The powerhouse Paris team of global firm Norton Rose Fulbright remains a leader in the shipping finance space, advising major financial institutions (such as insurers and expire credit agencies), as well as shipowners on high-value, cross-border transactions. Headed by structured finance expert Christine Ezcutari, the group assists with tax structures, debt holiday and report programs and export credit financing covering cruise ships, container vessels, LNG vessels and VLCCs (very large crude carriers). The team is supported by counsel and transaction negotiation specialist Paolo Pinna and senior associate Ayaka Millet, who brings expertise to asset finance by way of tax lease transactions.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP, a global firm which counts transport as one of its key pillars, continues to be a leader in the practice area, advising owners, operators and major financial institutions (such as Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale and BNP Paribas), on high-value, cross-border transactions. The team is led by Alexia Russell, who brings expertise to structuring, documenting and negotiating acquisitions, and Laurence Martinez-Bellet , an experienced advisor on debt restructuring for the financing of ships. Newly promoted partner (May 2022) Philippe Monfort focuses on transport asset finance and the group’s work also extends to assistance with complex multi-tranche term loan syndicated facilities and the leasing of LNGs.

Backed by a worldwide network spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, the shipping finance team at HFW brings strength to advising major financial institutions (including Société Générale and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank), shipowners and maritime service providers, on a wide range of high-value, cross-border matters. The group is led by Jean-Marc Zampa, a practice area expert who assists with complex financings under tax lease structures for cruise vessels and container ships. The team’s comprehensive services also extend to syndicated, club and bilateral debt financings, export credit financings and bond issues.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a New York-based international firm which advises major shipping companies (CMA CGM), shipyards (Chantiers de l’Atlantique) and asset managers (Cheyne Capital) on a comprehensive range of matters. Headed by corporate finance expert Brice Pommiès, the team assists clients with sales and leasebacks, high yield financings, restructurings, tax lease financing, lease terminations, bank debt and the financing aspects of shipbuilding agreements.

Reed Smith is able to leverage a global network spanning United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia; its Paris shipping finance group delivers expertise to corporates, investors and financiers, on a wide range of matters across the practice area. These include acquisitions, restructurings, traditional bank loans, private equity investments and joint venture arrangement.

Backed by the bench strength of offices in Paris, Le Havre, Marseille and Bordeaux, the transport specialists at Stream – Avocats et Solicitors advise shipping companies (Hapag-Lloyd, Corsica Linea), financial institutions (Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Societe Generale), shipowners and energy providers (EDF), on a wide array of shipping finance matters. Structured finance expert Aymeric De Tapol leads the team, which provides services ranging from project and tax financings and customs issues to the drafting and negotiation of construction and purchase contracts for yachts and ships. Added value arrived with counsel Olivier Challine, who joined from HFW in September 2022.