The transport and logistics department at Appleby is headed by Kyle Sutherland  and Tom Brook with the shipping and aviation practice being headed by senior associate Eleanor Harding. The team specialises in financing transactions and registration of ships and aircraft, offering a comprehensive legal service including advice on any regulatory aspects and issues relating to the registration of ships and aircraft as well as the structuring, drafting and documentation of finance transactions. With further offices in locations including Jersey, Bermuda, The Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, the firm is well-suited to assist with and coordinate complex multi-jurisdictional aviation and shipping matters. Former office managing partner Faye Moffett retired in January 2022.

Cains’ team of ‘experts in aviation and marine matters’ advises in relation to aircraft and vessel financing and leasing as well as insolvency, restructuring and security enforcement matters, and represents clients in related litigation. With a background in the shipping industry, Mike Edwards is the firm’s expert on structuring and executing high-value ship finance transactions. ‘Very knowledgable’ Steven Quayle ‘takes a very close interest in all developments relating to aviation law’ and is experienced in assisting high-net-worth individuals and family offices with the legal issues surrounding the operation of their business aircraft. Clients include financial institutions, alternative lenders, commercial aviation lessors, airlines, cruise lines and shipyards.

DQ’s shipping and aviation practice acts for an array of clients that includes aviation companies, commercial airlines, ship managers, ship owners, shipyards, banks and service providers and is particularly noted for its advice regarding ship financing matters. Mark Dougherty heads the shipping team and specialises in ship financing matters, such as advice relating to senior secured ship mortgage loans, loan facilities and re-financings. The aviation team is headed by Donna Matthews who is also experienced in dealing with insolvencies in the shipping sector. The team was joined by Paul Cawley in October 2021; he assists with the tax aspects of, in particular, yachting and aviation matters.

Simcocks is particularly active regarding advice to the shipping industry, where it acts for ship owners, shipyards, traders and charterers as well as banks and insurances. The team, headed by Irini Newby, is experienced in high-value and multi-jurisdictional transactions and advises on aspects that cover maritime finance, insurance, chartering, employment issues sales and acquisitions as well as the related security documentation, among others. In the aviation space, the unit further offers legal services in relation to aircraft leases and mortgages, aircraft financing and employment issues for private jet operators.