Shipping: Finance & Non-Contentious
Global Guide 2024 : United Arab Emirates
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+971 (0) 4 278 2300About
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
- Shipping is a global business and WFW has shipping experts in all of its 14 offices worldwide, including in the UAE. We are a global force in the sector, with one of the largest dedicated maritime legal practices of any law firm in the world.
- We have been advising on maritime matters in the Middle East for more than 25 years, and due to increasing demand from a growing regional client base, we opened our office in the DIFC in Dubai in 2014.
- Our team globally has an unrivalled shipping client base of shipowners, charterers, ship managers, P&I and FD&D insurers, and banks with substantial shipping portfolios. From our Dubai office we are advising local and international banks as well as regional owners on financing matters. We also advise owners and operators on all aspects of their commercial businesses, including in relation to newbuilding programmes, sale and purchase, and shipping pools/strategic alliances. We act for, and with, a number of the major shipping companies in the region.
- We advise in every segment of the shipping industry, from tankers, LNG, LPG, dry bulk, containers, container boxes, drilling rigs and offshore support vessels, cruise and ferries.
- Beyond purely maritime transport, we also advise in related sectors such as ports and logistics.
Chambers Review
Watson Farley & Williams is especially noted for its work in the area of shipping finance, representing an international roster of banks, ship owners and charterers. The team regularly advises on major transactions in this space, including vessel financing and purchases. The finance group is supported by an increasingly respected disputes team which has years of experience in maritime cases. The team has also recently been enhanced by multiple lateral hires from the former Dubai office of Ince.
Work Highlights
- Watson Farley & Williams assisted shipping start-up Neonautica with a wide range of corporate structuring, financing and commercial matters, including the potential acquisition of a French manufacturer of marine technology.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Watson Farley & Williams knows what needs to be done and is on top of it every step of the way."
"What I personally like about Watson Farley & Williams is that when I call for a brief update I am up to speed within a couple of minutes."
"Watson Farley & Williams' main strengths are its knowledgeable lawyers, reliability and cooperative spirit."
"The attention to detail and meticulous approach of the Watson Farley & Williams team ensures that all aspects of a file are thoroughly analysed and effectively addressed."
"Their proficiency in handling complex matters is commendable."
"Watson Farley & Williams knows what needs to be done and is on top of it every step of the way."
"What I personally like about Watson Farley & Williams is that when I call for a brief update I am up to speed within a couple of minutes."
"Watson Farley & Williams' main strengths are its knowledgeable lawyers, reliability and cooperative spirit."
"The attention to detail and meticulous approach of the Watson Farley & Williams team ensures that all aspects of a file are thoroughly analysed and effectively addressed."
"Their proficiency in handling complex matters is commendable."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Savva is a well-known name who has a growing reputation in asset finance matters. He is a frequent adviser to lenders on shipping mandates and is also noted for his handling of aviation work.
"Michael Savva is very approachable, cooperative and knowledgeable."
"Michael Savva is a safe pair of hands and a key name in finance and non-contentious matters."
Natalie Jensen has a growing reputation in the market and is increasingly to be seen leading much of the firm's standout work. She is a well-regarded shipping disputes lawyer whose recent matters include advice relating to sanctions, damages, collisions and allisions. She recently joined Watson Farley after leaving Ince.
"Natalie Jensen is responsive, helpful and thorough in how she responds to requests, prompt in delivering feedback and gives high-level responses quickly."
"Natalie Jensen understands her clients' needs exceptionally well and has a drive to bring matters forward in a very efficient manner."
"Natalie Jensen is a very good shipping lawyer."
Charlotte Knight is a senior associate who earns strong praise from the firm's clients. She assists with a variety of M&A transactions in the shipping sector, as well as ship finance matters and the purchase or sale of vessels and other marine assets.
"Charlotte Knight has been very helpful. She is very much in control of the process and is good at keeping track of anything that may jeopardise timelines."
"Charlotte Knight knows her clients and the shipping sector very well."
"Charlotte Knight is an outstanding senior associate; she is hard-working and clever."
Ranked Lawyers at
Watson Farley & Williams
United Arab Emirates
Members
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Clients
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Ahli United Bank
Bank ABC
Bank Muscat
Burgan Bank
Commercial Bank of Dubai
DVB Bank SE
First Energy Bank
Gulf Bank
Gulf International Bank B.S.C (GIB)
National Chemical Carriers (Bahri Chemicals)
National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri)
Qatar Islamic Bank
Qatar National Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
United Arab Shipping Company (UASC)
Industries
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Banks
Retail and leisure (cruise)
Transportation