Shipping and maritime law

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Utilising the firm’s domestic network of offices, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig’s shipping and maritime practice fields a ‘highly professional team’ and handles the entire spectrum of matters spanning corporate and commercial mandates, shipping finance work, casualty work and litigation mandates. Yannis Litinas co-heads up the ocean team and specialises in cross-border shipping transactions, while co-head Jan Vablum handles litigation and co-head Gunnar Espeland is a key name in the firm's Stavanger office. The team also includes Christine Rødsæther, who is singled out by clients as an ’exceptionally professional lawyer with a profound knowledge of her sector’ and handles all areas of shipping transactions; and Erlend Lous, who is an expert in shipping financing and restructuring work. Elsewhere in the team, Tone Jajford Seth advises financial institutions and owners on shipping and financing matters. Lars Inge Ørstavik left the team in July 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The combination of high legal competence, solution orientation and commercial skills are appreciated. Having members on the team with extensive experience is also appreciated.’
‘Strong legal competence, commercial approach and experience makes individuals stand out.’
‘Highly professional team with many years of experience and deep sector knowledge.’
‘Christine Rødsæther stands out as an exceptionally professional lawyer with a profound knowledge of her sector. Her expertise is matched by her dedication to delivering high-quality service to all clients, regardless of their size. And all matters receive the same level of importance and attention.’
‘The partners and associates have excellent knowledge of the shipping and maritime industry. They are creative problem-solvers, solution-oriented and deliver on time. Very hands-on in following up case matters, reliable and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our interests are well taken care of.’
‘They are all experienced professionals. The team we work closest with are very straightforward and give solid advice in at times complex matters where we as clients depend on their skill and knowledge.’
‘Christine Rødsæther is attentive, highly skilled and provides practical feedback on the basis of her knowledge and lengthy experience within the finance and shipping sector.’

Key clients

Blystad/Songa Group
Clarksons (Oslo)
DNB Bank
Energifonden Maritime AS
Eurazeo
Fearnley Securities AS
Grieg Shipholding AS
Grieg Edge AS
Grieg Shipbrokers
Green H AS
Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd.
Lunasol Polaris
Fosen Yard AS
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA
Grieg Star
Maritime Asset Partners Limited
Ness Risan & Partners
Sterling Shipping Ltd
RF Ocean SA with subsidiaries
Uthalden Maritime
Zonda Drilling AS

Work highlights

Representing Grieg Maritime entities in connection with 10+ newbuildings, including bulk carriers and cargo carriers, from shipyards in China.
Representing the French/European investment fund EURAZEO in the €29m pre-delivery/post-delivery financing and purchase/lease-back of two vessels.
Acting for WLR/TRF Shipping L.P. in connection with the sale of seven tankers to various international buyers, in a deal worth $300m.