Shipping: finance in United States

Cozen O'Connor

Well known for representing vessel owners and operators, as well as financial institutions and investors, Cozen O'Connor‘s ship finance attorneys are routinely mandated to advise on asset-based loans, leasing transactions, and government guaranteed credit facilities. The practice also covers advice to investors in relation to maritime M&A, as well as assistance to publicly listed shipping companies with the listing of publicly traded securities and privately placed debt instruments. The firm is additionally home to experts in Marshall Islands and Liberian maritime law, while also maintaining a robust maritime bankruptcy practice. David Heffernan chairs the firm’s transportation and trade group, in which Robert Magovern sits as vice-chair; and New York-based Geoffrey Ferrer focuses on US and non-US flag shipping matters, along with asset-based lending (including ship finance and equipment leasing). The group further fields Anne Mickey, who represents foreign and domestic shipping companies in financing transactions involving the vessel registries of the US, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and the Bahamas; and Jeff Vogel, whose wide-ranging practice incorporates advice to international and US companies on government-guaranteed financings. Another active practitioner, Joshua Stein‘s expertise includes representing shipowners on financings. All attorneys listed are in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Heffernan; Geoffrey Ferrer; Robert Magovern


Les références

‘Very proactive boutique law firm with knowledgeable partners and staff.’

‘Client satisfaction and a zero-mistakes focus are priorities.’

‘Geoffrey Ferrer – clients couldn’t be more satisfied with his support and cooperation.’

Principaux clients

Seadrill Limited


J.P. Morgan SE


J.P. Morgan Securities plc


Easterly Tankers Holdings III LLC


Seadrill Limited


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC


Citigroup Global Markets Inc.


Teton Capital LLC


GasLog Ltd.


Easterly Fleet Holdings II LLC


TOTE Services, LLC


Maersk Line, Limited


McAllister Towing and Transportation, Inc


U.S. Marine Management, Inc.


Seabulk Tankers, Inc.


Green Bull One


Green Bull One and Waterman Transport, Inc.


National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Seadrill Limited (a Bermuda entity) on all aspects of Marshall Islands law, in connection with its acquisition of Aquadrill LLC (through Seadrill Merger Sub LLC).
  • Acted (as special counsel on Liberian corporate law and general maritime security issues) for Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (as initial purchaser), in connection with a $1bn 8.250% senior note that was issued by Royal Caribbean Cruises.
  • Represented Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) in the comprehensive restructuring of its entire US-flag fleet of twenty vessels

Jones Walker LLP

Jones Walker LLP fields transactional experts in blue water, offshore and inland marine matters, while the group is additionally active in relation to offshore wind. In the maritime finance space, the practice consistently  represents marine lenders and borrowers in financings (including Title XI matters), restructurings, loans, and revolving credit facilities. The group additionally assists with maritime lien enforcements, foreclosures, ship seizures, and maritime bankruptcies (involving vessels flagged in the US, the Marshall Islands, the Republics of Liberia, and Vanuatu). Experienced in representing borrowers, lenders, and agents in marine finance deals, co-leader of the firm’s maritime industry sector, William C. Baldwin, also jointly heads the firm’s offshore wind initiative alongside Houston office leader Cindy Matherne Muller. The practice further features Kelly Duncan, a longstanding specialist in admiralty, maritime, and international and customs law; and DC-based maritime deal expert James Kearns, who advises on the financing of vessels engaged in the US’ foreign and coastwise trades. Promoted to partner at the start of 2023, Christopher Ulfers also has extensive experience in complex marine financings. All aforementioned attorneys are based in the firm’s New Orleans office unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

William C. Baldwin


Les références

Innovative, thorough, responsive and client-focused; understand their role within the context of deals.

Principaux clients

JPMorgan Chase Bank


Seward & Kissel LLP

Home to a ’cutting-edge practice that leads the way in US shipping finance’, Seward & Kissel LLP‘s banking and finance practice represents several of the world’s leading public and private maritime companies, financial institutions and other shipping industry participants. The team’s coverage ranges from initial structuring and formation and seed financing, to an array of capital-raising deals in the US and overseas. In addition to assisting with high-stakes finance deals, the group’s expertise encompasses capital markets, M&A, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency work. Active on behalf of both borrowers and lenders, it also advises on associated tax, litigation and regulatory issues. The ‘very knowledgeable’ maritime and transportation finance group is led by Mike Timpone, who predominantly represents US and non-US banks (as well as shipowners on the borrower side) in secured loans and other financing transactions; Keith Billotti is an adviser to maritime sector clients on corporate and US securities law; and Edward Horton acts for issuers and underwriters on major securities deals. The department further includes recently-promoted partner Kurt Plankl and maritime and international finance expert Sophia Agathis. Hoyoon Nam left the firm in January 2024. All the attorneys listed are based in the firm’s New York office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mike Timpone; Keith Billotti; Edward Horton


Autres avocats clés:

Kurt Plankl; Sophia Agathis


Les références

‘Cutting-edge practice that leads the way in US shipping finance.’

‘Very knowledgeable and first-class bench, with strength and depth.’

Principaux clients

DNB Bank ASA, NY Branch


Scorpio


SFL


Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc


Dorian


Hudson Structured Capital Management


Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


First Citizens


Euronav NV


Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP

Praised by clients as ‘The clear leader in shipping finance’, Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP‘s New York-based practice advises on the gamut of shipping finance transactions, including capital markets and private equity deals. It also assists with restructurings, insolvencies, sanctions, and tax issues; and on behalf of owners, shipbuilders, investors, lenders and operators, the group advises on the Jones Act. In recent highlights, the team assisted Altera Infrastructure with aspects of its Chapter 11 restructuring process in the US. Senior partner and New York office head, George Paleokrassas represents shipping lenders and shipowners on the structuring and restructuring of loan and leasing deals, as well as transactions involving distressed assets; and Christopher Belisle assists with asset-based loan facilities for ships, along with lease financings. The practice further showcases John Benson, who represents financial institutions and investment funds, as well as owners and operators in the international shipping markets; and corporate, private equity, securities and capital markets transaction expert, Steven Hollander, who ‘gets the job done’. Other names to note are maritime sector specialists Filana Silberberg (a late 2022 hire from Seward & Kissel LLP), Will Vogel, C J ChidoMaxi Adamski-De Visser and Todd Johnson. In October 2023, former partner Daniel Rodgers left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

George Paleokrassas


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Belisle; John Benson; Steven Hollander; Filana Silberberg; Will Vogel; C J Chido; Maxi Adamski-De Visser; Todd Johnson


Les références

‘The clear leader in shipping finance.’

‘They are the go-to in this area. They do a great job.’

‘Full-scale ability to advise a shipping company, with expertise in all aspects of the business globally.’

Principaux clients

Hudson Structured Capital Management (formerly Northern Shipping Management)


SEACOR


LISCR


Royal Caribbean Group


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd.


Altera Infrastructure


Dorian LPG Ltd.


Danish Ship Finance


Transcend Cruises


Pangaea Logistics Solutions


Globus Maritime Limited


Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.


Top Ships Inc.


United Maritime Corporation


Performance Shipping Inc.


Global Ship Lease


Dynagas


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as special maritime counsel to SEACOR Holdings Inc, through its subsidiary Seabulk Tankers, on the formation of a joint venture with Crowley.
  • Advised both Seanergy and United Maritime on the spin-off by Seanergy of United Maritime, and a related public equity offering by United Maritime.
  • Advised Altera Infrastructure on aspects of its successful Chapter 11 restructuring process in the US, which addressed over $1bn of secured and unsecured holding company debt, $400m of preferred equity, and $550m of secured asset-level bank debt.

Blank Rome LLP

Acting for shipyards, owners, operators, cargo interests, lenders and investors, Blank Rome LLP‘s ship finance practice works across the firm’s DC, New York and Houston offices. The team is consistently sought out to advise on secured ship financing and vessel leasing deals, and has enviable expertise in the Jones Act (which regulates US maritime transportation). Other key areas include M&A-related maritime law advice, ship financing for vessels registered under the laws of Liberia and the Marshall Islands, and maritime restructuring and bankruptcy matters. The group also regularly acts on Title XI financings, which involve government guarantees of debt instruments (issued by shipowners or shipyards for the construction or modification of vessels or shipyards). With longstanding experience in domestic and international maritime financings, Anthony Salgado routinely negotiates and structures maritime deals, such as vessel-secured financings, vessel lease financings and maritime restructurings. Houston-based Douglas Shoemaker is also a maritime transactions specialist, while Natalie Radabaugh focuses on maritime transactions, corporate governance and ship finance. All practitioners listed are based in the firm’s DC office unless otherwise mentioned.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeanne Grasso; Keith Letourneau; Thomas Belknap


Autres avocats clés:

Anthony Salgado; Douglas Shoemaker; Natalie Radabaugh


Principaux clients

AMSC ASA (f/k/a American Shipping Company ASA)


Blackstone Group


BHE GT&S, LLC


Dominion Energy


Harvey Gulf International Marine


J.F. Lehman & Company


JPMorgan Chase Bank


Philly Shipyard


PNC Bank, National Association


Signature Bank


Swire Shipping Pte. Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Philly Shipyard with the negotiation of a vessel construction agreement with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation.
  • Acted as maritime counsel to Dominion Energy, in connection with the $550m financing for the construction of a wind turbine installation vessel in the US.
  • Represented an affiliate of Swire Shipping Pte in its acquisition of Westwood Shipping Lines (and four gantry vessels) from affiliates of Sumitomo Warehouse Co.

Holland & Knight LLP

Holland & Knight LLP routinely acts for both US and foreign banks, as well as investors and shipping companies that are active in international shipping transactions. The group also represents non-traditional sources of ship financing, including governmental finance support entities, non-bank lenders, and underwriters in capital markets and private equity transactions. The team additionally acts for lenders and borrowers on Jones Act compliant domestic financings, and fields experts in US, Marshall Islands and Liberia-related tax issues. Other areas of strength are lender-side shipping group restructurings, workouts and Chapter 11 insolvencies. Recent highlights include assisting International Seaways with senior secured financings and marine integration activities (following its merger with Diamond S Shipping). Maritime finance practice head Jovi Tenev has extensive experience in representing banks and other financiers and companies in major shipping financings; and Richard Furey regularly represents vessel owners, lenders and charterers in a range of leasing and finance deals. Over in  Washington DC, Gerald Morrissey III advises on the financing of maritime-related companies and projects. All attorneys listed are based in the firm’s New York office unless otherwise mentioned.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jovi Tenev


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Furey; Gerald Morrissey III


Principaux clients

International Seaways, Inc.


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


Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Overseas Shipholding Group on new bareboat charter agreements.
  • Represented International Seaways in various senior secured financings.
  • Served as special maritime finance counsel to HPS Investment Partners LLC, the lead arranger and lender on a $395.6m senior-secured term loan and $169.4m senior-secured delayed draw term loan (used to finance the acquisition of Seacor Holdings by American Industrial Partners.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Able to ‘put together cross-border teams with the required level of expertise’, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s US shipping practice comprises teams in both New York and Texas that are able to leverage the expertise of the firm’s shipping team globally for cross-border matters. The team routinely represents US and foreign banks in international shipping transactions, while being increasingly active on behalf of non-traditional sources of ship financing, such as funds, governmental finance support entities, and capital markets deals’ issuers. The group advises on the gamut of ship financings, including private debt and equity placements, finance and securities arrangements, and secured and unsecured financing. The firm additionally has a robust structured finance practice. Focused on the representation of financial institutions and borrowers, US head of transport Brian Devine is a specialist in maritime-related assets. Providing key support, past-President of the Connecticut Chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, Kassandra Savicki, is an expert in maritime and international finance; and Julie Pateman Ward assists with significant corporate restructurings. All attorneys named are based in the firm’s New York office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brian Devine


Les références

‘Very approachable and can effectively put together cross-border teams with the required level of expertise.’

‘Very responsive to clients’ needs, resulting in excellent cooperation with in-house legal teams.’

Great accuracy and efficiency.

Principaux clients

ABN AMRO


Credit Agricole


National Australia Bank Limited


Citibank, N.A.


Altera Infrastructure L.P.


MOL


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the lender on a senior secured amended credit facility of up to $485m.
  • Advising National Australia Bank on the up-to $57.5m amended and restated credit agreement for two rail ferries, which relates to a joint venture between a US-based shipping company and a rail company.
  • Advised acquirer on the acquisition of Connecticut-based tanker owner Fairfield Chemical Carriers for $400m.

Reed Smith LLP

In addition to its New York offering, Reed Smith LLP‘s shipping finance practice covers London, Athens, Hong Kong and Singapore. Alongside the firm’s shipping-related bank lending mandates, the practice increasingly encompasses work on behalf of private equity investors. The team is also actively involved in structured finance and fund formation matters, as well as capital markets, securities and M&A work, and it further advises on general corporate matters for the shipping industry. The firm has additionally expanded its practice to cover US Jones Act issues. Leading the firm’s shipping and maritime finance team in the US, Greg Chase is an expert in the financing of ships, offshore assets and other related capital equipment; and recently-promoted partner Han Deng is a specialist in cross-border and domestic shipping finance deals. The group also includes Robert Lustrin, who heads the firm’s shipping capital markets practice in New York; and Alice Colarossi and James Wade, whose wide-ranging practices encompass shipping finance. In November 2023, former partner Kevin Keenan retired from the firm. All attorneys listed are based in the firm’s New York office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Chase


Vedder Price

With ‘a wealth of knowledge in the area of ship finance’, Vedder Price‘s global transportation finance practice has enviable credentials in finance transactions. Such deals involve intermodal containers, chassis, barges, terminal facilities, bridge training simulators, ferries, and offshore construction and oil exploration vessels, as well as vessels involved in the transportation of cargo and passengers. The group’s expertise covers a range of maritime and offshore finance deals, including securitizations, syndicated and bilateral loans, export-credit facilities, debt capital markets, sale-leaseback transactions, leases, and bareboat charters. Experienced in cross-border marine finance structures, John Bradley represents lenders, investors, borrowers, ship owners, container lessors and marine terminal operators in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing and documentation of vessels, containers and terminal facilities; and John Imhof Jr and John Geagerhave a keen understanding of the maritime industry and maritime finance’. Also key to the department, Anthony Renzi in  Washington DC routinely acts for shipping, energy and offshore services sector clients, while Chicago’s Geoffrey Kass is the firm’s global transportation finance chair. The firm expanded its offering in January 2024 with the arrival of asset finance expert Hoyoon Nam from Seward & Kissel LLP. All attorneys named are based in the New York office unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

Geoffrey Kass


Autres avocats clés:

John Bradley; John Imhof Jr; John Geager; Anthony Renzi; Hoyoon Nam


Les références

‘The Vedder Price team has a wealth of knowledge in the area of ship finance.’

‘Vedder Price’s lawyers are really engaged with their matters.’

‘Subject matter expertise and market knowledge that are top tier.’

Principaux clients

AMSC ASA


Bank of America Securities LLC


First Citizens Bank & Trust Company


Hafnia Limited


HSBC Bank USA, National Association


Maritime Partners, LLC


OceanPact Serviços Maritímos S.A.


OIM Ltd.


Red Box Energy Services PTE LTD


Stonebriar Commercial Finance, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Maritime Partners, LLC, as sponsor in MP 2023-1, a term securitization transaction involving the issuance of $235.3m of vessel notes (secured by a portfolio of 316 marine barges and towboats).
  • Advised HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as first-lien lender and second-lien collateral agent and security trustee, on Marshall Islands and US general maritime law, in connection with the private placement by Diamond Offshore Drilling affiliates of $550m of 8.500% senior secured second-lien notes and the amendment of a first-lien revolving credit facility.
  • Advised Hafnia on US securities law, in connection with its admission to trading on the US’ OTCQX market.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is known for its expertise in distressed shipping-related restructurings. Based in New York, the team is also experienced in advising on finance deals, as well as corporate transactions such as M&A, joint ventures and securities offerings. The group’s representative experience includes acting for Evercore, as financial advisor, in relation to Global Ship Lease’s combination with Poseidon Containers Holdings, which created a containership charter owner that focuses on mid-sized and smaller vessels; and routinely advising Safe Bulkers on a range of governance and transactional issues (including securities exchange listing standards). Co-chair of the firm’s corporate group, Richard Brand, is an adviser to public companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and investment banks. His experience covers M&A, defense-side takeovers, shareholder activism, general corporate advisory issues, and securities offerings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Brand


Principaux clients

Sphinx Investment Corp.


Safe Bulkers, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Sphinx Investment Corp. in its unsolicited tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Performance Shipping Inc’s common stock.
  • Represented Sphinx Investment Corp. in its investment in OceanPal, a global provider of shipping transportation services.
  • Advising Safe Bulkers, Inc. on a broad range of governance and transactional mandates, including with respect to securities exchange listing standards and reporting requirements.

Winston & Strawn LLP

In addition to Winston & Strawn LLP‘s litigation and regulatory credentials, the firm’s maritime attorneys advise on major finance deals. The practice is experienced in assisting both US and non-US entities with vessel-related deals, including Jones Act financings, foreign investments in Jones Act vessels and companies, vessel finance involving the US government’s Title XI guarantee, and Capital Construction Fund programs. The DC-based group also advises on equity and debt issues, including IPOs and other offerings involving senior and subordinated debt and equity hybrids. The firm’s project financing, structured finance and private equity teams additionally handle shipping industry deals. Chairing the firm’s maritime and admiralty practice, Charlie Papavizas represents shipowners, shipyards, energy companies, marine construction companies, financial institutions, and operators and managers. Supporting Papavizas, Bryant Gardner‘s practice includes maritime government contract negotiations and disputes, US flag programs, and Jones Act compliance work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Charlie Papavizas


Autres avocats clés:

Bryant Gardner


Principaux clients

American Cruise Lines


Arroyo Energy Investment Partners LLC


Caladan Oceanic, LLC


Government of U.S. Virgin Islands


Liberty Maritime Corporation


Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.


Orion Energy Partners, L.P.


Pasha Group


RBC Capital Markets Corporation


Tidewater Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Citibank, N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (as maritime counsel), in relation to a secured revolving credit facility provided to Valaris Limited.
  • Represented Pareto Securities in a private placement of notes issued by Edda Wind III, an entity owned by Østensjø Rederi AS.
  • Represented Bay-Houston, as purchaser, on the acquisition of Seabulk Towing Services, Inc. from Seabulk Towing Holdings Inc.