Asset Finance: Shipping Finance | UK

Watson Farley & Williams has a highly regarded shipping finance practice with additional capability in aviation financing matters. The firm works on large cross-border financing structures for shipping and offshore clients, including asset sales, structured securitisations, and sale and leasebacks. It is regularly sought after for its advice in relation to matters concerning offshore oil and gas, LNG, and ports and logistics. The firm's aviation financing expertise includes work relating to commercial aircraft, corporate jets and helicopters.

HFW is an experienced practice with significant expertise in shipping finance matters in addition to its aviation finance offering. Its clients include shipyards, owners, operators and financial institutions. The firm excels in operational and technical issues, and maintains particular expertise in the offshore, yacht, cruise and LNG sectors.

Reed Smith has a notable shipping practice that works with private equity funds and financial institutions on offshore and shipping finance matters. The firm offers expertise in areas including shipbuilding-related financing issues and loan portfolio transactions. It is also noted for its work with alternative credit providers. The firm maintains a global practice, with a network of offices in Singapore, Germany, New York and Hong Kong. The team garners noteworthy praise for its aviation finance practice.

Stephenson Harwood has an impressive asset finance practice with ability across shipping, rail and aviation matters. The firm's notable rail finance practice advises on rolling stock procurement and leasing structures. It handles strong shipping finance work with international banks and ship owners on tax leasing, restructurings and ship sale and purchase. The firm's experience in aviation deals includes financing for commercial aircraft and corporate jets. It is also noted for its counsel on complex plant and machinery financings.

Allen & Overy has a market-leading asset finance practice with outstanding capability across aviation, shipping and rail finance matters. The firm advises clients on sophisticated structures, including EETCs, JOLCOs and ECA-backed bonds. It regularly works with banks and corporates on industry-leading deals. The firm is acclaimed for its well-rounded practice and its ability to provide parallel services relating to tax, litigation and restructuring. It is adept at handling AFIC structured financing products in the aviation sector.

Clyde & Co has an established shipping finance practice regularly engaged by well-known international clients, including lessees, lessors and lenders. The firm demonstrates specialist ability in matters relating to financing of tankers, yachts and cruise ships. It is recognised for its expertise in high-value LNG shipping projects. The team regularly acts for commercial airlines and banks on all aspects of aviation finance.

Linklaters fields a strong asset finance practice in the shipping sector. The firm regularly acts on behalf of lenders, banks and investment funds in a range of financing matters, including portfolio acquisitions, lease and purchase agreements and credit facilities. It is also experienced handling restructuring and Chapter 11 filings.