Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance

Watson Farley & Williams has a hugely sophisticated practice focused on the representation of financial institutions and major owners and operators in all aspects of shipping finance, including capital markets, private equity and restructuring. The firm's expertise extends across numerous jurisdictions, including matters involving Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Liberian maritime law. The team has experience in asset financing, refinancing transactions and is able to draw on resources from across its international offices.

"The team is very strong and always responsive."

"The firm is very capable with structuring and executing maritime finance deals."

Watson Farley & Williams advised Pangaea Logistics Solutions on its acquisition of marine port terminal operations in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale and Port of Palm Beach in Florida, and the Port of Baltimore, Maryland from Host Terminals LLC in an all-cash transaction.

Christopher Belisle handles a range of corporate and finance structuring transactions for maritime industry clients operating coastwise. "Chris is a very experienced and knowledgeable maritime lawyer, with particular expertise in vessel finance." "Chris is creative and responsive."

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 highly sophisticated and has a strong awareness of the market." "He is knowledgeable, knows his way around the documents and understands the wider market."

Steven Hollander is commended for his expertise across a range of securities and capital markets matters in the shipping sector. He is noted for his particular capabilities in the Marshall Islands, where he is also licensed to practice. "He is smart, commercial, always gets the job done effectively and is a strong advocate." "Steven is very responsive."