Norton Rose Fulbright‘s Athens office combines deep industry knowledge with expertise across a broad array of financing arrangements for an impressive roster of banking (commercial banks and ECAs) and operator/owner clients, from both a new money and refinancing perspective. The team is also well-placed to advise on UK law (the prominent jurisdiction governing the finance documents) in part due to the expertise of dual Greek and UK-qualified partner Yianni Cheilas, and can also effectively leverage the firm’s market-leading London office. Dual-qualified Evi Platsidaki handles a range of financing transactions in the shipping/offshore space, including large syndicated facilities, leasing transactions and LNG facilities.

'Very well-connected in the market', specialist shipping firm Constant & Constant (the Maritime Division of TLT in Greece) provides a 'results-oriented' offering to a lender-focused client base across a range of new money and refinancing transactions. The team is appreciated for its 'co-operative approach', and its willingness to 'find solutions and compromises when possible'. Dual English and Greek law qualified team head Jeremy Watson has vast experience in the field, regularly advising lenders on facilities to effect vessel purchases, the restructuring of syndicated loans and newbuilding contracts, as well as handling the arrest of mortgaged vessels. Stelios Andreiotis is also well regarded by banks across a broad range of mandates, including acquisition finance, restructuring matters and enforcement procedures.

Timagenis Law Firm provides ‘high-quality, sophisticated and innovative legal services’ to shipping companies, banks and funds across a range of complex domestic and international transactions. The firm’s versatility across financial products, including as it relates bank loans and the capital markets, is a compelling proposition to international borrowers with a nexus to Greece. In this regard, ‘extremely detail oriented and intelligent’ dual Greek and New York-qualified partner Christos Timagenis regularly advises Greek shipping companies seeking to raise equity and debt finance on the US capital markets. As well as her proficiency acting for lenders and borrowers in bank loan facilities in the sector, the  ‘exceptional’ Lily Politsopoulou-Timagenis provides ‘very focused and solutions-oriented advice’ on broader maritime-related corporate and commercial work, including matters relating to shipbuilding contracts and JV structuring. The ‘outstanding’ Gregory Timagenis and Yiannis Timagenis are also key contacts with significant experience and knowledge of the shipping industry.

Combining ‘an excellent knowledge of Greek shipping law procedures’ with ‘great commercial acumen’, PPT Legal is well-positioned to advise banks, funds and shipping companies across a broad array of financing and commercial activity. Managing partner John Papapetros is well-versed at advising on large multi-jurisdictional debt financing mandates, from a both new money and refinancing perspective.  

Combining 'a deep understanding of the law' with strong commercial sensibilities, Sarantitis provides 'comprehensive and efficient legal solutions' to a range of high-profile international and domestic shipping companies, Greek financial institutions and other maritime service providers. Team head Eleni Papakosta has 'vast experience in relation to shipping finance and banking documents', ensuring that she is a popular choice among creditors and debtors seeking or providing the financing (including syndicated, bilateral and mezzanine loan facilities) to facilitate the acquisition of vessels.