Next Generation Partners

Projects and energy in Hong Kong

DLA Piper

DLA Piper offers a strong projects and energy practice across Southeast Asia. The firm’s oil and gas team boast extensive expertise when advising on the development, acquisition, and financing of energy businesses and infrastructure across all streams. The firm maintains an accomplished LNG practice, while also adapting to market developments including capital infrastructure investment in Latin America by Chinese state-owned entities. Practice head, Matthias Schemuth, has deep experience in regional project financing, offering particular insight into multi-sourced financing models on projects and the policies of key export credit and multi-lateral lending agencies as a source of project finance across Asia. Crystal Chen recently joined the firm from Linklaters and is well regarded for her Chinese-facing transactional expertise in project finance.

Practice head(s):

Matthias Schemuth

Other key lawyers:

Crystal Chen

Testimonials

‘Highly knowledgeable within our industry and able to draw on diverse specialties.’

‘Excellent and dedicated team with reasonable fees.’

Key clients

Asian Development Bank

ACO Investments

ANZ

Arctic Green Energy Corporation

Barito Pacific

BBVA

China Energy Investment

China Huadian

DBS Bank Ltd

Ditrolic Solar

DZ Bank

HSBC

Hutchison

ICBC Asia

Indonesia Power

KEPCO

Natixis

PAG Assets (Real Estate) Ltd.

Rabobank

Shenhua Guohua Lion Power Indonesia

Societe Generale

Sojitz Corporation

Medco

Supreme Trading

TTCL Public Company

UniCredit

Veolia

Zhefu Holdings

Work highlights

  • Acted for Medco Energi Global Pte Ltd on its acquisition from a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company (“COP”) of ConocoPhillips’s entire Indonesian business.
  • Advising lenders in relation to the limited recourse project financing of a portfolio of up to 30 MW rooftop solar PV projects in Hong Kong undertaken by Widex Solar.
  • Advised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. on a $150m CLP synthetic and $150m term loan facility to the Chilean subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China in respect of its acquisition of a power distribution network in Chile.

Herbert Smith Freehills

The projects and energy team at Herbert Smith Freehills regularly advises large Chinese infrastructure and construction companies, focusing on project finance while supporting clients through the life cycle of their project. The team in Hong Kong offers specialist greenfield project investment advice and maintains a strong reputation across sectors, primarily in oil & gas, nuclear energy, as well as shipping and aviation projects. Practice head, Hilary Lau, is noted for his enduring connections with both international and Chinese clients across the energy sector, offering multi-jurisdictional advice and regularly speaking on topics related to China’s Belt & Road initiative. The team is frequently engaged to advise on market entry, acquisition and divestments and restructurings of energy and natural resource assets.

Practice head(s):

Hilary Lau; Calvin Ho

Testimonials

‘We worked with HSF on a number of transactions in the last 18 months, mostly in Taiwan. Hilary Lau has a good team of lawyers and is good value for money’

‘Hilary Lau strives to provide good customer service and is supported by a good team of associates. He is also generally quite responsive.’

Key clients

China Road and Bridge Corporation

Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation Limited

Avenir LNG

Risen Energy

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Allegro Funds

UK Department of Industry and Trade

China Huadian Engineering Co. Ltd.

Norilsk Nickel

PowerChina Hydropower Development Group Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised Keppel Infrastructure in relation to its investment to Star Charge in respect of the deployment of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure in designated carparks in Singapore.
  • Advised Risen Energy on its divestment of interest in the 60MW Battambang solar power plant in Cambodia to Total-Eren.
  • Advised Allegro Funds on its proposed acquisition of the Global Express business from Toll including on its acquisition of 2 Ro-Ro carriers and licensing and operating issues in the Australian coastal trade

Linklaters

Linklaters has developed a unique focus on renewable energy projects and green project financing to align with current market trends across the APAC region. The firm is a key contact for clients developing offshore wind deals in areas such as Taiwan, a current hotspot for offshore wind farms, as well as engaging with both lenders and investors on high-value project development. The team is supported by a strong corporate finance offering and has the capacity to advise on a wide range of issues arising in this area, including M&A, bidding trees, seed capital and restructurings. Practice head, James McLaren, and newly recruited partner, Ying Fu, ‘are key people when it comes to the financing of renewable energy in Asia’ and have continued to strengthen the firm’s energy and infrastructure offering.

Practice head(s):

James McLaren

Other key lawyers:

Ying Fu

Testimonials

‘Strong understanding of the renewables sector including specific local issues.’ 

‘The Linklaters APAC team has been key in the development of the offshore wind sector in Taiwan and their pragmatic approach to negotiations combined with deep knowledge about the sector makes them stand out.’

‘James McLaren and Ying Fu are key people when it comes to the financing of renewable energy in Asia. They take the time to talk to all relevant parties and find solutions.’

Key clients

China Light and Power

China Southern Grid

Goldwinds

Hong Kong Electric

Huadian

KEPCO

KOMIPO

Ørsted

State Grid Corporation of China

China Machinery Engineering Corporation

w|pd

Northland

Swancor

Agricultural Bank of China

Bank of China

China Construction Bank

China Development Bank

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

BP

CNOOC

Dow Chemical

ENI

KNOC

KOGAS

Kufpec

PETRONAS

PTT E&P

POSCO

Rosneft

Sakhalin Energy

Samsung Group

Sinochem

Sinopec

Total

IBs

BAML

BNP Paribas

Citigroup

Credit Suisse

Deutsche Bank

HSBC

ING Bank

JP Morgan

Morgan Stanley

Royal Bank Scotland

Societe| |Generale

Standard Chartered

UBS

New Development Bank

IFC

Mining and Metals

Jingye| Group

China |MinMetals| / MMG

GDF Suez

Glencore

Noble Group

Rio Tinto

Shandong Iron & Steel

WISCO

Infrastructure

DP World

Hutchison

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Jardine Matheson

Macquarie Infra

OTPP

O|RIX

ECAs

Atradius

Bpifrance

China |Eximbank

EDC

EKF

KEXIM

K-SURE

Hermes

JBIC

NEXI

Sinosure

UKEF

Work highlights

  • Advising the ECAs and common lenders including EKF, Atradius, EDC, K-SURE and UKEF on the approximately$3bn “holdco” financing of the Greater Chnaghua 1 offshore wind farm project in Taiwan being developed by Ørsted, CDPQ and Cathay PE.
  • Advising Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited on its successful bid and agreement to acquire a 25% interest in the Changfang and Xidao OSW project in Taiwan from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
  • Advising the lenders on BlackRock Real Assets’ $328m refinancing of a portfolio of 186MW of solar assets in Thunderball 1 in Taiwan.

Fangda Partners

Working with both inbound and outbound Chinese investors, Fangda Partners has developed a distinct client-base in this practice area. The firm is well-equipped to handle sponsor-facing project work through its long-term risk evaluation and broad expertise covering a range of developmental and investment issues covering the region. Team head, Michael Tam, specialises in energy, infrastructure and real estate projects across China and elsewhere with a focus on power plant development. Key partner, Joe Biqing Zhou, has extensive experience across infrastructure and energy investments, with particular emphasis on large, multi-jurisdictional logistical projects, including representing the Hong Kong Airport Authority.

Practice head(s):

Michael Tam

Other key lawyers:

Joe Biqing Zhou

Key clients

Shenzhen Energy Group

China Merchants Group

The Airport Authority Hong Kong

China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited

Hongkong Electric (Natural Gas) Limited

CTHG Fund

Shanghai Electric Group

Veolia

China-Africa Development Fund

China State-Owned Enterprise Mixed Ownership Reform Fund Company

Shangqi Capital under SAIC Capital China

State Grid Corporation of China

ICBC International Holdings Limited.

China Railway Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Shenzhen Energy Group on the development, financing, construction and operation of the 180MW Ramu II Hydropower Plant in Papua New Guinea.
  • Advised a state-owned infrastructure developer and operator on the financing, construction, development and operation of a deep-water port terminal and related development in Myanmar.
  • Advised Airport Authority Hong Kong on the financing, development, construction and operation of a Sea-air Transshipment International Logistics Park in Dongguan, Guangzhou.

King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons has a strong project development focus and carries significant weight when advising on public and private partnership deals (PPPs) within Hong Kong. The team, led by Sam Farrands and new arrival Xiao Yong from Dechert, has acted for several government authorities with specific emphasis on infrastructure and energy development, such as Hong Kong’s first off-shore wind project, as well as advising conventional energy companies across all streams of development. The firm’s project strength is consolidated by its financing expertise as well as the strong multi-lingual capacity of its practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Sam Farrands; Wenjing Tian; Xiao Yong

Testimonials

‘Xiao Yong is a veteran who is very familiar with the PRC Projects and Energy industry.’

Key clients

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

Ocean Park Corporation

State Grid China Electric Electricity Equipment and Technology Co., Ltd

CLP Power Hong Kong Limited

Castle Peak Power Company Limited

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Industrial Bank Co., Ltd

China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited

Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited

Sichuan Development Holding Co., Ltd

Zaozhuang Mining (Group) Co., Ltd

Shenzhen Expressway Company Limited

LOGOS Property Group; LOGOS SE Asia Pte. Ltd.

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”)

Norinco International

CNODC

Lone Star Fund

Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation (“SIPC”)

Hong Kong & China Investment Limited / Towngas

Brogent International LLC

Work highlights

  • Advised the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, a public authority, in the procurement of a PPP project to develop a commercial, entertainment, and cultural complex over 40 hectares of land in West Kowloon, Hong Kong.
  • Acted for the Ocean Park Corporation on the procurement of three new PPP projects as part of the Corporation’s strategy to redevelop as a multi-purpose retail, recreation, education and conservation complex.
  • Advised Hong Kong & China Investment Limited in connection with its tolling of LNG through the Dapeng LNG terminal, including the LNG Co-Operation Agreement, the Terminal Use Agreement and the LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP has a distinct focus on cross-border work, leveraging its international position to instruct across a variety of inbound and outbound transactions relating to the APAC region. In light of recent market trends, the firm has expanded its grasp of renewable energies and clean technology to accommodate client needs in this area and has maintained its strong LNG focus across the region. David Blumental, leading the team, has specific expertise in energy, natural resources and infrastructure, operating with a considerable mandate in regard to emerging technologies across these sectors such as hydrogen fuel cells and developing advanced batteries.

Practice head(s):

David Blumental

Key clients

CNOOC Limited

ENN Energy Holdings Limited

Gazprom Neft

Guohua Energy Investment Co., Ltd.

Harbin Electric International Co., Ltd.

Ocean Minerals LLC

Pertamina

PTT Public Company Limited

Repsol S.A.

San Miguel Energy

TOTAL SE

X-Elio Energy

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

The multi-disciplinary energy and infrastructure team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner comprises practitioners across projects, infrastructure, corporate finance, construction and dispute resolution. The team has gained specific experience in renewables and is expanding its expertise in this area with increasing focus on renewable energy and power generation project developments including solar, wind, and biomass, as well as advising on distribution networks and supply management.  The team, led by Ilan Freiman, is also instructed by traditional oil and gas clients on M&A, joint venture and capital markets transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ilan Freiman

Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn  is regularly instructed on projects with a focus across Asia Pacific regional markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. The firm advises on a variety of infrastructure and energy work in sectors such as transport, specifically rail systems, and power. Team head and key leading partner, Patricia Tan Openshaw, is respected for her experience in project development, combining her knowledge of energy and infrastructure assets with M&A and finance matters.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Tan Openshaw

Key clients

Manila Electric Company

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Landbank of the Philippines

SMC Mass Rail Transit 7

San Miguel Holdings

First Gen Corporation

AC Energy Holdings

Republic of the Philippines

Ayala

I Squared Capital

First Pacific Company Limited

RCBC Banking

Metropolitan Bank of the Philippines

Banco de Oro Universal Bank

Milbank

Milbank centers its attention on lender and sponsor-side representation within project finance, emphasising its close connections to a selection of Chinese banks and investors. The firm has recently been active in several projects involving mining and renewable energy across South-East Asia, specifically in the Philippines and Indonesia, and utilising the firm’s strong international finance practice, the team regularly engages in cross-border project-based activity. Practice head, Desiree Woo, is considered the driving force for the firm’s Chinese client base and regional project development.

Practice head(s):

Desiree Woo

Key clients

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

China Development Bank

Shandong Electric Power 3

BOC (Central and Eastern Europe)

PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap

GNPower Ltd

PT Amman Mineral Industri

HTG Development Group

S.Alam Group

Nebras Power

Work highlights

  • Representing sponsors and the project company of the 2x612MW supercritical coal-fired power project in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
  • Representing the purchaser of the greenfield 584MW gas-fired power project in Meghnaghat, Bangladesh.
  • Advising GNPower Kauswagan, the project company of a 4x135MW coal-fired power plant in Mindanao in connection with EPC negotiations linked to the construction and development of the $1.2 b GNPower Kauswagan project.

Watson Farley & Williams

Watson Farley & Williams’ energy and infrastructure practice, led by Linh Doan, focuses its attention on the expanding Vietnamese power and infrastructure projects market. Doan is a key adviser in the Vietnam-based power market and has worked on many major renewable projects and power financings in this region. Marcus Gordon covers disputes with a focus on oil and gas and energy sectors, often acting for substantial oil operations and sits on several international arbitration panels.

Practice head(s):

Linh Doan

Other key lawyers:

Marcus Gordon

Testimonials

‘Linh leads a strong team of lawyers who are very capable at handling complex matters and our overall impression of them is extremely positive. Their coverage across the globe, particularly Asia, and thorough understanding of the market environment in Vietnam is always helpful for information exchange.’

‘Linh is always hard working and makes herself available to us at any time. With respect to diversity, Linh is an Asian woman but she is the leader of the Project and Corporate group for WFW in Asia. That speaks volumes for WFW’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.’

‘We have been able to successfully navigate through these deals smoothly due to Linh’s industry knowledge and experience advising government mandates, which enables her and her team to devise and implement suitable legal advice on unprecedented issues more quickly than other law firms.’

‘I would highly recommend Linh to any organisation seeking legal advice for projects of the similar significance and complexity as ours.’

Key clients

Toyo Ink Group Berhad

Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT)

Asian Development Bank (ADB)