Transport: Shipping

Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Client Satisfaction

Hailed as ‘the best maritime law firm in Panama’, Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega houses a comprehensive practice with a notable strong suit in shipping finance, frequently drawing on close connections to major international firms to advise ship owners and financial institutions on high-value, cross-border transactions. The team also handles a high volume of vessel registrations (including of mobile offshoring drilling units) under the Panamanian flag, and assists with obtaining operating licences for port services. Shipping litigation forms another key pillar of the practice; the team’s impressive record in this area includes representing clients before the Maritime Courts and Supreme Court of Panama. Jorge Loaiza III, who has three decades’ experience spanning ship finance, registration and disputes, leads the team. The ’brilliant’ Pilar Castillo and Fernando Aued, who focuses on litigation, are also key names at top level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The team stand out for their expertise in vessels legislation, including collateral on vessels.'
'Efficient and always accessible assistance. The best maritime law firm in Panama.'
'The team at ARIFA know their stuff and are responsive and commercial. We appreciate the close links they clearly have with the Panama Ship Registry.'
'Pilar Castillo is brilliant to work with and our go-to ship finance lawyer in Panama.'
'One of the most prestigious law firms in Panama. Their legal services, legal knowledge and commercial knowledge of the local sector merit straight As across the board and quality and collaboration are also top-notch.'
'We enjoy working with Pilar Castillo. She has been our trusted advisor for legal issues in Panama.'
'They are aware of the commercial realities, are very flexible, reliable, with very good knowledge of their market and the law.'
'Pilar Castillo is very knowledgeable and committed, flexible and commercially oriented. She cares about the clients to a great extent.'

Key clients

Seadrill
Macquarie Bank
Mojasa
Trafigura Beheer – Colombia
SapuraKenkana
Grupo Mexico
Schahin Engenharia
Grupo R
Touax
Carnival Cruise Lines

Work highlights

Acting as joint counsel to Seadrill Finance, JP Morgan and GLAS Trust Company on the successful issuance of $575m 8.375% senior secured second lien notes due 2030 and the establishment of a $250m revolving credit facility secured by first and second lien mortgages covering a total of 12 rigs.
Advised Singapore's PSA Marine Americas on the acquisition of a 45% stake in Panama-based Meyer’s Tugs from Inversiones Maritimas CPT, a subsidiary of Chile’s CPT Empresas Maritimas.
Acting for the bareboat charterers of a group of vessels of Panamanian registry in four separate ordinary maritime proceedings.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.