Shipping: foreign firms

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Client Satisfaction

Stephenson Harwood LLP‘s large and well-rounded practice is well-equipped to advise across the gamut of shipping and offshore matters. The team advises an array of major banks and shipping companies in wet, dry, contentious and non-contentious transactions, major financings, and disputes. It also has experience assisting on cases involving sustainability and ESG-linked loans. Gregg Johnston heads the practice and has particular expertise in distressed debt scenarios. Huay Yee Kwan is prominent for her work in PRC leasing in emerging markets. John Simpson and Michelle Yong bring charterparty law and arbitration-related specialisms to the team, whilst Gregory Xu provides expertise in banking and finance. Pedram Norton and May 2023-promoted partner Jeffrey Tanner are noteworthy for their offshore work. Justin Gan is also a noted member.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Top team in the market that is very knowledgeable based on the accumulated experience of its people.'
'They have the edge over other firms given that they actually are prepared to push the interests of their clients and if not successful will propose alternative solutions.’
‘Basically, the individuals are head and shoulders above their competitors and work tirelessly to achieve results within the agreed time frames. Will provide assistance above what you would normally expect.’
‘The team is highly knowledgeable on shipping matters and are considered one of the best in the industry. The work scope for projects is well thought-out and transactions are closed smoothly.’
‘Both Gregg Johnston and Matthew Seah are highly reputable in the Korean ship finance market. Their work is well appreciated as they often remember and anticipate lenders and clients' needs in upcoming projects thereby saving us a lot of time and effort when reviewing loan documentation. With their help, transactions are closed smoothly with no surprises.'
'Very often our first preference would be to work with Matthew and Gregg for new projects.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Bank
National Australia Bank Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
ING Bank
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing
ANZ Bank
BNP Paribas
StraitNZ Limited, Ferry Lines Limited
Pacific International Lines
E.SUN Commercial Bank Ltd (ESUN)

Work highlights

Advised a syndicate of lenders - comprising ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, TIAA FSB, and Clifford Capital - on a sustainability-linked loan.
Advised a syndicate of banks led by National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) on a US$405 million debt financing of 10 crude oil tankers (the vessels) to subsidiaries of ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (ICBCL).
Advised ING Bank on the finance documentation for a newbuild tanker acquired via a joint venture arrangement. The MR tanker was purchased through a joint venture vehicle established between Singapore-based tanker owner and operator Hafnia and Monaco-based International Andromeda Shipping.

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