Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Shipping

Legance - Avvocati Associati‘s shipping, aviation and transportation practice fields former professor of maritime and aviation law at the Università degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, Marco Cottone, an adviser to shipping and management companies (and financial institutions), who has significant yachting and shipping industry experience.

Shipping in Italy

ADVANT Nctm

In June 2023, ADVANT Nctm merged with Genoan shipping law firm Studio Legale Berlingieri, the combination bringing in Giorgio Berlingieri, the president of the Italian Maritime Law Association since 2005. The practice covers the gamut of maritime law issues, from charter parties and bills of lading, to operating agreements, ship management, liability limitation, and marine insurance. The group also advises on salvage, towage, collision, pollution, shipbuilding, and shipping finance, sales and purchases. Alberto Rossi is shipping department head, Alberto Torrazza advises on port logistics, and Alfredo Lizio is a shipping finance expert.

Practice head(s):

Alberto Rossi


Other key lawyers:

Alberto Torrazza; Alfredo Lizio; Simone Gaggero; Filippo Cassola; Ekaterina Aksenova; Giorgio Berlingieri


Testimonials

Having a multidisciplinary legal firm dedicated to all the legal matters which are typical in this field (insurance, ports, labour, tax, navigation, etc) is a great help for clients.’

‘The staff at NCTM is large enough to address all the main topics. The firm also has a great network of internationally recognised firms, so clients always have an expert eye and only one port of call when they have a problem.

The team is comprised of specialists and provides a niche service to clients. They have good bench strength which sets them apart from some of their competitors; and the Berlingieri side to the firm always delivers a very tailored assistance.’

Alberto Rossi – his plus is his deep understanding of the shipping industry, not only from a legal or regulatory point of view. His profound legal knowledge is a clear advantage for clients.’

‘Alberto Rossi – where he distinguishes himself from other lawyers is his practical approach that often offers a winning solution.

Alfredo Lizio is very good during negotiations; Giorgio Berlingieri is very punctual, precise and responsive in litigation; and Alberto Torrazza is great for port matters and an excellent lawyer.

Simone Gaggero has good technical knowledge and is able to combine his technical competence with commercial acumen to provide sound practical/commercial advice to clients.

Filippo Cassola is a very friendly and professional lawyer – outstanding availability even for last-minute requests.

Key clients

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA


TIL – Terminal Investment Limited Group


MSC Cruises SA


Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A.


Euroports


Premuda S.p.A.


Grimaldi Deep Sea


West Of England P&I Club


Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.


Anek Lines A.E.


Work highlights


  • Advsied TIL – Terminal Investment Limited Group on regulatory measures.
  • Assisted Deutsche Asset Management Fund – Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group with the sale and purchase agreement involving Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group (and all its companies).
  • Assisting Intesa Sanpaolo with structuring a term loan and a guarantee facility of up to €400m for the construction of a luxury cruise vessel ordered by Neptune Co.

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams

Studio Legale Associato a Watson Farley & Williams‘ maritime industry practice covers ship finance, vessel arrests, disputes, and vessel sales and purchases. Other areas are Italian registry issues, shipbuilding contracts, corporate law, joint ventures, and tax and private equity arrangements. The team further advises on distressed situations, NPLs, restructuring agreements, and shipping insurance. The group’s principal figures are shipping specialist Furio Samela, who is particularly focused on financial transactions, loan agreements, security packages, and restructuring and insolvency; Michele Autuori, whose practice includes leasing deals involving yachts; and ‘skilled lawyerDavide Canepa.

Practice head(s):

Furio Samela


Other key lawyers:

Michele Autuori; Davide Canepa; Antonella Barbarito


Testimonials

This team is highly specialised in this space and client oriented.

Comprises attorneys with expertise in shipping and transportation law; and in this area, they bring a wealth of experience to the table to address complex legal challenges effectively. ‘

‘Stands out from other law practices due to its commitment to innovation, client-centred approach, and dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Key clients

Snam


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


UniCredit


Banco BPM


BPER Banca


DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR


Navigazione Montanari


illimity Bank


ICCREA Banca – Istituto Centrale del Credito Cooperativo


Nemeca Z Maritime Company


Viking Line Abp


Prelios


Fratelli Cosulich


Nova Marine Carriers


AMCO Asset Management Company


Banca Popolare di Sondrio


Work highlights


  • Advised Snam Group on the drafting of commercial contracts relating to a floating regasification and storage unit.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (as facility agent, security agent and mandated lead arranger) on a $65m multi-tranche term syndicated loan facility made available to FINAV.
  • Advised CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company on the sale and leaseback of two luxury roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries.

BonelliErede

BonelliErede's shipping, transport and logistics team covers shipping and transport transactions, along with related infrastructure, labour, bankruptcy, antitrust, tax, and administrative law issues. The enviable client base ranges from shipowners, airways, port authorities, terminal operators, and logistics and railways operators, to shipyards, shipping agents, insurance companies, private equity funds, and banks. Mainly based in the firm's London office, team leader and maritime law expert Enrico Vergani is 'undeniably a legal champion'. Supporting Vergani in Genoa are experienced maritime and transport law practitioners Andrea La Mattina and Marco Mastropasqua.

Practice head(s):

Enrico Vergani


Other key lawyers:

Andrea La Mattina; Marco Mastropasqua


Testimonials

The best features of the team are that it is always up to date, as well as being very competent.

‘The level of service provided by Bonelli Erede is truly in a league of its own, surpassing competitors by a considerable margin.

The brand perception of this firm is itself an added value when it comes to dealing with various domestic and international parties. The firm’s reputation across EMEA and recognition in the industry provides clients with a distinct advantage in their business relationships.’

‘The expertise and competence of the firm’s team are truly remarkable and the services they offer are on par with the highest standards in law firm assistance.’

Enrico Vergani is truly the cream of the crop in the legal world. Undeniably a legal champion, possessing a rare blend of exceptional competence, sharp intellect, and a remarkable ability to perform at the absolute highest level.

Andrea La Mattina, in particular, immediately understands the client’s needs; he is very quick at performing the required tasks, and has a very courteous and reassuring approach.

Andrea La Mattina stands out as a brilliant lawyer and professor with profound knowledge of the business and the key issues in the maritime sector. His expertise adds a unique dimension to the assistance provided by the firm, offering valuable insights and solutions that are tailored to specific needs.’

‘Marco Mastropasqua consistently delivers excellent-quality work with a highly practical and results-oriented approach. His contributions bring tangible and concrete value to clients’ interactions with the firm, reinforcing their position as a trusted partner for legal matters.

Key clients

Banchero Costa


Fincantieri


Ital Brokers


RINA


North Standard


Kering Italia S.p.A.


Generali Italia S.p.A.


SIAT Assicurazioni S.p.A. (Unipol Group)


F.lli Cosulich S.p.A.


Persico Marine


Work highlights


  • Assisted Ital Brokers with several mandates, including a brokerage mandate concerning Scorpio.
  • Assisted Liquigas with the drafting of standard contracts for customs agents.
  • Assisted ReFuel in relation to an accident that occurred within the port of Genoa (the ship lost stability during loading operations).

LCA Studio Legale

With 'deep knowledge of the shipping industry', LCA Studio Legale's team routinely acts for carriers, sub-carriers, insurance companies, freight forwarders, shipowners, shipyards, and port operators. A 'great expert in international and national maritime laws and regulations', practice head Davide Magnolia has extensive experience in significant cargo claims, charter party disputes, arrests, collisions, and sales and purchase of ships, as well as yachting sector and port law expertise. Providing key support, recently promoted partner Giacomo Falsetta advises on maritime and intermodal transport law, along with port, insurance and international trade law.

Practice head(s):

Davide Magnolia


Other key lawyers:

Giacomo Falsetta; Carlo Solari


Testimonials

‘Strongly recommended for the great professionalism and efficiency of its lawyers. Great knowledge of every sector of trade and industry.

The plus is definitively the speed in providing always very professional and factual feedback.’

Their assistance and knowledge are amazing and they always give the right suggestions.

Deep knowledge of the shipping industry, a collaborative team, and high levels of partner responsiveness.

Davide Magnolia is appreciated a lot for his availability and the fact that clients can ask him about anything.

Davide Magnolia is a great expert in international and national maritime laws and regulations.

Davide Magnolia is one of the best consultants around.’

Davide Magnolia – a partner with knowledge and experience beyond his years. Always available, on top of the detail, and a leading industry figure in shipping and maritime litigation.

Key clients

Allseas Global Project Logistics Limited


Arim Holding SA


Bizzi & Partners S.p.A.


Cigisped Group


CMA CGM Italy S.r.l.


CNAN Med


Daxel Italy Srl


Eurogate Tanger Morocco


Rif Line S.p.A.


Acciai Vender S.p.a.


IFL Spedizioni S.p.a. (De Georgio Group)


Jobson Italia S.p.A.


La Spezia Container Terminal S.p.A. (Contship Italia Group)


Marcegaglia Group


Massenza Drilling Rigs S.r.l.


Medcenter Container Terminal S.p.A. (MSC Group)


Oceanogate S.p.A.


Pantaenius Gmbh


Savona Terminal Auto S.r.l. (part of Grimaldi Group)


Steinweg Handelsweem VV


Tarros Group


Terminal Darsena Toscana S.r.l.


Thermocar S.r.l.


Work highlights


  • Acting for Allseas Global Project Logistics in resolving a €23m charterparty dispute involving the seizure of a chartered vessel.
  • Representing Cigisped S.r.l. in multi-jurisdictional litigation, following the €65m catastrophic loss of a yacht during unloading in Panama City.
  • Representing two ports defending catastrophic losses involving yachts, arising from severe storms in 2018.

CBA Studio Legale e Tributario

Acting for both borrowers and lenders, CBA Studio Legale e Tributario maintains an active shipping finance practice. The team is also active in shipping and cruising-related M&A deals. The firm has additionally developed a niche in the ro-ro sector, where it acts for Caronte & Tourist and Grandi Navi Veloci. Enjoying strong relationships with shipping companies, cruise companies and major financial institutions, Milan-based Francesco Dialti heads the banking and finance team.

Practice head(s):

Francesco Dialti


Key clients

Caronte & Tourist S.p.A.


Grandi Navi Veloci S.p.A.


Global Ports Holding


JP Morgan


CaixaBank, S.A.


CLIA Europe


MSC Cruises


National Bank of Greece S.A.


Iccrea Banca S.p.A.


Work highlights


  • Advising the initial purchasers in connection with the issuance by Carnival Corporation of first-priority senior secured notes.
  • Advising CaixaBank on a €50m facility agreement with Fincantieri.
  • Advising on the contributions made available by the Italian State in the context of Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan for the construction of new vessels and refitting of existing ones.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Part of Norton Rose Fulbright's renowned global shipping practice, the firm's Milan team advises on the entire spectrum of shipping finance work. Its expertise ranges from secured and unsecured loan financing, structured finance for shipping companies, and the purchase and registration of ships, to shipbuilding financing contracts, port financings, shipping restructuring, and NPL deals. Heading up the team, Gennaro Mazzuoccolo is 'one of the best shipping lawyers in Italy'.

Practice head(s):

Gennaro Mazzuoccolo


Testimonials

Norton Rose Fullbright has a very strong reputation for advising domestic and foreign banks, as well as other financial institutions, on all areas of shipping finance. Their expertise includes acquisitions as well as shipbuilding.

Gennaro Mazzuoccolo is one of the best shipping lawyers in Italy.’

‘Gennaro Mazzuoccolo enjoys a great reputation with clients and regularly assists banks with financing and debt reorganisation mandates. He also enjoys strong contacts with borrowers and investors, and is very active in cross-border transactions.

Key clients

Banco BPM


BPER Banca


G&H Shipping


SACE


Seabourn (Carnival Corporation)


UniCredit


Work highlights


  • Advised UniCredit on a financing for Caronte & Tourist.
  • Advised Seabourn, part of Carnival Corporation, on the Italian law side of a financing for two new ship constructions.
  • Advised G&H (Gas&Heat) Shipping on the sale of four vessels to Chemgas Shipping BV.

Studio Legale Lauro

Studio Legale Lauro's Naples-based practice is well-known for its advice to global maritime and logistics business sector clients on maritime, commercial and international law matters. Former president of the Port Authority of Naples, commercial, shipping and M&A specialist Francesco Lauro, is 'exceptionally knowledgeable in all matters relating to maritime and shipping law'; and fellow founding partner Ernesto Ardia routinely acts for shipowners in collisions, salvage, and marine pollution matters.

Practice head(s):

Francesco Lauro


Other key lawyers:

Ernesto Ardia; Giannicola Forte; Giuseppe De Santo; Anna Vernillo; Måns Jacobsson; Yugui Wang


Testimonials

Studio Legale Lauro has a very dynamic and proactive team of lawyers, as well as a more senior group – both are eager to work on new and diverse challenges, and share knowledge and expertise with one other, paying attention to details and delivering great-quality legal assistance within shipping.

Clients are impressed by the uniquely high standards of professionalism, deep legal knowledge, meticulous organisation of the meetings, the array of topics dealt with, the status and contribution of the participants invited and the kindness, assistance and co-operation of the firm’s staff as a whole.

Studio Legale Lauro is a like a Savile Row boutique: – a small team that is able to provide tailor-made solutions for many legal problems.

Key clients

Allianz SA


All Seas


Atlantic Container Lines


BDM LLP


Bonelli Erede


Carmelo Noli


China P&I


Charlotte Selmer LLP


COSCO


Contug


CR Insurance


Easyjet


Ehlermann Rinfleisch Gadow LLP


Finnlines


Hafnia Advpkaten


Hellenic Carriers


Gard


Getra


Grimaldi Euromed


Grimaldi Deep Sea


Grimaldi Group


Kastro Sifnos Maritime Company


ING Bank


Jadranski Pomorski Servis


Malta Motorways of the Seas


Marinter


Minoan Lines


MS Amlin


Navitas


Nicolas & Associés


Nordic Hull Club


NorthStandard


Oskar Wehr


Paloma SA


P.L. Ferrari


Richemont Delviso


Rimorchiatori Spezzini


Sarantitis


SCAFI – Società di Navigazione


Schenker


Steamship Mutual


Allianz SA


All Seas


Atlantic Container Lines


BDM LLP