Infrastructure

Infrastructure development is a strategic priority for governments and nations worldwide. Whilst emerging markets face severe shortages of new infrastructure, developed economies are confronted with ageing and inadequate existing infrastructure, requiring replacement, modernisation or construction from scratch. In both contexts, investment in infrastructure is an essential driver of economic growth, social cohesion and competitiveness.

In the field of transport infrastructure, the need for modern and efficient road, rail, airport and port networks, supported by robust logistics chains, is becoming increasingly pressing. The construction of new infrastructure, the modernisation of existing infrastructure and the adoption of innovative financing, operation and management models are key challenges that require specialised, integrated legal support.

Social infrastructure, in turn, plays an equally decisive role in the development of societies. Hospitals, educational establishments, university campuses and other public infrastructure and buildings are essential to ensuring access to fundamental services and the quality of life of the population. The planning, structuring and financing of these projects have their own specific characteristics that call for a legal approach combining technical rigour with sensitivity to the public interests involved.

In addition, the role of technology and innovation, particularly in the context of smart cities, fosters synergies and opportunities with a transformative impact on the infrastructure sector. Innovative mobility solutions add a complementary transformative dimension, opening up new perspectives for the operation of transport infrastructure as well as the quality and access of social facilities.

Working closely with our clients, we monitor emerging trends and anticipate developments in strategic planning and policy making for the sector, particularly with respect to environmental, complianceand ESG considerations.

Our team possesses extensive experience and unrivalled legal, strategic and commercial expertise, advising clients throughout all stages of their projects’ lifecycle, whether in Portugal, in the Portuguese-speaking African countries of the VdA Legal Partners network, in Timor-Leste, or in any jurisdiction where our support is required.

Our work focuses on the structuring, development and financing of public-private projects and partnerships (PPPs), whether under a project financemodel or others. We also provide support on relevant corporate matters in this context, acquisitions, the renegotiation of PPPs and refinancings, as well as regulatory and public procurement matters. This experience spans transport infrastructure, large-scale social facilities and mobility solutions.