Norton Rose Fulbright‘s Athens office combines deep industry knowledge with expertise across a broad array of financing arrangements for an impressive roster of banking (commercial banks and ECAs) and operator/owner clients, from both a new money and refinancing perspective. The team is also well-placed to advise on UK law (the prominent jurisdiction governing the finance documents) in part due to the expertise of dual Greek and UK-qualified partner Yianni Cheilas, and can also effectively leverage the firm’s market-leading London office. Dual-qualified Evi Platsidaki handles a range of financing transactions in the shipping/offshore space, including large syndicated facilities, leasing transactions and LNG facilities.

With a long track record drafting loan documentation under English law, the ‘very experienced’ team at Stephenson Harwood is a popular choice among lenders where it provides ‘cost-effective and commercial‘ advice across both commoditised mandates and deals involving highly complex and bespoke structures. Nigel Bowen-Morris ‘understands how to balance the local needs of his clients to the more corporate international finance scene’ and is a favourite among both creditors and debtors in relation to sophisticated cross-border loans. Chris Vartzis has ‘impeccable knowledge and experience in the shipping industry’ and provides very solutions-oriented advice, as a result of his willingness to act, in effect, as ‘a broker between lenders and borrowers, thereby facilitating the loan documentation process’. Vartzis co-heads a team alongside Bowen-Morris that is staffed by a ‘combination of ambitious young professionals and seasoned experts’, and is also able to leverage the expertise of lawyers based out of other key international offices including London.

 

The ‘efficient and knowledgeable’ team at Watson Farley & Williams – Greek Branch provides an ‘outstanding and commercial service‘ to financiers and borrowers across a broad spectrum of English and Greek-law governed new money and refinancing transactions, including bilateral and syndicated bank loans and bond facilities, as well as sustainable financing work. In addition, the team regularly advises on M&A and commercial matters, including advice on shipbuilding contracts and work for banks as purchasers of shipping loan portfolios. Alexandros Damianidis is well regarded in the market with a versatile offering that includes advice on vessel acquisition financing, debt refinancing and the provision of corporate loans to shipping companies. At a more junior level, Christina Economides, who has ‘excellent industry knowledge’, was recently promoted to partner in acknowledgement of her strong reputation the market among banks, funds, trading houses and shipowning companies across a range of financing transactions. Head of the Athens office Alexia Hatzimichalis also regularly handles shipbuilding contracts and sustainable financing agreements, offering additional experience in sale and leaseback transactions. Konstantinos Mexias‘ arrival in October 2023 from the now defunct Ince & Co. also enhances the team. Christina Giagka departed the firm for an in-house position in February 2024.

 

'Very well-connected in the market', specialist shipping firm Constant & Constant (the Maritime Division of TLT in Greece) provides a 'results-oriented' offering to a lender-focused client base across a range of new money and refinancing transactions. The team is appreciated for its 'co-operative approach', and its willingness to 'find solutions and compromises when possible'. Dual English and Greek law qualified team head Jeremy Watson has vast experience in the field, regularly advising lenders on facilities to effect vessel purchases, the restructuring of syndicated loans and newbuilding contracts, as well as handling the arrest of mortgaged vessels. Stelios Andreiotis is also well regarded by banks across a broad range of mandates, including acquisition finance, restructuring matters and enforcement procedures.

Drawing upon ‘excellent knowledge’ of the shipping market, Hill Dickinson LLP has a ‘strong understanding of the clients’ commercial needs and provides practical advice’ to ship owners/borrowers, large corporates, banks, alternative lenders and private equity funds across a wide spectrum of transactional work. Appreciated for his ‘strong commercial knowledge and legal acumen’, team head Jasel Chauhan leads from the front and as well as his strong borrower side finance offering, is also highly skilled at advising on ship sale and purchase and shipbuilding matters. With a ‘deep understanding across all facets of the shipping industry’, Vanessa Tzoannos provides ‘very insightful and business oriented’ advice, including within the mercantile and yachting sectors, where her offshore law capability (Marshall Islands and Liberia) adds value to clients. Anthony Paizes also has strong offshore credentials and provides ‘high-quality advice on banking and corporate issues’ within the maritime sector. Senior associate Kostas Karachalios is also recommended.

Timagenis Law Firm provides ‘high-quality, sophisticated and innovative legal services’ to shipping companies, banks and funds across a range of complex domestic and international transactions. The firm’s versatility across financial products, including as it relates bank loans and the capital markets, is a compelling proposition to international borrowers with a nexus to Greece. In this regard, ‘extremely detail oriented and intelligent’ dual Greek and New York-qualified partner Christos Timagenis regularly advises Greek shipping companies seeking to raise equity and debt finance on the US capital markets. As well as her proficiency acting for lenders and borrowers in bank loan facilities in the sector, the  ‘exceptional’ Lily Politsopoulou-Timagenis provides ‘very focused and solutions-oriented advice’ on broader maritime-related corporate and commercial work, including matters relating to shipbuilding contracts and JV structuring. The ‘outstanding’ Gregory Timagenis and Yiannis Timagenis are also key contacts with significant experience and knowledge of the shipping industry.

Combining ‘an excellent knowledge of Greek shipping law procedures’ with ‘great commercial acumen’, PPT Legal is well-positioned to advise banks, funds and shipping companies across a broad array of financing and commercial activity. Managing partner John Papapetros is well-versed at advising on large multi-jurisdictional debt financing mandates, from a both new money and refinancing perspective.  

Combining 'a deep understanding of the law' with strong commercial sensibilities, Sarantitis provides 'comprehensive and efficient legal solutions' to a range of high-profile international and domestic shipping companies, Greek financial institutions and other maritime service providers. Team head Eleni Papakosta has 'vast experience in relation to shipping finance and banking documents', ensuring that she is a popular choice among creditors and debtors seeking or providing the financing (including syndicated, bilateral and mezzanine loan facilities) to facilitate the acquisition of vessels.