Shipping: Finance (International Firms) | Greater China Region

Stephenson Harwood has a leading ship finance team, well reputed for its expertise in a range of transactions. The firm frequently services prominent banks and leasing companies through its offices in Hong Kong and Mainland China, particularly on complex sale and leaseback transactions, syndicated and asset-backed loans and contracts of affreightment. On the litigation side, the team is highly sought after for cargo and contract disputes, and bill of lading and restructuring cases. Stephenson Harwood is regularly instructed by insurance companies, P&I clubs, shipping companies and financial institutions as well as offshore institutions looking for full-service shipping advice.

The established ship finance practice joins Johnson Stokes & Master from Mayer Brown. It represents an impressive array of leading financial institutions, ship owners and leasing companies in a range of maritime transactions. The firm handles a host of cross-border matters, including the sale and purchase of ships, leasing deals and offshore vessel mandates. The team provides services concerning mortgage enforcements, ship arrests, and sale and purchase disputes, as well as restructuring and insolvency matters.

Reed Smith has a comprehensive shipping practice that is well regarded in the market for its expertise in all facets of shipping finance and litigation. Its impressive disputes practice covers cargo claims and charter party disputes, regularly acting for ship owners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs as well as cargo owners. Reed Smith is a respected choice for contentious wet shipping matters, including casualties, collisions and wreck removal. The firm continues to handle complex financings for shipping companies and lessors. The team's mandates include the sale and purchase of ships, leasings and restructuring mandates.

CMS has a high-calibre team in the shipping field, which is well regarded for its shipping litigation practice. The firm is noted for its particular strength in damages and cargo disputes. The team advises clients on the contentious shipping issues arising out of transactions and restructuring procedures. CMS is further noted for its expertise in sale and leaseback transactions. The group handles work for ship owners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs, and financial leasing companies.

Hill Dickinson's Hong Kong team has a solid practice that acts on the full gamut of shipping disputes. The firm acts for prominent P&I clubs, ship owners and insurers in litigation and arbitration, including cargo claims and ship arrests, as well as charter party disputes. It is known for advising on mandates in the distressed shipping sector and offers expertise in matters regarding sale of vessels, sanctions, security enforcement and liquidation matters. The team also assists with the financing and refinancing of passenger ships and carriers.