Department profile
Seward & Kissel LLP

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Seward & Kissel LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Seward & Kissel LLP

Seward & Kissel is a worldwide leader in maritime finance law.

Our groundbreaking structured finance and capital markets transactions in the shipping, offshore and logistics arenas have earned us an international reputation for excellence and innovation.  We are often cited as the leading law firm in the shipping sector, and we are both proud and honored by such noteworthy recognition from our industry peers in the United States and around the world.  We represent banks, institutional investors and private equity funds, lessors, lessees, shipowners, ship managers and other institutions in connection with a broad range of matters.

With offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., we offer convenient access for our clients while maintaining proximity to key financial institutions, shipping companies, legislators, government officials and regulators. Together, our offices offer an experienced, highly skilled, dedicated group of partners, counsel, associates and legal assistants distinguished by their industry experience, responsiveness, efficiency, focus and flexibility.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Seward & Kissel LLP has an esteemed maritime finance practice that regularly handles high profile transactions for significant international clients. The team is well-known for being highly capable in private equity, capital markets and complex commercial financing transactions. The firm offers further notable expertise in US flag, tax and bankruptcy matters and is utilized by entities operating in the shipping, offshore and logistics sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Seward & Kissel represented CMB.TECH NV in the stock-for-stock merger between the company and Golden Ocean Group Limited valued at $1.5 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Seward & Kissel's marine finance attorneys are unmatched in their knowledge of the area and in this dedication to getting deals done right and on time.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA
  • Seward & Kissel is distinguished by its strong commercial understanding, cross-functional collaboration and consistent delivery of practical solutions under pressure.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA
  • I appreciate Seward & Kissel's availability - it is timely and good at getting on top of things to meet all deadlines.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Christopher Belisle
    Band 3Christopher Belisle

    Christopher Belisle

    Christopher Belisle handles a range of corporate and finance structuring transactions for maritime industry clients operating coastwise.
    • Christopher is a trusted partner and a fountain of knowledge in relation to any maritime finance matter with a US nexus.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 3Edward S Horton
    Band 3Edward S Horton

    Edward S Horton

    Edward Horton is a capital markets partner with significant experience acting for issuers and underwriters active in the shipping sector. He deftly handles large initial and secondary offerings as well as private placements and financing arrangements arising out of bankruptcy proceedings.
    • Edward's knowledge of securities law is helpful in transactions; he's very knowledgeable of corporate laws in the US.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 3John Benson
    Band 3John Benson

    John Benson

    John Benson handles asset-backed transactions for domestic and international corporates and financial institutions involved in the shipping industry. He is additionally admitted to practice in the Marshall Islands.
    • John is a great attorney, he has Jones Act experience as well as maritime industry knowledge.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 3Keith Billotti
    Band 3Keith Billotti

    Keith Billotti

    Keith Billotti is recommended for his extensive expertise in capital markets and M&A transactions in the shipping space.
    • Keith is an experienced lawyer who balances the commercial and legal matters in a first-class manner.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Seward & Kissel LLP (4)

USA - Nationwide

  • Profile image of Christopher Belisle

    Christopher Belisle

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

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  • Profile image of Edward S Horton

    Edward S Horton

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

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  • Profile image of John Benson

    John Benson

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

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  • Profile image of Keith Billotti

    Keith Billotti

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

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Members

Provided by Seward & Kissel LLP

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