Global China Shipping: Finance (International Firms)

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. Its client roster includes Everbright Fortune International Leasing, Guodian Shipping (Hong Kong) and The People's Insurance Co of China (Hong Kong).

An impressive shipping finance team, regularly handling high-value transactions for a range of leading financial institutions, leasing firms and ship owners. Watson Farley & Williams is especially well versed in sophisticated transactions such as sale and leaseback deals, debt restructurings and syndicated loans. The firm counts prominent Chinese and global entities among its clientele, such as ICBC Financial Leasing and Standard Chartered Bank, and acts on a host of cross-border deals spanning Africa, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Mayer Brown's established ship finance practice 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. Its clients include Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises and China Development Bank Financial Leasing.

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. 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. Its impressive disputes practice covers cargo claims and charterparty 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 salvage.

Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma has a noteworthy team of seasoned shipping finance and litigation specialists. The firm acts predominantly on behalf of financial leasing companies, and also represents shipbuilding groups, offshore companies, P&I clubs and cruise giants. The team provides guidance on matters in relation to joint ventures, restructuring, and sale and leaseback transactions. It also assists with litigation and arbitration procedures concerning salvage, oil pollution and shipbuilding, as well as contractual and charterparty disputes.