Shipping

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Client Satisfaction

Hailed as a ‘fantastic all round practice in all aspects of shipping’, Watson Farley & Williams LLP complements its strong ship finance practice with capabilities in maritime disputes, shipping contracts, and sanctions-related advice. George Macheras is noted for his expertise regarding the enforcement of ship mortgages as well as handling insolvency and restructuring work. Ship and offshore vessel construction form part of Mike Phillips’ areas of focus alongside contentious ship finance, while Robert Platt specialises in commercial contracts and contentious matters within the shipbuilding and offshore sectors. Nikki Chu joined from Stephenson Harwood in March 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Fantastic all round practice in all aspects of shipping - corporate, tax, regulatory and disputes.’
‘An excellent senior management team that set a high standard for their practitioners.'
'An overall strong team with some exceptional partners and senior associates. For transactional assistance excellence is the norm. Some very good disputes partners and specialists, such as tax experts. Generally very user-friendly and dependable. Sensible, professional and reasonable in negotiations with counterparties.’
'Charles Buss - exceptional legal ability and determination. Advice received is always well thought-out, clearly expressed and supported. He does not shy away from giving strong guidance in short time frames, even on the basis of limited information and for head-on-the-block issues.'
'George Macheras is very commercial, has excellent availability and the willingness to go the extra mile.’
‘Good industry knowledge and depth of experience to draw on.’
‘Approachable and commercial.'
‘Partner lead team, with strong juniors assisting. Mike Phillips is a very experienced and effective litigator, very personable and strong on detail.'

Key clients

Genco Shipping and Trade Limited
Americas Bulk Transport (BVI) Limited
Taylor Maritime Group Limited (TMG)
Temeraire Holding (MI) Limited
Gefo Shipping Group
Global Ports Holding
Okeanis Eco Tankers
Capital Ship Management
Howden Hellas
Pacific Basin Shipping Limited

Work highlights

Advising Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. on its listing of common shares on the New York Stock Exchange which included filing and having declared effective a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Advising Taylor Maritime Group Limited and Temeraire Holding (MI) Limited on the c. USD $13.5m sale of Taylor Maritime Management Limited and Tamar Ship Management Limited to a subsidiary of Grindrod Shipping Holdings Ltd.