‘A truly full service firm for shipping clients’, Stephenson Harwood LLP showcases unrivalled experience in the gamut of contentious and non-contentious mandates, encompassing advisory and risk mitigation issues, cross-border shipping and offshore financings, ship sale and purchases, chartering arrangements, corporate matters, restructurings and high-stakes disputes. Key clients range from shipping and offshore companies, energy service companies, and oil and gas businesses to shipyards, insurers, sponsors, lenders, and private equity providers. An expert in international ship and offshore finance mandates, Gregg Johnston jointly leads the practice alongside Michelle Yong, who maintains a track record in high-profile restructurings, insolvencies and enforcements. Huay Yee Kwan stands out for her expertise in PRC leasing and Gregory Xu advises on financing transactions, while Jeffrey Tanner ’is an exceptional young partner who demonstrates a keen commercial awareness’. Other key contacts in the group include Pedram Norton and Justin Gan. John Simpson left in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great partner involvement and sound advice that is commercial.’
‘A very diverse team with senior practitioners Michelle Yong and Justin Gan as our main contacts. Always reliable and having a positive and calm demeanor when tackling issues with us. We have been instructing Stephenson Harwood for a long time and they have never disappointed us. A truly full service firm for shipping clients.’
‘Justin Gan is well versed in both shipping and trading matters. Very experienced and able to anticipate and advise how a particular matter will pan out if the arbitral process is started. Well-connected in the shipping and trading industry which is helpful when working on issues.'
'Michelle Yong has a super pleasant demeanor and is easy to work with. Very responsive and has a very quick mind.'
‘The SH shipping team has extensive experience in the shipping finance market.’
‘Jeffrey Tanner is an exceptional young partner who demonstrates a keen commercial awareness.’
'The team's expertise and responsiveness are its greatest strengths.'
‘Gregory Xu is extremely responsive and resourceful.’
Key clients
- ABN AMRO Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- ING Bank
- Bank of Communications Financial Leasing
- ANZ Bank
- BNP Paribas
- Huaxia Financial Leasing Co. Ltd.
- Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
- Straitsman Limited
- CPF Dubai
Work highlights
- Advised Huaxia Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (Huaxia) on its sale and leaseback financing arrangements with Cool Company Ltd. (CoolCo) for two newbuild MEGA LNG carrier vessels, the Kool Tiger and Kool Panther.
- Advised ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB) on a US$160 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL).
- Advised Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of Communications (BOC) and CPF Dubai (CPF) on the finance documentation for the construction of three Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) vessels, worth approximately US$560 million.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Practice head
Gregg Johnston; Michelle Yong
Other key lawyers
Huay Yee Kwan; Gregory Xu; Jeffrey Tanner; Pedram Norton; Justin Gan; Matthew Seah