SANDS’s wide-ranging practice encompasses transactions, financing, restructuring, project development, marine insurance, and dispute resolution. The shipping and maritime practice is jointly led by versatile practitioner Marit Kirkhusmo, who covers sale-leasebacks, vessel construction, and financings, and Simone Häderle Ingeberg, who concentrates on shipping and marine insurance. Guy Leonard acts on project development. The team is well-supported by Hallvard Janbu Høyem, Lene Osen Osnes, and Monica Teige. The firm recently opened a London office, strengthening the practice’s cross-border capabilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The dedication, desire to understand and their ability to fully integrate within their client team and become an integral member to push the client agenda as their own.’
- ‘The team provides clear, concise advice while showcasing an understanding of the commercial constraints relevant to the client.’
- ‘Simone Häderle Ingeberg is inquisitive and diligent in making sure her team understands the scope of the assignment, including commercial considerations, and thereby making sure that the advice her team produces is to-the-point and tailored to the order of the client.’
- ‘A strong support system. Additionally, the team is capable of handling matters under Norwegian law, allowing clients to receive legal advice and representation in litigation in Norway.’
- ‘Simone Häderle Ingeberg is currently handling our case. Her advice is extremely clear and easy to understand, which has been very helpful.’
- ‘Unique cross-border experience, with practical knowledge and qualifications in both German and Norwegian law and legal profession. Great variety of professional biographies, combining vast resources into a department that navigates the challenges of international maritime law.’
Key clients
- Christiania Holding A/S
- Christiania Holdco A/S, Denmark
- Freesia Shipping B.V
- Gjensidige Forsikring ASA
- Höegh Evi Ltd (previously Höegh LNG Ltd)
- DeepOcean AS
- Allianz Global & Specialty SE
- Höegh Autoliners AS
Work highlights
Acted as lead counsel for Christiania Holding A/S and its subsidiary in the MUSD 85 acquisition of Dutch shipping group Navquim Holding B.V. from Sogestran Shipping.
Assisted Freesia Shipping B.V., the Netherlands, in connection with the termination and unwinding of a JOLCO lease and refinancing of the JOLCO lease with a new leasing structure with Japanese owners for the vessel “NQ Freesia”.
Acted as sole legal counsel for DeepOcean AS on three strategically important offshore projects during 2024–2025.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Marit Kirkhusmo; Simone Häderle Ingeberg
Other key lawyers
Guy Leonard; Hallvard Janbu Høyem; Lene Osen Osnes; Monica Teige