Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Shipping: foreign firms

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC continues to grow its prominence in the shipping and offshore energy disputes space; Raja Bose is the team lead and Henry Kim is a key contact.

Shipping: foreign firms in Singapore

HFW Singapore LLP

HFW Singapore LLP‘s shipping practice is formed of a strong bench of experienced practitioners who cover the full scope of matters. The team regularly instructs government bodies, P&I clubs, and major shipowners in both wet and dry disputes. It also ably handles ship financing and transaction matters. Asset finance specialist John Forrester who has over 30 years’ experience therein, heads up the finance side of the practice, with support from Siri Wennevik who has developing capabilities in ship and offshore financing matters. Toby Stephens leads the firm’s admiralty and global crisis management team, namely handling marine insurance matters, and advising on war and cyber-related shipping cases. Chris Metcalf is also a name to note in dry shipping and insurance, wherein he often acts in matters involving charter parties, bills of lading, and sanctions.

Practice head(s):

Toby Stephens; John Forrester


Other key lawyers:

Chris Metcalf; Siri Wennevik; Robert Spearing


Work highlights


  • Assisted BW Offshore group (in joint venture with Macquarie Bank Limited and ICMK Offshore Investment Pte Ltd) on the financing of an FPSO to be engineered and constructed for use at the Barossa gas field offshore Australia with Santos (as operator of the Barossa joint venture).
  • Acting for PPL Shipyard (“PPL”) on a further restructuring of its credit facilities to Borr Drilling Limited, an international drilling contractor dual listed in Oslo and New York. This followed two previous rounds of refinancing in 2020 and 2021.
  • Acting for Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) as documentation agent in connection with a €515m revolving multicurrency credit facility and a US$100m standby credit facility made available by a syndicate of 12 banks to AB Stena Finans as borrower to be used for general corporate purposes of the Stena AB Group.

Hill Dickinson LLP

The shipping practice at Hill Dickinson LLP is a ‘one-stop shop’ for offshore casualty, disputes, and arbitration work. The team has extensive experience acting for both sides and is well-placed to advise on wet and dry matters including wreck removal, ship management, P&I work, charterparty disputes, and admiralty work for its array of high-profile clients, the portfolio of which includes P&I clubs, shipping companies, traders, and insurers. Recently, the team has advised on export and sanction-related issues including those arising from the Ukraine war. Team lead Andrew Lee brings to bear his substantial experience in disputes and arbitrations; Ian Maclean has extensive experience across a broad range of wet disputes including pollution incidents, whilst Matthew Dow specialises in complex arbitrations. Shanna Ghose is noteworthy for her work in commodities and dry shipping. The addition of Gerald Yee from RPC Premier Law in September 2023 has further strengthened the team.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Lee


Other key lawyers:

Ian MacLean; Matthew Dow; Shanna Ghose; Gerald Yee; Iain Kennedy


Testimonials

‘Matthew Dow’s modern approach to legal services, and the friendly way he carries it out, makes him a standout locally.’

‘Hill Dickinson is first-rate in trading/commodities, arbitration and shipping matters. They are sensitive to commercial needs, no nonsense and get to the point, and are user-friendly. The firm is able to provide seamless service across offices including in London and Singapore. We are very happy with their performance.’

‘The top international shipping firm, practicing English law in Singapore. The advice is always on-point and it has every area of shipping expertise covered – from the technical aspects of admiralty work, through to charterparty disputes. A one-stop shop for all our shipping legal needs.’

Key clients

The UK P&I Club


Swiss Singapore


Skuld


Ocean Network Express


Hapag Lloyd AG


West of England P&I


BW Group


Gard


Shipowners P&I


Britannia P&I Club / Tindall Riley


Work highlights


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP‘s large and well-rounded practice is well-equipped to advise across the gamut of shipping and offshore matters. The team advises an array of major banks and shipping companies in wet, dry, contentious and non-contentious transactions, major financings, and disputes. It also has experience assisting on cases involving sustainability and ESG-linked loans. Gregg Johnston heads the practice and has particular expertise in distressed debt scenarios. Huay Yee Kwan is prominent for her work in PRC leasing in emerging markets. John Simpson and Michelle Yong bring charterparty law and arbitration-related specialisms to the team, whilst Gregory Xu provides expertise in banking and finance. Pedram Norton and May 2023-promoted partner Jeffrey Tanner are noteworthy for their offshore work. Justin Gan is also a noted member.

Practice head(s):

Gregg Johnston


Other key lawyers:

Huay Yee Kwan; Michelle Yong; John Simpson; Gregory Xu; Pedram Norton; Jeffrey Tanner; Justin Gan; Matthew Seah


Testimonials

‘Top team in the market that is very knowledgeable based on the accumulated experience of its people.’

‘They have the edge over other firms given that they actually are prepared to push the interests of their clients and if not successful will propose alternative solutions.’

‘Basically, the individuals are head and shoulders above their competitors and work tirelessly to achieve results within the agreed time frames. Will provide assistance above what you would normally expect.’

‘The team is highly knowledgeable on shipping matters and are considered one of the best in the industry. The work scope for projects is well thought-out and transactions are closed smoothly.’

‘Both Gregg Johnston and Matthew Seah are highly reputable in the Korean ship finance market. Their work is well appreciated as they often remember and anticipate lenders and clients’ needs in upcoming projects thereby saving us a lot of time and effort when reviewing loan documentation. With their help, transactions are closed smoothly with no surprises.’

‘Very often our first preference would be to work with Matthew and Gregg for new projects.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Bank


National Australia Bank Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


ING Bank


Bank of Communications Financial Leasing


ANZ Bank


BNP Paribas


StraitNZ Limited, Ferry Lines Limited


Pacific International Lines


E.SUN Commercial Bank Ltd (ESUN)


Work highlights


  • Advised a syndicate of lenders – comprising ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, TIAA FSB, and Clifford Capital – on a sustainability-linked loan.
  • Advised a syndicate of banks led by National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) on a US$405 million debt financing of 10 crude oil tankers (the vessels) to subsidiaries of ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (ICBCL).
  • Advised ING Bank on the finance documentation for a newbuild tanker acquired via a joint venture arrangement. The MR tanker was purchased through a joint venture vehicle established between Singapore-based tanker owner and operator Hafnia and Monaco-based International Andromeda Shipping.

Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore

Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore’s shipping team has strong capabilities, particularly in maritime disputes. It is especially strong in the commodities and trading space wherein it acts for marine insurance clients, traders, shipping companies, and banks. The team’s workload has recently predominantly featured sanctions work, construction disputes, corporate investigations, and crisis management matters. It also advises on the non-contentious. Co-heads are Ik Wei Chong, who works from the firm’s Singapore and Shanghai offices; trade and commodities expert Leon Alexander; and insurance litigation expert Andrew Bicknell who works from the firm's London office. Ton van den Bosch arrived from Addleshaw Goddard in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ik Wei Chong; Leon Alexander; Andrew Bicknell


Other key lawyers:

Ton van den Bosch; Weiyi Tan


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable about shipping issues and overall great people to work with.’

‘Go above and beyond and very good value for money work. The team work well together.’

Work highlights


Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s shipping practice is well-known for its multi-national ship financing and transactional work in maritime and offshore contexts. Alongside its handling M&As, JOLCOs, sales and leasebacks, regulatory work, and high-value insolvency and restructurings, the team advises on a plethora of LNG and FPSO matters. It has particular capabilities advising on sustainable, and Islamic financing-related work. Its insolvency disputes and commercial contracts capabilities are bolstered by the team’s Formal Law Alliance with Ascendant Legal LLC. Ben Rose leads the offering, which includes such key practitioners as Sue Ann Gan and the 'diligent and hardworking' Sophie Polisena.

Practice head(s):

Ben Rose


Other key lawyers:

Sue Ann Gan; Sophie Polisena


Testimonials

‘Norton Rose has a great practice based out of Singapore and other offices in Asia. They are supported by other teams from around the world in their firm, including Islamic finance, hedging/derivatives, tax and corporate so they can advise on everything on a transaction. A good one-stop shop.’

‘You can go to NRF for bigger more complicated deals where you need specialist advice, and you’ll get a good service. ’

‘Ben Rose would be your go to guy in Asia Pac for offshore oil and gas deals. I don’t think anyone in Asia has probably done as many deals, with as many sponsors/charterers, financing and security structures and jurisdictional complexities as Ben so you benefit from all of his experience whenever you instruct him on a project.’

‘Ben’s drafting and legal advice and knowledge is very impressive and of course he knows the industry and the commercial issues facing it inside out. Sophie Polisena is excellent, smart and detailed, plus very diligent and hardworking. You can entirely trust her to handle your matter from start to finish.’

‘Sue Ann Gan is a good support for maritime advice.’

‘We have worked with Ben Rose and Sue Ann for more than 10 years now. They demonstrate strong knowledge of the maritime sector and have vast experience in dealing with different situations and negotiations.’

‘Prompt and straightforward advice and solutions.’

‘They are familiar with our company’s business and take a very commercial approach to advising us and providing solutions.’

Key clients

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited


The Coordinating Committee of Secured Lenders and Agents (CoCom)


Work highlights


  • Advised a syndicate of 13 lenders in relation to a $720,000,000 conventional and Islamic financing in relation to the financing of a FPSO vessel.
  • Advised a club of lenders on the $89,600,000 senior secured sustainability-linked term loan facility to Vista Shipping, a joint venture between Hafnia and CSSC Shipping Hong Kong.
  • Advised a syndicate of 7 lenders in respect of a $527,000,000 sustainability-linked facility for the financing of six 98,000-cbm Very Large Ethane Carriers under construction in South Korea and to be chartered under long-term time charter contracts to Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP's practice is regularly involved in the region’s shipping disputes and frequently advises its clients on the full spectrum of both wet and dry matters. Handling contentious matters which include such complex aspects as fires, collisions, cargo claims, and charterparty disputes are core areas of recent work. The team is headed by 'superb performer' Peter Glover, who specialises in commercial litigation work; Glover is qualified to practice in Australia, the UK, and Hong Kong and is, as such, well-placed to advise on multi-jurisdictional disputes. The firm has bolstered capabilities through its Formal Law Alliance with local Singaporean firm Resource Law LLC.

Practice head(s):

Peter Glover


Other key lawyers:

Joyce Fong


Testimonials

‘Strong master mariner capabilities.’

‘Peter Glover is one of the best master mariners around in the game. Smart and technically excellent, which are difficult qualities to find.’

‘Innovative and imaginative, able to find a defence in often the most difficult cases.’

Work highlights


Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘ shipping group, established in 2019, is active across both wet and dry matters. The well-rounded team often acts for notable P&I clubs, shipping companies, lenders, insurers, and commodity traders throughout the shipping, ports and terminals, offshore vessels, and trading spaces. On the disputes side, the team has seen a number of matters involving sanctions and regulatory work, collisions and damages, and bills of lading disputes. The team is headed co-headed by Barry Stimpson, shipping and international disputes-focused Chris Swart, and finance and transaction focused practitioners Jessica Kenworthy and Kate Sherrard. Joel Cockerell is also a key name in wet disputes.

Practice head(s):

Barry Stimpson; Chris Swart; Jessica Kenworthy; Kate Sherrard


Other key lawyers:

Joel Cockerell


Testimonials

‘Excellent team. Couldn’t recommend them more.’

‘Friendly, approachable, experts in their area with experience of complex cases under their belt which gives us confidence when working with them.’

‘We enjoy having them on our side, and would be happy to see them against us as they always take a very commercial approach to solving issues.’

‘Barry Stimpson has a wealth of experience that he brings to the table and is extremely approachable given his seniority. We always enjoy working with him and value his input.’

‘Joel Cockerell is excellent. He is very sensible and commercial and is razor-focused on getting things done as quickly and sensibly as possible. He’s the man you want on your side when you want to take a balanced approach.’

Key clients

Seaspan Corporation


Berlian Laju Tankers / Shipowners’ Protection (“SOP”)


Work highlights


  • Successfully acting for Berlian Laju Tankers, which is one of Indonesia’s largest shipowners, in English High Court proceedings against Petronas and Schlumberger.
  • Advising independent containerships owner Seaspan Corporation, a subsidiary of NYSE-listed Atlas Corp., on three separate export credit agency-backed Japanese Operating Lease with Call Options (JOLCOs).

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s group has a particular focus on transactional, financing, litigious and corporate shipping matters. The team acts on the full spectrum of financings, including JOLCO, asset finance, and sustainability backed loan-related matters. Its transactional work includes restructurings and acquisitions. The team’s client base consists of several major financial institutions, banks, and shipping companies. Hong Kong-based maritime finance specialist Madeline Leong, Bangkok-based Steven Burkill and international disputes expert Sumeet Malhotra all oversee the practice. Andrew Nimmo is experienced in offshore oil and gas matters, and Lizzie Roe is worthy of note also.

Practice head(s):

Madeline Leong; Steve Burkill; Sumeet Malhotra


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Nimmo; Lizzie Roe; Andy Wilson


Testimonials

‘Lizzie Roe and Andy Wilson are extremely proactive and use previous experiences with our own and other ING teams to find satisfying compromises.’

‘WFW has an established reputation for its strength in the shipping sector, its representation of its client’s interests, delivery of innovative transaction structuring and its advisory and engagement work regarding communication of market developments.’

‘Madeline Leong always provides the highest level of client representation, her advisory, structuring and negotiations of shipping-related issues and banking/finance are the best in class and she sets the benchmark and standard for achieving the most beneficial outcome for her clients.’

‘Madeline Leong has secured WFW as the principal and preferred legal firm for our company.’

Key clients

ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch


Credit Agricole Asia Shipfinance Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


Oversea- Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Berge Bulk


BW Group


BNP Paribas


Armada 98/2 Pte. Ltd.


Oka Tanker Pte Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised BNP Paribas on US$1,170m JOLCOs backed by Chinese ECA SINOSURE arranged for Seaspan Corporation.
  • Advised ING Bank N.V. as agent and security agent and ING Bank N.V., Tokyo Branch as bank and mandated lead arranger on a US$127m sustainability-linked JOLCO.
  • Advised Armada 98/2 Pte. Ltd., a joint venture between Shapoorji Pallonji and Bumi Armada, on the project documents and financing for the conversion, refurbishment, delivery and chartering of an FPSO for the KG 98/2 FPSO project offshore India.

Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein continues to field a ‘very professional’ and well-rounded shipping team which advises clients in both transactional and financing matters, namely in complex arbitrations and disputes contexts. ‘Knowledgeable and responsive’ team head Ina Lutchmiah is particularly prominent for her involvement in maritime and offshore transactions, with work highlights including LNG and FSPOs alongside sales and leases, purchases, due diligence, and financings. Robert Joiner brings considerable expertise on the disputes front, with particular experience in charterparty, COA, and bills of lading cases therein.

Practice head(s):

Ina Lutchmiah


Other key lawyers:

Robert Joiner


Testimonials

‘Robert Joiner is excellent. Very commercial and quick.’

‘The team is very professional and has extensive experience and knowledge in their field of law. They are good at setting the legal reasoning in a commercial context.’

‘Ina Lutchmiah is very attentive, knowledgeable and responsive.’


Work highlights


  • Advising AG&P on the full suite of project contracts in connection with the new PHLNG regasification terminal in the Philippines.
  • WR London and Singapore advised NYSE-listed Transocean in handling of contractual matters arising in the course of the construction and delivery of the Deepwater Atlas and the Deepwater Titan, the worlds’ first 8th generation drillships.
  • Acted for Teekay Corporation in connection with the decommissioning of the Foinaven FPSO, in particular the wide and complex range of regulatory applications required for such purpose, including under international conventions, EU regulations and local legislation.

Kennedys Legal Solutions

Kennedys Legal Solutions handles the range of shipping disputes including contractual and lading disagreements alongside charterparty, loss of cargo, and arbitration matters. The practice benefits from the firm’s Joint Law Venture with Legal Solutions LLC. Co-heads are Karnan Thirupathy, an experienced international and multi-jurisdictional disputes lawyer, and Nick Francis, who is notable for his work in cross-border and dry side shipping disputes. Charlene Sim was promoted to legal director in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Karnan Thirupathy; Nick Francis


Other key lawyers:

Charlene Sim


Testimonials

‘They have expertise in providing advice on LNG contracts, advice on insolvency matters, and representation in contentious proceedings involving a PRC entity and another entity in Europe relating to the supply of oil.’

They are sensitive to commercial needs, no-nonsense and get to the point. User-friendly. The firm is cost-effective. The firm is able to provide seamless service across offices including their counterparts in London and India.’

‘Karnan is very ably assisted by Charlene Sim. Charlene has been proactive and easy to work with, and we are very happy with her level of service.’

Key clients

Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd


Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd


Emirates National Oil Company (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Dava Pte Ltd


Lloyd’s Register Singapore Pte Ltd


Japan P&I


Charterers P&I Club


AXA XL


NorthStandard


Pan Ocean Co Ltd


AIG


Toll Global Forwarding


Skuld P&I


Tokio Marine Nichido Fire


Work highlights


Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises on disputes in marine, shipping, energy, and offshore contexts. The team has a notable strength in casualty work and particular experience in international arbitration matters. Advising a number of P&I clubs alongside shipping companies, the team has work on several cases involving collisions, groundings, and fires. It is led by the experienced litigator Johan Wong and John Zadkovich. Associate Rachel Loke is another integral team member.

Practice head(s):

Johan Wong; John Zadkovich


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Locke


Testimonials

‘Johan Wong’s dedication, professionalism, and expertise were evident from the very beginning, and it gave me great confidence throughout the entire process. His attention-to-detail and the thorough research conducted made a significant difference in the outcome.’

 

Key clients

Britannia


West of England


Skuld


Japan P&I Club


The Swedish Club


NorthStandard


Great American Insurance


Eastern Car Liner Ltd


Tokio Marine Insurance


Belships


Work highlights


  • Acted for owners and H&M insurers of the VITAHORIZON to negotiate the settlement of a salvage claim following the grounding of the vessel off Pulau Kalimantan on 4 August 2022.
  • Assisted various cargo insurers following the total loss of 382 cars loaded on board the car carrier SERASI I as a result of a collision with BATANGHARI MAS in the Bangka Strait, Indonesia on 1 December 2022.
  • Assisted owners and H&M insurers of NORD SUN following a main engine breakdown off Colombia on 25 December 2022.

RPC Premier Law

RPC Premier Law advises on a number of complex shipping mandates across both wet and dry shipping law throughout the region. Assisting, among others, several P&Is and insurers, the firm is known for its disputes work involving P&I, FD&D, hull and cargo issues. The firm also has experience across a host of casualty response, cargo recovery, and investigatory matters. Iain Anderson heads the team and is experienced in the marine and offshore insurance markets. Gerald Yee departed to Hill Dickinson LLP in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Iain Anderson


Other key lawyers:

John Paul Koh


Testimonials

‘John Paul Koh is hardworking and dedicated.’

Key clients

Lawrence Wholesale LLC


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Hartford on their subrogated claim through Lawrence Wholesale LLC against their claim against carriers for cargo damage caused to goods transported over an ocean/overland route from Surabaya, Indonesia to Illinois, USA.
  • Acted for Elboil GmBH and their subsidiary ElbOil Singapore in several bunker contamination claims presumably arising from the contamination incidents involving the MPA’s investigation of Glencore and PetroChina. Advised and acted for clients in ship arrest proceedings.