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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated October 18, 2000
included in The Shaw Group Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2000 and
to all references to our Firm included in or incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.



                                             /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
June 12, 2001