Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects have become an internationally popular model for construction projects, where large risks are bore by the EPC contractor and the subcontractors [Galloway, 2009; Guo et al., 2010]. Risks are inherent to all construction projects, however, the high uncertainties of the international EPC markets, and the complex EPC processes, create for abundant risks which often make it unfeasible for EPC contractors to manage the risks by relying solely on their own capabilities [Wang et al., 2016]. These projects are often of large scale, financially and technically, in
a competitive environment where subcontractors have tight margins and even unrealistic budgeting [Yeo and Ning, 2002]. Furthermore, the concept of risk management is a widely discussed topic in construction literature. However, the effective allocation of these risks to certain parties down the supply chain is
not a popular subject. EPC project environments are known for their adversarial relationships between stakeholders, where subcontractors have demonstrated a certain feeling of distrust within the supply chains [Dainty et al., 2001]. The status quo of these large and complex EPC projects is that the number of subcontractors willing and able to take on the risks of EPC projects is shrinking. There is a need for a more effective risk allocation within the supply chain.

To address this problem statement, this research focuses on analyzing how the risk allocation within the supply chain can improve, in order to improve the project performance for all parties involved. This problem statement is answered through the viewpoint of the contracting strategy used in EPC projects since the contracting strategy is a tool for allocating risks. The final output of this research is a Network Risk Allocation model and recommendations for both EPC contractors and subcontractors. This is attained by conducting exploratory research, consisting of quantitative data gathering, in order
to answer the main research question:

How can risks within EPC projects effectively be allocated among the EPC contractor and subcontractors, to improve project performance through strategic contracting?

This research is divided into three phases. The first phase includes the theoretical background, including a literature review, document review, and exploratory interviews. Phase one dives into the theory around risk allocation, risks in EPC projects, and the supply chain network. Here it is concluded that an effective risk allocation for EPC projects is in the form of a network risk allocation. Phase 2 continues by conducting empirical research in the form of a Case Study analysis. Two projects are analyzed on the basis of their risk allocation. This led to recommendations for effective risk allocation. Phase 3 dives into the development of the solution model: the network risk allocation model. It is found that collaboration in the network is an important element to effective risk allocation, amongst other factors.

Over the last years, the urge to reduce the world’s air pollutants is rapidly growing. New possibilities in order to replace fossil fuels have been explored and one of them is the usage of green hydrogen. The Argentinian, North Patagonian, province of Río Negro, has a great potential to generate green hydrogen on a large scale, due to the available natural resources. Therefore, the province is ambitious to contribute in the developing worldwide sustainable energy market by producing and exporting green hydrogen.
Argentina is located at a large distance from the expected green hydrogen sales market in Europe and Asia. In order to reach competitiveness with respect to other future hydrogen ports, the use of a Free-Trade Zone (FTZ) is considered. This is a delimited territory within a country in which tax benefits can be enjoyed. The Province of Río Negro is considering three different locations for a potential green hydrogen export port:

- Punta Colorada Muelle, is an old iron ore export port that is out of operation since 2016. It is located within a FTZ. The deteriorated dry bulk jetty could potentially be reused by accommodating the liquid bulk loading infrastructure.

- Punta Colorada South, is a location roughly one kilometre south of old iron ore export port and is also located within a FTZ.

- Puerto Lobos, is located on the border of the provinces of Río Negro and Chubut. It has potentially favourable bathymetric and hydrodynamic characteristics.

The following main research question is formed:
”Which location between Punta Colorada Muelle, Punta Colorada South and Puerto Lobos is the most suitable for a potential hydrogen export port in Río Negro?”
A conceptual qualitative Multi-Criteria Analysis is executed to compare the locations. In order to complete this analysis, firstly the hydrogen export port requirements and criteria are defined. Subsequently, primary and secondary data is collected. The primary data consists out of fieldwork surveys, including a topographic analysis, a hydraulic analysis and a structural analysis. The structural analysis is completed solely on the existing jetty at Punta Colorada Muelle, in order to create an understanding of the current state of the jetty. Furthermore, interviews are conducted with the director of the Maritime and Fluvial Research Center (CIEMF), the executive director of investment agency of the Government of Río Negro, and an ex-employee of the previous mining company at Punta Colorada Muelle. Secondary data on all locations is gathered through literature studies and presented documents from stakeholders.

With data from the field survey several detailed maps are made. A bathymetry map shows the sea bed profile from Punta Colorada Muelle until Punta Pórfido. A topographic map shows the ground level elevation for Punta Colorada Muelle. An interactive map of the jetty is made which contains all the gathered photographs of the structural components and indicates their level of corrosiveness. Next to that the stakeholders are displayed in a power-interest diagram.

Due to the limited information and the quality of the information that was gathered at Puerto Lobos no fair comparison between the locations can be made. Both locations at Punta Colorada have potential to construct a green hydrogen export port. The jetty at Punta Colorada Muelle has the potential to be used in the short-term if it is restored. Punta Colorada South has the advantage that potential future port operations will not depend on dated infrastructure. Next tot that there is no interference with the iron ore port authority. Puerto Lobos has the disadvantage that there is no FTZ and that is situated adjecent to a marine protected area.

To properly compare all three locations, bathymetric and aerial surveys that were completed at the Punta Colorada locations will need to be repeated at Puerto Lobos. To create a more definitive conclusion on any location, additional research like a CPT and an in depth analysis of the structural capacity of the jetty is required.

From the bathymetric surveys another potentially interesting location was found in Punto Pórfido. It is recommended this location is researched further.

Three alternative scenarios for phasing the port construction and operation are presented. These scenarios differ in permanent, temporary or no use of the current jetty at all.