Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Shipping

Global Guide 2026 : Greece


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - Greece

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood is a focused asset finance practice popular among international lenders looking to refinance shipping sector debt. The law firm also frequently acts for domestic banks. It is well placed to assist with acquisitions and credit facility agreements. The team leverages capabilities in both English and Greek law and is able to offer support on all aspects of global loan transactions. It is also active in mandates involving Turkish entities.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood assisted Danish Ship Finance as lender with a term loan agreement for seven subsidiaries of Safe Bulkers, valued at USD84.3 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They demonstrate a solid understanding of our business and consistently show strong commercial awareness, tailoring their advice to align with our strategic and operational priorities.

    Shipping respondentGlobal
  • Its lawyers are very supportive and business-oriented. They understand the business complexities that may arise and can find a solution and a way to go forward.

    Shipping respondentGlobal
  • Stephenson Harwood provides exceptional legal support across a range of complex and high-value matters.

    Shipping respondentGlobal
  • Stephenson Harwood delivers consistently high service levels, marked by strong responsiveness and a proactive approach, even under tight deadlines.

    Shipping respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Chris Vartzis
    Band 1Chris Vartzis

    Chris Vartzis

    Chris Vartzis offers a notable practice advising both domestic and international lenders on the financing and refinancing of vessel acquisitions. He heads the firm's Turkey desk.
    • He knows the market very well.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
    • He has deep knowledge in shipping law.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
    • He has technical skills, as well as very good people skills.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
    • Chris Vartzis stands out for his pragmatic advice, deep industry knowledge and his calm, solutions-focused approach.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Nigel Bowen-Morris
    Band 1Nigel Bowen-Morris

    Nigel Bowen-Morris

    Nigel Bowen-Morris is an outstanding lawyer who continues to have a notable presence in the Greek market. He is widely recognised for his experience in cross-border shipping loan agreements.

    • He's very good at his work and very commercially minded.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
    • He is very experienced. He provides excellent service and has deep knowledge in shipping law.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
    • Nigel Bowen-Morris is an expert in his field and always takes commercial considerations into account while handling legal matters.

      Shipping respondentGlobal
  • Foreign expert for Marshall IslandsVanessa Tzoannos
    Foreign expert for Marshall IslandsVanessa Tzoannos

    Vanessa Tzoannos

    Dual-qualified in Greece and the Marshall Islands, Vanessa Tzoannos specialises in transactions in the shipping sector, regularly assisting banks and ship owners with loan agreements.

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (3)

Greece

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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