Ship sales and transactions are the focus of Watson Farley & Williams LLP in the maritime sector. The team advises shipping companies on the acquisition of modern fleets and supports banks in setting up credit lines for shipping companies and cruise lines regarding the modernisation of their fleets. The practice is led by Head of Germany Christian Finnern, a specialist in transactions pertaining to second-hand tonnage and ship registrations, who also represents insolvency administrators in shipping matters. Clemens Hillmer (financing and leasing) left the team in January 2025 and moved to Clyde & Co LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Comprehensive knowledge. A strong, broad team, good communication and practical advice.'
'Christian Finnern – strong communicator, manages to find practical solutions, high presence in consulting mandates.'
'Great expertise in shipping – very pragmatic and solution-oriented – always available.'
'Christian Finnern: very well connected locally and globally in the shipping industry – goal-oriented – very assertive.'
'Very good international network, connection between English law and German law, broadly positioned across various legal areas in the maritime sector.'
'Christian Finnern: Conscientious, very well connected, reliable, punctual, highly committed, well versed in content, self-confident demeanor in the interests of the clients.'
Key clients
- HCOB
- HSH Portfoliomanagement AöR
- Eurazeo Investment Manager – EIM
- GEFO Shipping Group
- GP JOULE Hydrogen GmbH
- MPC Capital Group
- MPC Container Ships ASA
- TUI Cruises
- Berenberg Bank
- CACIB
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christian Finnern
Other key lawyers
Jan Mommsen