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.

Global firm Stephenson Harwood leverages the experience of its Paris team to remain a force in shipping finance, advising financial institutions, leasing companies, ship owners, cruise lines and corporates in energy and navigation, on a diverse range of matters. Led by Alain Gautron, an expert in tax-lease financing, export credits and multi-lateral facilities, the group assists with high-value, cross-border leasing transactions for LNG carriers (on behalf of such clients as BNP Paribas), the building of oil tankers, boat purchase and salvage/rescue finance. Other key figures include super yacht sector specialist Ezio Dal Maso (promoted to of counsel in February 2022) and senior associate Hortense Atthenont-Duret.

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.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP combines the bench strength of its global network with the experience of its local team to advise major financial institutions (BNP Paribas, Société Générale), private equity sponsors, shipping operators (DP World) and energy companies (Exxonmobil), on a comprehensive range of vessel financings covering bulk carriers, cruises, ferries, containers, super yachts, in addition to offshore oil and gas transactions (tankers, rigs, LNGs). Led by Alexander Premont, a specialist in acquisition and leveraged financings, the group’s services extend to debt, tax structured and capital market financing. Associate Tam Tran brings expertise to complex, cross-border asset financings.

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.