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 including prestigious financial institutions as well as shipbuilders.

KPMG Abogados houses an esteemed team, handling the full breadth of ship 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 restructuring of loans and lease schemes is also handled by the firm. Furthermore, KPMG Abogados often coordinates with international law firms to advise on cross-border transactions, notably on those involving a key English law component.

The team at Uría Menéndez is well placed to handle tax lease structures for the construction and acquisition of vessels and is also highly active in the refinancing of debt due to shipbuilding projects. Furthermore, the firm has a proven track record in shipping mortgages, assisting with floating ship mortgages and novation structures. The refinancing of shipping operations also falls within the firm's expertise. In addition to national and international banks as well as investment funds, Uría Menéndez counts shipping companies and owners among its clients.

Watson Farley & Williams is an established and experienced law firm within the ship 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 shipowners 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.