Ship and yacht finance

In the commercial maritime sector, we act for international banks and financial institutions, ship-owners, shipyards, tug operators and the cruise industry on a broad spectrum of ship finance, shipbuilding and repair contracts. From the negotiation of yard slots to the delivery of vessels worldwide, we are able to provide local language services through our network of overseas offices. We have particular expertise in the European and Far East markets with consistently successful deliveries across a range of vessels.

Where security issues arise, we are able to combine maritime capability with banking and finance experience, and frequently advise financing banks, yards, and owners in relation to performance bonds and refund guarantees. Our team regularly negotiates commercial and technical management contracts, whether as part of a vessel leasing structure or otherwise.

Acting for some of the largest owners and charterers in the maritime sector, our lawyers assist with the financing of newbuildings, the purchase of second-hand tonnage, and the re-financing or re-flagging of fleets of vessels. Drawing on the enforcement knowledge we have gained in past economic downturn, we are able to ensure that the security is resilient, and any performance and refund arrangements are robust.

When it comes to vessel sale and purchase, for which we represent buyers, sellers, charterers or ‘incoming’ and ‘outgoing’ banks, our lawyers’ specialist skills and understanding of the salient issues mean that even the most complicated multi-jurisdictional closing is completed efficiently, and properly resourced.

The depth of our service offering and our strong track record allow us to bring additional benefits to our yacht and superyacht clients, who range from family offices to individual owners. Whether advising on large-scale projects, where our expertise in the commercial cruise and other maritime sectors is key, to the bespoke leisure yacht market, we fully appreciate the many factors at play. Our clients benefit from the excellent working relationships which we have built up with finance institutions active in the superyacht sector, as well as flag states, regulatory bodies and industry professionals, ensuring we can provide them with the support needed to achieve their objectives.

In each case, across all types of new build, charter or sale and purchase projects, our lawyers offer the full package of legal services required across the key jurisdictions.