Watson Farley & Williams advises across the full spectrum of maritime transactions, with notable activity in the gas sector and growing demand for support on service vessels, including survey, cable-laying, and offshore support units. The firm handles highly complex multi-jurisdictional work and represents a broad client base spanning charterers, shipyards, and shipowners. Furio Samela leads on shipping finance matters, advising on loan agreements, security structures, vessel sale and purchase, and restructuring work. Michele Autuori offers additional expertise in loan and security arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Watson Farley & Williams stands out for its deep industry expertise, commercial understanding, and international coordination. The lawyers combine technical excellence with a practical, solution-oriented approach, offering consistent and responsive advice across jurisdictions. The team’s collaborative culture, use of technology, and commitment to diversity further enhance its ability to deliver efficient, high-quality results that set it apart from other firms.’
- ‘Watson Farley & Williams stand out for their exceptional technical expertise, availability, and deep understanding of clients’ needs. Each professional combines a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach with clear and timely communication, fostering genuine trust and collaboration.'
- ‘The team is composed of very approachable lawyers who are competent at what they do.'
- ‘I find Michele Autori to be a knowledgeable and serious lawyer.'
- ‘Very capable, professional and pragmatic. Well connected and available.’
- ‘High level of expertise and professionalism in shipping finance.’
Key clients
- China Merchants Financial Leasing
- Snam
- Navigazione Montanari
- Eni
- Fratelli Cosulich
- Mediterranea di Navigazione
- GeoTeam
- Crédit Agricole
- UniCredit
- Banco BPM
- BPER Banca
- Viking Ocean Cruises
Work highlights
Advised BPER Banca S.p.A. and Banca Popolare di Sondrio S.p.A. on a financing granted to Ignazio Messina & C. S.p.A..
Advised Viking Ocean Cruises on the delivery of the ocean ship “Viking Vela” from Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Italy.
Advised Montanari on the sale and leaseback of oil chemical tankers “Valleblu” and “Valturchese” and the acquisition of the chemical product tanker Astella.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Furio Samela
Other key lawyers
Michele Autuori