Shipping: International: Finance - Singapore
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 ship owners, 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. Clients include d'Amico Tankers, PPL Shipyard and SEB Group.
Strengths
"HFW were not only able to weigh in on the legal angle but also added commercial pointers as well. The team were able to assess the bargaining power of the opposing party and press on from there."
"The partner and the associates involved are very skilled and experienced, and able to translate complex legal issues into simple words."
Work highlights
HFW provided support to BW Offshore Group as part of a joint venture to finance an FPSO to be constructed at the Barossa gas field offshore Australia, with Santos as operator.
Notable practitioners
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 in insurance disputes. "Chris is superb. He is a really friendly and personable guy. He can break down complex law into simple and digestible words by using his commercial awareness." "It's really spectacular how he can address the points and communicate with us."
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 was very good to deal with. He is constructive and fair, has a mild manner and is easy to talk to."
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. "He is very knowledgeable in casualty work practice."
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.
