Our Services
Delay and Timeline
Our forensic timeline analyses are internationally recognised for prompt and efficient delivery of clarity to Delay in Start-Up (DSU) and Business Interruption (BI) claims of the highest value andcomplexity.
Delay Analysis (DSU)
Having advised on over 500 DSU claims globally, including the world’s largest and most complex claims, our experts have unrivalled experience in the analysis of delay for projects carrying DSU.
Launching a new project is a complex endeavour that involves numerous stakeholders, intricate processes, and tight deadlines.
Unfortunately, unforeseen delays can significantly impact the time-to-market and result in missed opportunities and financial losses. However, assessing delay as a matter of indemnity requires a specialist approach.
Our DSU service is designed specifically for the insurance industry, to help clients determine when commercial operations would have commenced had no insured events occurred.
Many clients use our services in advance of a submitted DSU claim to establish accurate decision-making for loss mitigation, formulate potential exposure considerations, and create the foundations for a successful resolution.
Our expert delay analysts regularly advise on:
- Pre-incident project status
- Consideration of mitigation measures and Increased Cost of Working (ICOW) claims
- Verification of critical path and near critical work packages
- Impact of float and concurrent delays
- Policy endorsements
- Relationship between CAR / EAR and marine cargo policy forms
- Potential implications of defect exclusions and LEG clauses
Timeline Analysis (BI)
For more than 25 years, Rimkus has delivered time element services on many of the world’s largest operational insurance losses across numerous industries.
Our time, cost, and technical experts have comprehensive knowledge spanning all types of industries and provide the support and insight to expedite any reinstatement project and reduce the risk of extended interruption or business downtime.
Scheduling specialists objectively identify a reasonable reinstatement / repair period whilst clearly defining time associated with planned or opportunistic turnaround / maintenance works, and any upgrade or betterment works.
We confirm to policyholders and insurers the most cost-effective ways to minimise loss and ensure transparency for all parties.
In our experience, time element services work best when integrated with cost and technical expertise to fully leverage mitigation strategies.
This approach can take advantage of the links between these disciplines, resulting in accurate and agile decision-making on technical engineering solutions, cost breakdowns, and time management.
Project Monitoring and Risk Advisory
Our highly skilled teams assess the progress of clients’ projects to ensure all involved parties understand its status.
Project Monitoring
An industry-leading monitoring and progress review service.
We can accurately and cost-effectively monitor and benchmark progress on fast-moving projects where cost and scope are determined in real time.
Robust and detailed monthly or quarterly progress reports are provided on pre-loss DSU construction projects. These are easy to implement, are standardised utilising the project’s existing progress records, and can be combined with the monitoring requirements of lenders and funders.
As part of our monitoring service, Rimkus can provide bespoke Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA). We generate project performance models based on the latest available project data, with the model continually updating as the performance of the project varies over its lifecycle. This performance model accurately describes the changing dynamics experienced in the multivariate situations present throughout project construction. These models are then used to create a probabilistic outcome of expected activity / project completion, via a Monte Carlo method. This process generates a continuous distribution of outcomes each with a specified probability of occurrence, giving a statistical indicator of project performance such as target project completion date.
Risk Advisory
With a broad range of industry experts, Rimkus offers efficient and timely advice on multiindustry risks.
Our services range from independent, third-party expert reviews, to underwriter information reports and estimated / probable maximum loss analysis.
We assist clients to quantify and gain a deeper understanding of the potential financial impact of extreme events.
This analysis enables them to make datadriven decisions, optimise risk transfer strategies, and ensure that insurance coverage adequately protects against severe losses.
We also conduct in-depth risk assessments and analyses, considering factors such as regulatory compliance, market trends, emerging technologies, and operational vulnerabilities. By understanding the unique risks our clients face, we can provide tailored solutions to protect their business interests.
Our risk advisory services encompass the development and implementation of proactive risk mitigation strategies. We assist you in designing comprehensive risk management frameworks, establishing risk appetite and tolerance levels, and implementing best practices that align with industry standards and regulations.
Failure Analysis and Damage Assessment
Rimkus provide forensic and consulting engineering services to establish failure mechanisms in the course of root cause investigations and assessing the resultant extent of damage.
Failure Analysis
Before deciding what course of action to take when a project goes wrong, it is essential to understand how and why a failure has occurred. Rimkus provides forensic and consulting engineering services to help clients answer these questions and plan a response.
Our consultants understand the critical importance of maintaining structural integrity and safety within the construction industry. Unforeseen failures can not only lead to significant financial losses but also compromise the safety of individuals and the overall success of a construction project. Our consulting engineering services are designed to identify, analyse, and rectify potential failures in construction projects, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Our failure analysis services in the construction industry range from forensic root-cause investigations to detailed assessments of design failures, workmanship issues, and latent defects. We are specialists in establishing what happened and why, working closely with clients to determine causation and identify potential subrogation targets.
Damage Assessment
Our technical experts can perform detailed assessments to establish the extent of damage using heat mapping, metallurgical analysis, and other non-destructive testing techniques. We understand that the construction industry can be fraught with unforeseen challenges.
Damage to structures, whether due to natural disasters, accidents, or wear and tear, can lead to significant setbacks and financial losses. That’s why we offer specialised damage assessment services to ensure that your construction projects stay on track, even in the face of unexpected issues.
Our damage assessment services are designed to identify and quantify physical damage, determining precisely what needs to be repaired and/or replaced. Experts will visit sites, review project documentation, and liaise with the project team to establish material and resource costs, a procurement strategy, and the approach to physical reinstatement.
Scope Evaluation and Reinstatement Cost Verification
Our team of professionals can establish the extent of damage and costs of reinstatement with accuracy and certainty.
Scope Evaluation
In the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event, Rimkus’ scope evaluation service offers considerable benefit to insurers, loss adjusters, and policyholders in response to large and complex claims.
In the days after a loss occurs, Rimkus’ accredited estimators and cost engineers will generate initial rough orders of magnitude, developing through to more detailed estimates as the scope of damage evolves, and contractor tender documentation is received.
Our service utilises industry recognised estimating software, commonly utilised by all major operators/owners. In the right hands, this software develops estimates to support conceptual design analysis, detailed FEED studies, pre-tender CAPEX approval/ budgeting, and bid/tender benchmarking across an array of assets.
Rimkus’ scope evaluation service provides a “ground up” estimate of the reinstatement cost, enabling loss adjusters and insurers to review relevant policy terms by identifying specific elements of reinstatement for the consideration of applying sub-limits, exclusions etc, providing a more stable and consistent scenario for reserving purposes, whether that is initial placeholders for precautionary IBNR or case reserves in a 45-, 90-, or 180-day window.
For many catastrophic events, a fully developed operational design will exist, along with information such as detailed equipment lists and operational parameters. In fact, most of the material contained within a detailed underwriting submission is all that is needed for Rimkus’ estimators to immediately start developing an early cost estimate, alongside considerations for demolition/removal or wreck, allowing the process to be significantly fast-tracked.
Risk Advisory
Rimkus’ team of professional quantity surveyors/cost consultants, estimators, and engineers conduct an in-depth analysis to provide reliable assessments of reinstatement costs, covering replacement and repair costs.
Where required, we will conduct economic assessments of replacement versus repair, particularly relevant against Business Interruption/DSU exposures, working with stakeholders to determine the most effective repair strategy.
Throughout the reinstatement period, our chartered cost experts can assist in verifying actual costs incurred and, where necessary, delineate costs attributable to damage reinstatement from costs that may be related to maintenance, turnaround, betterment, upgrade, or other potentially non-indemnifiable items. As well as assessing the overall cost of reinstating physical damage, we have significant experience with identifying and verifying increased costs of working, additional increased costs of working, expediting expenses, prolongation costs, and costs associated with defect rectification and/ or improvement.
Where required, we have a number of cost experts with significant experience in providing expert testimony who regularly advise our clients through contentious matters, including those related to professional indemnity and product liability.
We document our findings in clear and transparent reports that provide a comprehensive analysis of reinstatement costs in a format that can be readily shared with all stakeholders providing an enhanced claims experience and an expedited resolution.
Commercial and Quantity Surveying
Contract Strategy Reviews
Rimkus collaborates with clients at project inception to develop the right procurement strategy and recommend the most appropriate contract form and contractor selection, considering the client’s organisation and resources. This approach ensures that risks related to safety, quality, program, and budget are mitigated. Through years of experience in workshop facilitation, Rimkus brings expertise and judgment to deliver successful outcomes.
Post-Contract Award Commercial Management
Rimkus manages the commercial aspects of contracts through to final certification including:
- Interim or milestone application assessment and certification
- Variation or compensation event validation and valuation
- Measure calculation
- Project change control management
- Financial reporting against budgets
- Defects identification and rectification
Invitation to Tender Preparation and Tender Management
Drawing on our wide experience and in-house expertise, Rimkus can advise on:
- Preparing invitations to tender
- Managing the tender process, including one or two-stage approaches
- Collation of tender queries
- Preparing bills of quantities using industry standard software
- Drafting contract documents, including NEC3, JCT, FIDIC, IChemE, and ICE Conditions and tailoring contracts for clarity and risk allocation
Account Management and Settlement
Rimkus handles project close-out by:
- Drafting and issuing final account statements
- Releasing final retentions
- Negotiating the final account
- Preparing close-out reports
- Compiling project costs for external thirdparty audits or review
Pre-Contract Award Commercial Management
Rimkus supports the transition from tender to contract stage through:
- Developing tender evaluation procedures with the client’s procurement team
- Reviewing tender clarifications and issuing responses
- Using industry-standard software to analyse tender rates
- Facilitating post-tender discussions and negotiations
- Preparing contract documentation, including tender clarifications and addendum documentation
Commercial Audits for Third-Party Analysis
Rimkus offers services such as:
- Commercial audits for third parties, including contract valuations for mergers and acquisitions
- Project cost verification and adherence to contract processes
- Asset management and register reviews
Project and Contract Delivery Strategies
Rimkus provides in-house expertise in:
- Constructability reviews helping clients to understand tender risks
- Appointment of ECI contracts
- Developing project delivery strategies with optimal engineering solutions
- Facilitating workshops to ensure quality and safety
Project Management
Project Management
Rimkus offers full project management services, leading teams and acting as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders.
For each project, we prepare a project specific roles and responsibilities matrix and assign activities to the in-house team, Rimkus, or external providers, ensuring roles are clear. Our services cover almost every aspect of project management from inception to completion, including:
- Scope and brief development
- Management of project metrics for design, quality, cost, and program
- Procurement of project teams, contractors, and suppliers
- Design and change management
- Statutory compliance and approvals monitoring
- Development of project controls and governance
- Stakeholder management
- Risk and quality management
- Monitoring and administration of contracts
- Project reporting and milestone tracking
Construction Management
Rimkus provides flexible construction management services during both preconstruction and construction phases. We support design, procurement, and mobilisation activities, along with planning, monitoring, and coordination of works. Our services include:
Pre-Construction Phase:
- Assembling a ‘Pre-construction Information Pack’
- Supporting procurement activities
- Early supply chain engagement
- Reviewing and preparing a range of preconstruction planning documentation including site logistics plans, construction sequencing, noise/vibration control and environmental protection
- Preparation and updating risk registers and project programs
Construction Phase:
- Coordinating operational activities with construction works
- Managing site logistics, security, waste and inductions
- Monitoring health, safety, and environmental management including CDM roles
- Preparing regular reports on progress, quality, safety, and environmental management
- Inspecting materials and equipment
- Reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for high-risk activities
- Ensuring quality management and compliance
- Monitoring and updating the project risk register and program
- Supporting project and contract administration
- Compilation of comprehensive site records including site/adjacent area conditions, weather, progress, site attendances, plant/equipment and materials
Project Monitoring and Audit
Rimkus applies its project delivery capabilities to provide monitoring and audit services for projects delivered by others. In addition to ensuring projects are delivered within agreed parameters and governance, we add value by reviewing strategies, solving problems, and identifying unforeseen issues. Our collaborative approach avoids conflict and enhances project teams, offering an independent layer of resources to help prevent or recover from problems.
Project Troubleshooting and Recovery
Rimkus’ broad expertise allows us to review strategies and inject positivity into underperforming projects. Our involvement can range from light-touch reviews with minor course corrections to comprehensive strategic reviews. We help re-establish objectivity and clarity, particularly when teams face challenges due to compromised commercial positions. A fresh, independent perspective brings muchneeded focus and guidance.
