Department profile
A&O Shearman

Asset Finance: Shipping Finance

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


A&O Shearman

Rankings

About

Provided by A&O Shearman

Our award-winning, international asset finance practice holds a pre-eminent position in the market. We are know for our extensive experience across all sectors of the asset finance industry, with specialists in the aviation, shipping and offshore markets.Our client base includes banks, financiers, funds, owners, airlines, lessors, manufacturers, captive finance companies, operators, borrowers, lessees, export credit agencies and government organisations.

We have a strong track record of advising on market first and award winning transactions and are ranked Tier 1 by all the leading, global directories cementing our position as a leader in the market.

Our work highlights include:

  • The lenders on a USD1.2b Islamic ijara lease financing to International Airfinance Corporation
  • Floreat Aviation Fund in relation to setting up its fund and securitisation programme focused on
    the aviation sector
  • UKEF on the $913m ECA supported Sukuk financing for Emirates representing the largest capital
    markets ECA supported financing in the aviation space
  • Yamal LNG on the shipping aspects of the shipping the project to transport LNG from its plant in
    Sabetta on the Yamal peninsula in Arctic Russia to Asia and Europe
  • The lenders, SACE and Bpifrance/Coface in connection with CHC Helicopter's Chapter 11 process,
    including advising on the leasing and insurance arrangements, repossessions advice, enforcements against and sale of helicopters which were rejected as part of the Chapter 11 process

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Asset Finance: Shipping Finance - UK-wide

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

A&O Shearman has a market-leading asset finance practice with outstanding capability across aviation finance, with additional capacity in shipping and rail finance matters. The firm advises clients on sophisticated structures, including EETCs, JOLCOs and ECA-backed bonds. It regularly works with banks and corporates on industry-leading deals. The firm is acclaimed for its well-rounded practice and its ability to provide parallel services relating to tax, litigation and restructuring. It is adept at handling Islamic financing products in the aviation sector.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman advised Dubai Aerospace Enterprise on its acquisition of 100% of Nordic Aviation Capital.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team have a deep understanding of our business practices and points that matter to us.

    Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
  • They worked on an extremely complex structure which few firms can do, and they did it excellently.

    Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Paul Nelson
    Band 1Paul Nelson

    Paul Nelson

    Paul Nelson is head of the aviation finance group and a premier practitioner in the industry. He has strong expertise in aircraft restructuring, leasing and financing matters.
    • His exceptional experience and knowledge means he is our go-to person for novel or sophisticated transactions.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
    • Paul handles sophisticated matters and can advocate in the most difficult situations and creates positive outcomes.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
    • He's gone over and above what you'd expect from lawyers. He'll be there when you ask, even if he's in a different country.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
  • Band 2Kevin Young
    Band 2Kevin Young

    Kevin Young

    Kevin Young brings strong capabilities to ship finance matters. He often handles transactions concerning LNG carriers.
    • Kevin is an excellent attorney who is very knowledgeable and provides great support.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
  • Band 4Brendan McCarthy
    Band 4Brendan McCarthy

    Brendan McCarthy

    Brendan McCarthy represents airlines in financing matters, including lease agreements.

    • Brendan is an excellent lawyer and negotiator with strong commercial awareness.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK
    • I find he is very reliable. When he is running the deal I don't worry; I know it will get done promptly and efficiently.

      Asset Finance: Shipping Finance respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (3)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman has rankings in the following guides

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