Shipping: Finance | Europe

The international law firm Hogan Lovells is held in high esteem for its shipping finance coverage. The team is particularly visible in various lease structures for the financing of vessel constructions, often acting for prominent Spanish banks. Similarly, the firm advises on the financing of refund and counter guarantees for shipbuilding projects. Furthermore, clients benefit from Hogan Lovells' prowess in highly complex disputes pertaining to tax leasing structures, including state aid matters before European courts. They also benefit from its expansive network to gain assistance with cross-border mandates. Its clientele includes prestigious financial institutions as well as shipbuilders.

KPMG Abogados houses an esteemed team, handling the full breadth of shipping finance matters across Spain. The law firm is particularly experienced in acquisition finance and shipbuilding finance mandates, with notable strength in tax lease schemes. The firm also handles the restructuring of loans and lease schemes. Furthermore, KPMG Abogados often co-ordinates with international law firms to advise on cross-border transactions, notably on those involving a key English law component.

Uría Menéndez houses a highly regarded wide-ranging practice with expertise in both wet and dry shipping matters. The law firm regularly advises on shipbuilding contracts and other transactional mandates, including the constitution of joint ventures and shipping-related M&A transactions. In addition, the team is adept at handling disputes in relation to contract and payment claims as well as port concessions. Its clientele includes P&I clubs, port administrators and shipyards.

Watson Farley & Williams is an established and experienced law firm within the shipping finance sector that benefits from a superb global brand and links to a wide network of international offices. The team offers particular expertise in tax lease structures to finance the construction of a variety of ships such as offshore support vessels and luxury cruise ships. The financing and refinancing of shipbuilding projects in Spain also fall within the firm's excellent offering, whereby its team often acts for foreign ship owners and corporates. Watson Farley & Williams also handles bond agreements and export finance mandates, as well as financing-related disputes. Its prestigious client list includes shipping companies, shipyards and banks.