan and build a national energy generation facility and an international marine cargo port. Both sites are to be redeveloped on property previously occupied by US and Canadian military forces, known as Ships Wharf.

Gowling WLG advised BLDC on all legal aspects of both procurement processes related to this first phase in a large long-term project. On March 27, the company launched two separate invitations for organizations to demonstrate their qualifications for future bids on the planning and building of the energy plant and the cargo port.

"We're delighted to have played such a pivotal role in a project that will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the Bermudian economy in years to come," said Thomas Timmins, a partner in Gowling WLG who led the team involved. "Both the energy facility and the cargo port will be tremendously important to the people of Bermuda."

"Multiple stakeholders have been involved, and it's a testament to our team's dedication, versatility, regulatory expertise, negotiating skills and hard work that our client can now move forward," Timmins added.

In addition to Timmins, the team included Cindy Kou, Jessica George, David Torchetti and Josiah Davis.

BLDC is a private company that was established in 1996 following an act in the Bermuda legislature. It is charged with the management and strategic planning of publicly owned buildings and land.

The proposed energy generation facility and marine cargo port are both expected to exceed US$150 million and take several years to complete. Viable partners for each project will be selected based on RFQ submissions, after which the request for proposal phase will begin. The deadline for RFQs is May 23, 2018. Companies that qualify will be shortlisted and invited to submit full proposals near the end of 2018. For more details, visit www.bldc.bm.

With top-tier expertise across the global energy industry - including in nuclear, electricity, renewables, oil & gas, and government advisory and regulation - Gowling WLG serves as trusted counsel to senior energy executives, and has played a leading role in some of the world's most significant energy-sector transactions and litigation in recent history.