Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance | USA

Seward & Kissel LLP has an esteemed maritime finance practice that regularly handles high-profile transactions for significant international clients. The team is well known for being highly capable in private equity, capital markets and complex commercial financing transactions. The firm offers further notable expertise in US flag, tax and bankruptcy matters and is utilized by entities operating in the shipping, offshore and logistics sectors.

Watson Farley & Williams has a hugely sophisticated practice focused on the representation of financial institutions and major owners and operators in all aspects of shipping finance, including capital markets, private equity and restructuring. The firm's expertise extends across numerous jurisdictions, including matters involving Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Liberian maritime law. The team has experience in asset financing, refinancing transactions and is able to draw on resources from across its international offices.

Cozen O'Connor is a strong group noted for advising vessel owners and operators, as well as financial institutions and investors, on a host of shipping finance issues. The firm regularly acts on issues involving leasing transactions, credit facilities, maritime M&A and restructuring. The team boasts US flag shipping expertise, including guaranteed loans and Jones Act issues. The firm is further noted for competencies in Marshall Islands and Liberian law.

Norton Rose Fulbright provides shipping finance counsel to a client base composed of foreign and domestic financial institutions, shipowners and energy companies. The firm possesses expertise in a variety of shipping transactions, including debt and equity placements, M&A and restructuring work. The team has a noted focus on the offshore oil and gas industry, particularly in Latin America and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also experienced in cross-border matters covering jurisdictions including the Marshall Islands, Greece and Bermuda.

Blank Rome LLP has a sophisticated shipping finance practice, representing a range of clients in M&A, restructuring and tax-related matters. Clients include shipowners, vessel operators, cargo owners and transportation companies, among others.

Holland & Knight is highly regarded practice working in a range of shipping finance areas, including offshore energy financing, shipping group restructuring and foreign flag matters. The firm also has expertise in tax rules and private equity transactions, among other matters. It stands out for its experience in the Gulf of Mexico energy market, with significant experience in tax structuring involving Liberia and the Marshall Islands.

Jones Walker is well equipped to advise maritime clients on a wide range of financing deals and other transactions, including restructuring matters. The team is sought out by both USA-based and international clients for its expertise in both drillrigs and blue water vessels.

Reed Smith LLP offers significant expertise to lenders in transactions financing vessels, offshore assets and maritime equipment. The firm is knowledgeable of sale-leasebacks, securities and other structured financings. It also notably handles matters pertaining to US and internationally flagged shipping.

Vedder Price is notable for offering advice across a broad scope of shipping finance matters, including in leveraged leases, operating lease charters, sale and leaseback transactions and government-supported and guaranteed financing. It is sought after by a host of foreign and domestic owners, operators, lenders and government agencies. The practice also includes ship registration across a number of open registry jurisdictions.