With an impressive clientele of US and foreign banks and investors, the team at Holland & Knight LLP is routinely called upon to advise in major international shipping transactions, Jones Act compliant financing matters and shipping group restructurings. A growing area of focus for the firm involves representing non-traditional sources of ship financing, including private equity transactions, governmental finance support entities and underwriters in capital markets. The team also leverages key expertise in Marshall Islands and Liberia-related tax issues. New York-based Jovi Tenev leads the ship finance practice, handling the full spectrum of shipping and offshore matters for notable banks and financiers; Richard Furey focuses upon US and global asset and infrastructure finance, acting for vessel owners, lenders and charterers; and Washington DC-based Gerald Morrissey III is recommended for his ability to ‘quickly and creatively’ respond to the needs of clients in a range of maritime investments and acquisitions, regulatory compliance matters and Jones Act transactions. Another key contact is senior counsel Cynthia Liu. Mike Timpone, Sophia Agathis, and Kurt Plankl joined the team in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very interested in learning the details of our business and structure, making them more effective in reacting quickly to our needs.’
‘Gerald Morrissey has worked with us for years as maritime finance counsel. He is intimately familiar with our business structure and reacts quickly and creatively to the demands of our business.’
- 'Simply the best transportation practice in the US.'
Key clients
- International Seaways, Inc. (NYS:INSW)
- HPS Investment Partners LLC
- The Mosaic Company
- DNB Bank
- Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
- Southern Cross Group
- PNC Bank, National Association
- Mizuho Bank
- Centerline Logistics Company
- Valley National Bank
Work highlights
- Represented International Seaways, Inc. (NYS:INSW) in various senior secured financings and marine integration activities following its merger with Diamond S Shipping (NYSE: DSSI), in which the firm acted.
- Served as a special maritime finance counsel to HPS Investment Partners LLC (HPS), who was the lead arranger and lender on a $395.6 million senior-secured term loan and $169.4 million senior-secured delayed draw term loan used to finance the acquisition of Seacor Holdings by American Industrial Partners (AIP).
- Represented Centerline Logistics in connection with a $425 million refinancing of its outstanding debt.
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.
Practice head
Jovi Tenev
Other key lawyers
Richard Furey; Gerald Morrissey III; Cynthia Liu; Mike Timpone; Sophia Agathis; Kurt Plankl