Department profile
HFW

Shipping: International: Finance

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Singapore


HFW

Rankings

About

Provided by HFW

We are widely recognised as the best maritime law firm in the world and constantly strive to be at the forefront of the shipping sector. We have evolved with our clients, keeping the world moving from the beginning of the supply chain to the end. 

We operate in the world’s key shipping hubs, enabling us to provide a streamlined, global service when our clients need us most, whether helping them to negotiate deals, solve disputes or comply with the increasingly complex regulations affecting them. We’re fast to act, first on the scene, frontline problem solvers. And, having honed a truly collaborative approach to client service, our contribution goes beyond the norm for a law firm.
Our firm is one of the only in the Asia Pacific region to be able to offer clients in the shipping sector a full-service offering- we have strong capabilities in: admiralty and crisis management, complex matters, ship finance, offshore oil and gas and ship construction. 

With the recent establishment of our dedicated ship finance team, we now have a shipping team in Singapore with partners and associates who are expert across the full range of wet, dry and ship finance/transactional lines of business. We also have a market leading position in the provision of ship sale and purchase closing services.

Industries (9)

  • Banks
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Shipping
  • Oil & Gas
  • Logistics

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping: International: Finance - Singapore

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

HFW offers expertise in a wide range of wet and dry maritime law disputes in Singapore. The team is well placed to provide expertise in vessel collisions and casualties, as well as cargo and charter party matters, and restructurings. HFW frequently acts for leading clients including shipowners, shipyards, P&I clubs and financial institutions. The team is active on ship finance mandates, advising both lenders and shipping companies on sale and leaseback financings.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW represented Energy Drilling on their USD75 million senior secured term loan financing with Standard Chartered Bank in relation to the refinancing of two of tender assist rigs operating in the Gulf of Thailand.

  • The firm assisted BW Offshore Group with the financing of an FPSO to be engineered and constructed for use at the Barossa gas field offshore Australia.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are very commercial, prompt and always think of the bigger picture.

    Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • HFW has specialised lawyers with deep knowledge in shipping, banking and finance. This ensures that their clients receive expert advice and representation tailored to their specific needs.

    Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Chris Metcalf
    Band 1Chris Metcalf

    Chris Metcalf

    Chris Metcalf is a distinguished authority in the Singapore shipping legal market and is highly respected for his work on dry litigation and arbitration matters, as well as insurance disputes.

    • Chris Metcalf is an excellent lawyer and our go-to person for charterparty disputes.

      Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2John Forrester
    Band 2John Forrester

    John Forrester

    John Forrester is well regarded in Singapore's legal market for his adept handling of shipping finance matters. He has particular expertise in export credit-supported financings, as well as restructuring matters.

    • John Forrester will get the deal done.

      Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
    • He is very approachable and always very quick to reply.

      Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Toby Stephens
    Band 2Toby Stephens

    Toby Stephens

    Toby Stephens is head of HFW's Asia-Pacific admiralty and crisis-management group and regularly acts for owners, charterers and P&I clubs on grounding and casualty management, as well as investigations.

    • Toby is an excellent person to work with.

      Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
    • He's very qualified and a nice person to have on your team.

      Shipping: International: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Siri Wennevik
    Band 3Siri Wennevik

    Siri Wennevik

    Siri Wennevik is very well established in the Singapore market, particularly in the field of ship financing transactions. She acts for a range of lessees, lessors, banks and owners on ship finance mandates and is best known for her work advising Scandinavian clients.

Ranked Individuals at HFW (4)

Singapore

Members

Provided by HFW

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